Physical Therapist (Central Valley PACE - Merced)

The Physical Therapist provides services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease as they restore, maintain and promote overall fitness and health.

Will work in our CV PACE Center in Merced majority of the time, but will also assist at PACE Modesto Center and Modesto McHenry Outpatient Clinic.
Schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Compensation: $67.00 - $72.00 an hour ($139,360.00 - $149,760.00 annually, 40 hours a week guaranteed)

Golden Valley Health Centers offers excellent benefits including Medical: (0 Deductible / $2,000 Individual; $4,000 Family Out-of-Pocket Max), excellent PPO coverages; Dental; Vision; 403(b) with match, FSA plans, gym discounts, and so much more!

• Guaranteed 40 hours a week
• 11 paid holidays (which includes 2 half days)
• Accrued Vacation in addition to Holiday Pay
• Weekends, Evenings, and Holidays Off
• Ability to provide care needed, when needed!
• Creative ability in therapies, as PACE insures needs of patients
• Interdisciplinary intervention in-house!

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, prepare and carry out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent physical dysfunction in patients.
• Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit and to meets the patient's goals and needs.
• Administers manual exercises: instructing, encouraging and assisting patients in performing physical activities, functional activities, gait and daily-living activities and in using assistive and all applicable supportive devices.
• Administers physical therapy treatments by utilizing physical agent modalities-moist packs/heating pads, cold packs, TENS, EMS, ultrasound machine and traction, directing treatments given by assistants.
• Direct or supervise group rehabilitation activities.
• Provide information to the patient about the proposed intervention, its material risks and expected benefits and any reasonable alternatives.
• Document in accordance with PACE departmental guidelines and within the established time frames.
• Completes assessments and collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers to establish an integrated individualized plan of care.
• Designs home exercise programs, recommending and/or providing assistive equipment, instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs that, if followed, will assures continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge from therapy.
• Develops physical therapy assistants and aides by providing information, guidance, training and conducting in-service training programs.
• Maintains patient confidence and by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with company’s policies and procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Complies with federal, state, and local legal and professional requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
• Ability to interact professionally and respectfully with geriatric individuals including those with cognitive decline and/or physical frailties.
• Observes each participant for any change in physical, mental, emotional and social functioning and shall report such changes to the licensed nurse.
• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Requires the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Will require 20% sitting, 30% walking, and 50% standing.
• May also need to move heavy equipment, transfer/lift patients and assist patient with walking and turning.
• Physical Therapist may also have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods.
• May be required to travel to sites/program and special functions as needed.

Work Environment

• Exposure to biohazards, including infectious material and waste and any other conditions common in a health care environment.
• Work is in an office environment/rehab gym, climate controlled through central air conditioning, and outdoors, subject to weather conditions.
• Low risk for contamination when adhering to Universal Precautions.
• Will work with Rehab exercise equipment and Durable Medical Equipment.
• Will have some exposure to outside environment while traveling and/or working outdoors.

Education/Experience Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meets deadlines.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power point.
• Knowledgeable of Proper Body Mechanics and Lifting techniques.
• Patience and understanding of frail elderly.

Education/Experience

• Must have one of the following qualifications:
  • Doctor of Physical therapy degree (preferred);
  • Grandfathered with a Masters degree; or
  • Qualifying physical therapy degree earned outside of the US which has been evaluated to the US equivalent to a degree in physical therapy
• Active and unencumbered Physical Therapist license issued by the State of California Physical Therapy Board
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with the frail, elderly and disabled populations required.
• Current AHA Certified BLS CPR required.
• Bilingual: English/Spanish/Mandarin/Cantonese preferred.