PACE Physical Therapist

Overview

At Vista Community Clinic (VCC), we believe healthcare is more than medicine, it’s about hope, community, and impact. For over 50 years, we’ve been a leader in the community clinic movement, growing from a small volunteer-driven effort in Vista to a nationally recognized network of state-of-the-art clinics across San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties. Today VCC has 14 clinics serving over 70,000 patients annually, we continue our mission of delivering exceptional, patient-centered care where it’s needed most.

As a private, non-profit, multi-specialty outpatient clinic, VCC provides more than healthcare, we provide opportunity. Here your skills are celebrated, your growth is supported and your work makes a difference. We know that our success is a direct result of the exceptional talents and dedication of our employees.

For eligible employees, benefits include: Competitive compensation & benefits Medical, dental, vision Company-paid life insurance Flexible spending accounts 403(b) retirement plan

Why VCC?

• Winner of the 2025 HRSA Gold Medal for Outstanding Care, placing VCC among the top 10% of Federally Qualified Health Centers in the U. S.

• Recognized by HRSA as a National Quality Leader in Behavioral Health and Diabetes and for excellence in Preventive Health and Health IT.

• A robust training & development culture to help you grow and advance your career.

• A workplace built on respect, collaboration and passion for care.

Responsibilities

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer, provides physical therapy assessment and therapeutic care services to members of the PACE Program.

Performs initial and annual screenings/assessments as assigned and makes appropriate recommendations for services.

Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Maintains regular attendance at, and participation in, interdisciplinary team meetings; collaborates on care planning and service allocation decisions.

Completes member evaluations as needed and develops a plan of care. Evaluations include but are not limited to the following: gait assessment, balance, bed mobility, functional status, physical status, home safety and environmental assessments, restraint assessments, and wheelchair needs.

Participates in care plan development and discharge planning for members. This involvement extends to other facilities caring for PACE members.

Provides regular updates to team on members’ status in therapy, including therapy discharge plans.

Provides treatment to members and implements physical therapy procedures consistent in achieving identified goals. Grades activities to facilitate goals.

Assesses need for adaptive and/or durable medical equipment (DME), makes recommendations to interdisciplinary team according to policy and assists with issuance of DME as indicated.

In conjunction with primary care and the interdisciplinary team, assesses the need for specialized shoes and prosthesis according to policy. Assesses newly issued orthotic shoes, braces and prosthetics for appropriateness and proper fit as indicated.

Performs minor equipment repairs as directed by competency requirement.

May assess the need for on-going skilled services and provides authorization for Physical therapies provided in a Nursing Home and with Contracted Agencies, following initial evaluation order by Primary Care.

Communicates as needed with utilization therapist and/or contracted therapists as directed by Rehab Therapy policy and updates the interdisciplinary team.

Develops and instructs other staff and/or caregivers on follow through programs to be carried out by individuals other than the Physical Therapist.

Assists in training and provides guidance to Rehabilitation Assistants, including all areas of performance consistent with department policies. Reports directly to supervisor regarding these issues and provides input for performance evaluation.

Assists in training of and provides professional supervision for PTA(s), in conjunction with Rehab Therapy Supervisor. Adheres to department policy and physical therapy practice laws on PTA practice and reports to direct supervisor regarding these issues. Provides ongoing education to PTA’s.

Delegate’s restorative care plans to Rehab Assistants when indicated and in a timely manner. Reviews restorative care plans with the Rehab Assistants as directed by department policy.

• Completes documentation according to policy.
• Develops special programs according to member needs.
• Participates in committee meetings as needed.
• Provides PT coverage for other PACE sites as needed.
• Communicates observed staffing needs/changes and program development needs to Rehab Therapy Supervisor.
• Provides training in body mechanics and use of assistive/adaptive devices to staff and caregivers.

Educates staff, members, and caregivers on services available through physical therapy staff and limitations of PTA services as directed by the PT practice laws.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program and current State PT license required.

A minimum of one year of personal, clinical/internship, and or employment experience providing care or services for adults with disabilities or frail elderly population required.

Current CPR/BLS Certification

Preferred Qualifications

• PACE experience
• Bilingual Armenian and English
• Required Skills/Knowledge/Abilities
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and apply good judgment.
• Ability to function well independently.
• Ability to adapt work schedule under supervision.
• Ability to use or be trained in computer skills for the workplace.

Demonstrates necessary skills and knowledge as outlined in attached position-specific Competency Assessment Profile.

• Requires valid driver’s license.
• Preferred Skills/Knowledge/Abilities
• Experience/familiarity with Practice Management and Electronic Medical Records systems

Pay

$50.00 - $64.00 per hour, Depending on Experience