Physical Therapist Assistant

Join Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and be part of a team that proudly cares for our friends, family, and neighbors across East Hawaiʻi. 

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.

Located in picturesque Hilo, Hawaii, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home features dedicated short-term rehabilitation services and residential long-term placement. As the only state Veterans Home on the Big Island of Hawaii, we are proud to serve our county’s finest.

In addition to rehabilitation services, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home is designed to care for your medical conditions through personalized, 24-hour skilled nursing care provided by licensed clinical specialists and therapists. With oversight and coordination with physicians and nurse practitioners, our teams work hand-in-hand to provide compassionate quality care.

Committed To Quality

Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home offers more than just 24-hour nursing care, we cater to both the physical and emotional health of our residents and patients. Our care teams work together to create personalized treatment plans to help patients through their care journey. We strive to provide industry-leading outcomes through coordination of all aspects of your care.

• Company sponsored medical and dental (100% coverage for employee)
• 401(K) retirement plan
• Sick and vacation leave

As part of the recruiting process for this position, external applicants (job applicants NOT employed 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. 

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.

East Hawaii State Veterans Home is a drug-free workplace, an Equal Opportunity Employer, and conducts employment verification through E-Verify.