PHYSICAL THERAPIST

About the Role

A Physical Therapist provides services to patients who have impairments, functional limitations, or changes in physical function from injury, disease, or other causes. The role involves performing evaluations, establishing plans of care based on age-specific considerations and patient/family goals, and continually assessing treatment programs and discharge planning needs. The Physical Therapist supervises physical therapist assistants or rehab techs, participates in work process and program development, and adheres to scheduling and productivity guidelines. Flexibility in scheduling, including weekend and evening hours, may be required to meet patient care needs.

Responsibilities

• Engage in using the LEAN methodology for process improvement, including participation in daily meetings, "Just-do-its," and A3s.
• Develop awareness of department objectives on the CI board and participate in collecting data for the board.
• Participate in LEAN projects and follow standard work as set forth for the position.
• Attend LEAN 101 and other LEAN training as assigned.
• Document on whiteboards in patient rooms to improve interdisciplinary communication and continuity of care.
• Uphold the mission, vision, and values of the organization in all aspects of the position.
• Perform clinical responsibilities with age-specific patient care to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Complete evaluations within appropriate time frames and set measurable goals with outcomes.
• Recommend discontinuation of treatment when appropriate and initiate discussions with physicians and medical team members to alter therapeutic programs.
• Oversee Physical Therapist Assistants, students, and support personnel professionally.
• Demonstrate appropriate use of various treatment modalities in patient care.
• Adhere to ethical and legal practice standards, including state and federal laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate, concise, timely, and legible records in accordance with system, IT, or payor policies.
• Document therapy care in the EMR, including evaluations, treatment, patient progress, education, family conferences, and discharge summaries.
• Complete reassessments at appropriate intervals and communicate post-discharge needs to resources.
• Educate patients and families consistent with their level of understanding and therapeutic needs.
• Capture maximum revenue for quality services while maintaining standards of care through accurate documentation and charging.
• Provide relevant information to insurance providers to secure proper authorization for treatment.
• Promote continual performance improvement within the Rehabilitation department and throughout Independence Health.
• Collaborate with patients, families, and health team members to provide excellence in patient care.
• Attend interdisciplinary team meetings and required staff meetings.
• Participate in the development of new therapy programs and enhancement of established programs.
• Research innovative ideas and implement self-directed plans for professional development.
• Uphold fiscal and operational responsibility by utilizing supplies and equipment responsibly.
• Travel to other sites within the system as patient census dictates.
• Understand and facilitate obtaining authorizations in conjunction with revenue specialists.
• Supervise students as appropriate and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy or higher level of education.
• Strong leadership ability, organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, and sound judgment.
• Strong communication skills to convey complex topics to diverse audiences.
• Strong time management and ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Flexibility in scheduling and ability to transition smoothly between various treatment settings.
• Understanding of current billing requirements and adherence to payor guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and application of Microsoft Office software.
• Knowledge of internet usage and research experience.
• Previous clinical experience or certification in specialty treatment programs (e.g., Lymphedema, Hand Therapy, Aquatics, Occupational Medicine, Concussive/Vestibular, Sports Medicine, Women’s Health, Neuro).
• 1-3 years’ experience in a healthcare setting.
• Master's or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

Qualifications

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (CPR and AED).
• Act 33, Act 34, and Act 73 FBI Clearance.
• Current license as a Physical Therapist in Pennsylvania or eligibility for licensure in the state.
• Graduate Therapists must sit for the licensure exam at the earliest availability, not exceeding six months following the date of hire.

Work Environment

Effective during a pandemic, goggles, face shield, and mask are required according to CDC guidelines. When lift requirements exceed 50 pounds, lift assistance (two-person) and/or transfer devices are required.

• Physical Conditions:
  • Constantly: Use of lifting/transfer devices, direct patient care, blood/body fluid exposure, hand protection.
  • Frequently: Rotates shifts, 8-hour shifts, travel between sites, chemicals exposure.
  • Occasionally: Extreme noise, use of vibrating tools, overtime, latex exposure.
  • Rarely: Extreme heat, extreme cold, heights, confined spaces, mechanical hazards, operates vehicle, operates heavy equipment, respirator protective equipment, eye protection, head protection, hearing protection, feet/toe protection, body protection, solvent exposure, paint exposure, dust exposure, ethylene oxide exposure, cytotoxic exposure, mist exposure, wax stripper exposure, non-ionizing radiation, ionizing radiation, laser exposure.
• Physical Demands:
  • Constantly: Bending (stooping), sitting, walking, standing, hand/arm coordination, seeing near with acuity, feeling (sensation), color vision, hearing clearly.
  • Frequently: Twisting/turning, keyboard/computer operation, gross grasp, fine finger manipulation, pushing/pulling (10-50 lbs of force), carrying (10 lbs), transfer/push/pull patients.
  • Occasionally: Climbing stairs, kneeling, squatting (crouching), pulling/pushing objects overhead, reaching above shoulder.
  • Rarely: Climbing ladders.