CTE Academic Teacher - Physical Therapy Aide
Mission StatementThrough the use of social and restorative justice principles, Five Keys provides traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to improve their lives through a focus on the Five Keys: EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT, RECOVERY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY.Five Keys OverviewFive Keys is a nonprofit organization that operates an extensive network of programs across California. With a presence in 14 counties and over 120 locations, Five Keys focuses on various initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and families to overcome poverty and inequity. The organization's programs encompass a wide range of services, including public charter schools, restorative justice programs in jails and prisons, shelters, permanent supportive housing, and the development of new housing and support programs. At Five Keys, the overarching objective is to uplift individuals and families by providing them with essential resources. This includes education, housing, employment, and the necessary tools to sustain their progress. By offering these fundamental elements, the organization aims to create positive and lasting change in communities, making them better places for everyone.Our Core CompetenciesA well qualified candidate has the capacity to communicate effectively, collaborate with others while building positive relationships, demonstrates strong problem solving skills, has a dynamic learning mindset, and remains committed to a high level of cultural and social awareness. A successful candidate will work well under pressure, observe appropriate boundaries and operate with a high degree of emotional intelligence.What it's really like to join our agency...At Five Keys, culture matters. Culture is at the very core of everything we do and impact on a daily basis. We've made a commitment to building an inclusive culture that seeks collaboration over hierarchy to create empowered work teams. We serve vulnerable populations daily and we strive to approach everyone with compassion, patience and a trauma informed approach. We choose to push past discomfort to have difficult conversations to impact the greater good. This allows us the opportunity to collaboratively create an inclusive culture and transform the world around us.BENEFITSWe offer very low monthly costs for medical insurance! Dental, vision and life insurance premiums paid by Five Keys and various pre-tax flexible spending accounts and retirement account 403b. Generous time off. Annual reimbursement up to $100 towards gym membership, smoking cessation and weight loss programs. Annual reimbursement up to $50 towards annual athletic event participation and annual massage after 6 months of employment. FREE access to wellness-related apps, Employee Assistance Program and a comprehensive mental health care platform for you and your dependents.JOB SUMMARYThe CTE Teacher - Physical Therapy Aide Instructor is a key member of the Career Technical Education teaching team and reports directly to the Director of Career Technical Education. This role provides entry- and mid-level training to prepare students for careers as physical therapy aides, by teaching foundational concepts in physical therapy support, kinesiology, and rehabilitation practices. The instructor will also introduce students to healthcare technology and applications, including electronic health records, patient documentation systems, and digital communication tools commonly used in clinical environments. In addition to technical instruction, the position emphasizes career readiness by guiding students in identifying employment opportunities, developing resumes, practicing interview techniques, and understanding workplace expectations. The instructor fosters workforce readiness by teaching professional communication, interpersonal skills, time management, and strategies for success in healthcare settings. Upholding the program's mission, the instructor creates a learning environment rooted in mutual respect and fairness, encourages creative and critical thinking through an equity lens, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, and multicultural understanding.The Physical Therapy Aide Instructor provides vocational and career development training for students in Northern and Southern California through classroom groups of varying sizes.This is a grant-funded position, funded by the K12 Strong Workforce Program. This position supports multiple sites in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. The scheduled hours vary between 7:00 am - 8:00 pm; the current schedule is 8:00 am - 3:30 pm. Temporarily for the 2025-2026 school year, this position will work 7 hours per day, 35 hours per week, with 195 working days annually. Based on the organization's needs, the schedule may change to the original: 6.5 hours per day, 32.5 hours per week, with 210 working days annually.Topics/Areas of Focus covered in this course include:As a Physical Therapy Aide Instructor, you will prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in healthcare support roles. Instructional areas include:Foundations of Physical Therapy Aide & KinesiologyCore concepts, daily operations, logistics, and current industry trends in physical therapy and rehabilitationHealthcare Technology & ApplicationsProficiency in essential computer tools for healthcare settings, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and electronic health record (EHR) systemsIntroduction to patient documentation software and digital communication platforms used in clinical environmentsCareer Readiness PathwaysGuiding students to identify employment interests, explore opportunities, and understand the healthcare job marketProfessional Development & Workplace SkillsJob search strategies, resume creation, and interview preparationWorkplace etiquette, professional communication, and interpersonal skillsTime management and strategies for thriving in healthcare work environmentsWe are looking for someone who is adaptable and flexible, insists on maintaining a positive attitude and enjoys supporting a diverse group of people. If this job is for you, you are extremely organized, easy to talk with and are patient and caring.JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESFacilitate courses in the Physical Therapy healthcare pathwayCreate and maintain an engaging learning environmentAs needed, research, create and update materials necessary to develop/supplement program curriculumMaintain student attendance and academic progress recordsEvaluate student progress and provide constructive feedback based on learning objectives/outcomesAdhere to policies regarding student retention and re-engagementMaintain regular office hours in order to advise and assist studentsAttend CTE Team and CTE Advisory Committee meetingsTeach and provide support to other instructors as needed to support the overall CTE programModel the appropriate professional standards of the healthcare industryDevelop partnerships with community based organizations, industry sector leaders, and others who can provide mentorship and work based opportunities to studentsProvide timely management of student records in the Student Information SystemOther duties as assignedKNOWLEDGE AND SKILLSKnowledge of Physical Therapy and healthcare frameworksKnowledge of project-based learningAble to apply general pedagogical knowledge to physical therapy and kinesiology curriculumAble to adapt curricular material to students with varying abilitiesAble to apply teaching to real-world situationsAdvanced proficiency in Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and databasesAble to maintain strict confidentiality and take all precautions when handling sensitive informationEDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCEPrevious teaching experience requiredMust have a valid California CTE Teaching Credential in Health Science and Medical TechnologyAt least 5 years of experience in a related fieldPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSMust wear provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and adhere to all safety guidelines and requirements, when neededFrequent and prolonged standing, walking, and sittingFrequent talking and hearing conversationsOccasional reaching with hands and armsOccasionally lifting up to 25 lbsAbility to follow oral directions in emergency situationsTravel to multiple sites requiredAbility to instruct for 2 1⁄2 -3 hours without a breakAbility to work outdoors in a variety of conditions-heat, cold, rain, etcFrequently using arms and hands write on chalkboards or flip chartADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSThis position is contingent upon:Satisfactory results of a Live Scan (criminal background investigation)Successfully obtaining jail clearance for positions working in county jails or probation locationsSubmitting proof of clear TB results. Results dated within 60 days prior to hire date are acceptableWORK ENVIRONMENTMust be willing and able to work in a correctional facility and travel throughout the area to community sitesWork environment varies from site to siteOutdoors/IndoorsModerate noise levelSome personal safety risk working in underserved communitiesGROWTH OPPORTUNITIES