Self-Help for the Elderly·San Francisco, California
Provides direct physical therapy services and interventions in a home care setting under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. Monitors patient progress, documents clinical notes, and educates families on rehabilitative care and safety.
Title: Physical Therapist Assistant
Department: HomeCare & Hospice
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Supervising Physical Therapist/Director of Patient Care Services
Provides physical therapy services according to the Physician’s plan of care and under the supervision of a Physical Therapist to help patients relieve pain, improve the body’s movement and function, maintain cardiopulmonary function, and limit disabilities resulting from injury or disease.
⦁ Provides direct physical therapy services and interventions in accordance with physician orders and patient’s plan of care, and under the supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist.
⦁ Treats patient to relieve pain, develop or restore function, maintain maximum performance.
⦁ Directs and aids patients in active and passive therapeutic exercises, muscle reeducation, gait and functional training, transfer activities and prosthetic training.
⦁ Assesses patient for therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status and potential for rehabilitation, including muscle strength, flexibility, balance, range of motion, functional mobility and gait.
⦁ Observes and reports to the supervising Physical Therapist and the organization personnel the patient’s reaction to treatment and any changes in patient’s conditions to ensure continuing appropriate intervention.
⦁ Monitors and communicates the patient’s progress and response to treatment as appropriate and participates in discharge planning.
⦁ Educates and instructs patients and families/caregivers in rehabilitative care and activities necessary to promote the patient’s health, safety and independent living, and the proper use of therapeutic equipment including prosthetic devices.
⦁ Assists patients and families with recommendations, ordering and fitting of needed equipment.
⦁ Provides physical therapy services within the scope of practice for the Physical Therapist Assistant as defined by the Physical Therapy Practice Act.
⦁ Accurately documents observations, interventions and evaluations in clinical notes and conference notes, which will be pertained and incorporated into patient’s clinical record in prescribed time frames.
⦁ Participates in organization Home Care Team Members meetings and in-service education program as required.
⦁ Performs other duties as assigned.
⦁ Graduate of an accredited physical therapy assistant program with either an Associate’s degree in science or applied science that is approved by American Physical Therapy Association, Inc.
⦁ Current certification or license as required by state law.
⦁ Possesses and maintains current CPR certification.
⦁ Experience in home health, public health, or acute care preferred.
⦁ Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
⦁ Knowledge of MS Office and internet, and knowledge of/able to learn and proficiently use electronic health records software.
⦁ Bilingual in English and Cantonese a plus.
⦁ Must pass health screening for TB clearance, physical examination and background check.
⦁ Familiar with different patient transferring techniques. Must pass a strength test for physical fitness for the job: able to use upper extremities for support which routinely requires a pulling/lifting force of approximately 50 pounds to be generated in order to complete a safe transfer.
⦁ Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.
Self-Help for the Elderly is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmation Action Employer and we welcome diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. We participate in E-Verify.
Qualified applicants with criminal history will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
We may provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please call (415) 677-7600 for special assistance.
Requires an Associate's degree from an accredited physical therapy assistant program and current state licensure. Candidates must be able to perform physical tasks such as lifting 50 pounds and possess a valid driver's license for travel.
Market context
Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in California are typically supported by ongoing demand in outpatient, rehab, and acute care settings. These roles are competitive because employers often look for an accredited PTA associate degree, NPTE passage, California Law Examination clearance, and prior healthcare experience; benefits and requirements on this platform are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review key details faster. Before applying, confirm your licensure status and tailor your resume to highlight hands-on patient care experience.
