Physical Therapist Assistant

Job Description

Join Hilo Benioff Medical Center and be part of a team that proudly cares for our friends, family, and neighbors across East Hawaii. 

Job Description

Hilo Benioff Medical Center is seeking a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to support patients in restoring mobility, improving function, and enhancing overall quality of life. In this role, you will work under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist in an acute hospital setting to implement individualized care plans and deliver hands-on therapeutic interventions. Join a collaborative rehabilitation team dedicated to helping patients regain independence and improve mobility while serving the diverse communities of East Hawai‘i.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administer physical therapy treatments and therapeutic procedures in accordance with established care plans, including exercises, ambulation training, and therapeutic modalities.
• Assist patients with active and passive exercises, positioning, transfers, and activities of daily living to improve strength, mobility, and function.
• Observe and monitor patient responses to treatment, documenting progress and reporting changes to the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Modify and adjust treatment techniques within established plans, in collaboration with and under the guidance of the Physical Therapist.
• Educate and support patients, families, and caregivers in proper techniques, use of assistive devices, and continuation of therapeutic activities.
• Maintain a safe and clean therapy environment, assist with equipment care, and support departmental operations including documentation and coordination of care.
   

Education: Graduation from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program or an accredited physical therapy program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or its successor.

Experience:

• Entry Level: No experience required
• Full Performance Level: One (1) year of work experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant performing physical therapy treatments and related duties under the direction of a Physical Therapist.

Licensure & Certification: 

• Current license to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the State of Hawai‘i required at time of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Workers required within six (6) months of hire.

Substitutions: Completion of all requirements for a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from an approved program, or equivalent foreign education validated by a recognized credentialing agency, may substitute for all required education and experience for both entry and full performance levels.

Preferred Skills:
Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and physical therapy techniques including therapeutic exercise, electrotherapy, and use of assistive devices. Ability to safely manage and motivate patients, communicate effectively, and adapt to changing clinical situations. Demonstrates reliability, resourcefulness, and a strong commitment to patient-centered care.

Company Description

As the Big Island’s leading providers of inpatient and outpatient care, the East Hawaii Region of Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation (HHSC), consisting of Hilo Benioff Medical Center, Honoka'a Hospital, Ka′u Hospital, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, East Hawaii Medical Group and East Hawaii Health Pharmacy, delivers a full range of services and programs. Our three hospitals include 290 beds and more than 1,900 employees. Our medical staff is comprised of 250 physicians, physician assistants and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, representing 33 specialties. East Hawaii Health is our network of clinics offering primary and specialty care. Hilo Benioff Medical Center functions as a Level III Trauma Center, which includes the second busiest emergency room in the state, providing 24-hour care and serving more than 50,000 patients annually. Honoka'a Hospital and Ka′u Hospital are designated as Critical Access Hospitals. To learn more about the East Hawaii Region, please watch our Video Yearbook or visit www.hbmc.org, www.honokaahospital.org or www.kauhospital.org.

Benefits

• 13 paid holidays each year (104 hours); 14 (112 hours) during election years*
• 21 paid vacation days (168 hours) per year*
• 21 paid sick days (168 hours) per year*
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Participation in the State of Hawaii’s retirement system
• Potential eligibility for various student loan repayment & scholarship programs

* Rates listed for paid holidays, vacation and sick days are for 1.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions assigned to 8 hour shifts. Accruals for these benefits are otherwise prorated based on FTE.

Hire Above the Minimum

This position is being hired above the minimum step.

Shortage Differential

Compensation for this position includes a shortage differential.

Shift Details

Must be available to work shifts, weekends and holidays as necessary based on hospital operations. Services are provided 24/7.

Pre-Employment Assessments for External Candidates

As part of the recruiting process for this position, external applicants (job applicants NOTemployed by HHSC’s East Hawaii Region) are required to complete pre-employment assessments shortly after application submission. If you are not an employee of the East Hawaii Region of HHSC, you will receive an email containing assessment instructions. We ask that you complete the assessments within two days of receipt of the request. 

Pre-Employment Health Requirements

Offers of employment will be contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment examination, which includes a drug screen and other regulatory medical requirements such as, but not limited to, a tuberculosis (TB) screen.  The cost for drug screening and blood draw for QuantiFERON and Titers, shall be borne by the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The East Hawaii Region of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation is a drug free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer.