Clinical Specialist Resident

Job Summary

The clinical specialist resident position is a 12-month, 52-week position starting the second-to-last Monday of each December and ending the following December. The position requires participation in 850 hours of clinical practice, where the resident is responsible for providing primary physical therapy services. An additional 150 hours, 3 hours per week, are required for mentored patient care under the supervision of a recognized content expert clinician. To successfully complete the program, the resident must achieve a minimum cumulative score of 225 points on three clinical performance examinations, attend up to 288 hours of didactic classroom education, attain a cumulative score of 70% on three written examinations, successfully pass three live technique examinations, provide up to 40 hours of pro-bono physical therapy services at a designated free clinic, and participate in an approved research project.

About the Role

This position is part of a community-based paid educational program combining clinical and classroom instruction. The schedule may vary according to department needs.

Essential Responsibilities

• Able to design physical therapy treatment programs in the specialty area that are medically prescribed in a competent and efficient manner, including evaluating patients.
• Designs and provides in-service education programs and instruction to staff and students, reporting non-compliance, and adhering to applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, accreditation, and licensure requirements (if applicable), and Kaiser Permanente’s policies and procedures.
• Ensures cleanliness of assigned area and proper functioning of patient care equipment by following department equipment maintenance policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates professional competence in assessing patients' conditions at the onset and throughout the physical therapy program.
• Routinely obtains accurate and complete histories through clinical observation and interaction with the patient.
• Routinely performs appropriate examinations, using specialized evaluation procedures.
• Consistently interprets evaluation findings correctly to determine the nature and degree of dysfunction.
• Routinely takes usual and special precautions relative to the age, medical history, and condition of the patient and the type of treatment being given.
• Consistently establishes measurable treatment goals and develops appropriate treatment plans to achieve those goals.
• Regularly reassesses clinical signs and symptoms to determine the effectiveness of treatment, progress toward goals, and the need for modifications to treatment and/or goals.
• Routinely consults with the referring physician regarding treatment requests that are contraindicated relative to the patient's physical condition or medical history.
• Delegates appropriately to support personnel.
• Documents clinical activities in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner following department policies and procedures.
• Develops and implements special classes or clinics for patient populations within the area of expertise in collaboration with other members of the rehabilitation department and outside personnel as appropriate.
• Acts as a resource and mentor to students and department staff in areas of clinical expertise.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved school of Physical Therapy (BS, MS, DPT, or PhD).
• Physical Therapist License (California) required at hire OR Physical Therapist License - Applicant (California) required at hire.
• National Provider Identifier required at hire.
• Basic Life Support required at hire from American Heart Association.
• Demonstrated skill in the performance of physical therapy skills relative to musculoskeletal and neurological assessment and treatment procedures including: Testing and treatment of spine and extremities using accessory and physiological joint motions; Clinical testing to determine muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, coordination, range of motion, and other sensory motor skills; Clinical analysis and treatment of postural, gait, and ADL disorders; Administration of modalities and other physical agents; Administration of exercise programs/development of patient care programs.
• Understanding of the cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturation process in the delivery of services to patients of the age group served.
• Able to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs and provide care in accordance with departmental policy.
• Able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment.
• If PTLA, must pass Physical Therapy exam within ninety (90) days of hire.
• If hired in the City of Los Angeles, Fire Safety certification required.

Additional Requirements

If the PT exam is failed, the employee will be put on suspended leave of absence until the exam is passed. The employee will be required to receive written notification from the California State Board of Physical Therapy of passage of their Physical Therapist exam within 90 days after their start date or will be terminated.

Notes

If the PT exam is failed, the employee will be put on suspended leave of absence until the exam is passed. The employee will be required to receive written notification from the California State Board of Physical Therapy of passage of their Physical Therapist exam within 90 days after their start date or will be terminated.