Physical Therapist

About the role

Provides general Physical Therapy (PT) evaluations and treatments which impact patient’s functional abilities. Oversees and directs the work of Physical Therapist Assistants and/or other designated staff members.

Responsibilities

• Provides general physical therapy evaluations and treatments to a wide range of ages with widely varying diagnoses and issues
• Assesses, performs evaluation, identifies therapy diagnosis, formulates therapy treatment plan with goals and implements physical therapy treatment of PT services to patients
• Reviews clinical records and case histories. Attends care conferences, regular meetings/rounds and remains in contact with referring providers and other health care professionals to review patient’s status and individual needs within the health care team concept
• Collaborates with other team members to assure appropriate medical equipment is arranged and care plan is established prior to discharge
• Documents patients’ encounter findings and treatments including diagnoses, treatment plan, recommendations, and prognoses in appropriate format according to SEARHC policies
• Works with in-patient and out-patient populations in various settings as assigned
• Directs the work of support staff, students or interns
• Facilitates a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients and their families
• Develops, implements, and conducts patient education and therapy programs based on patient and/or family needs
• Provides patients and families clear and concise home exercise programs to achieve the fullest rehabilitative potential
• Ensures that these instructions are understood by asking for feedback and return demonstration of programs by patient or caregivers
• Advises patients and family members in methods that facilitate a capacity for self-care and independence, facilitating movement towards a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients and their families
• Creates home programs that are clear and concise and ensures that these instructions are understood by asking for feedback and demonstration of programs by patient or caregivers
• Affords assistance in administrative matters, clinic operations, and specialty/research areas as appropriate
• Utilizes the hospital computer system to obtain patient information and to keep abreast of hospital directives
• Participates in the timely and efficient flow of information via email and other digital platforms as appropriate
• Provides summary of results, statistics and metrics as required by management
• Affords assistance in acquisition and fit of durable medical equipment/devices based on needs of patient
• Communicates with supervisor and/or DME provider to measure, fit, and deliver equipment and keep stocked at appropriate levels
• Maintains supply stocks and clinical equipment at acceptable levels
• Maintains cleanliness of clinical space
• Edifies staff on PT-related issues and educates patient/family about their functional limitations regarding their injury or diagnosis, as well as how to obtain desired goals with therapeutic exercises, activities and equipment
• Provides therapy consultation, presentations, and in-services to medical staff, consultants, and other interdisciplinary health care personnel and patient populations regarding therapy services as assigned
• Adheres to the regulatory and practice standards of PT set by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Follows all SEARHC confidentiality and quality assurance standards; participates in SEARHC SQM functions, utilizes SQM principles in all aspects of the job
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Entry level qualifying master’s or doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program OR Graduate from an APTA approved program of Physical Therapy at the master's or bachelor’s level with 2 years proven work and Continuing Education experience that indicates applicant has mastered the knowledge base that would typically be taught in a Doctorate program - required
• Licensed as a Physical Therapist - required
• Current Basic Life Support certification - required
• Valid Driver’s license. - required
• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and subsequently every three years
• High Risk Competency required within 3 months of hire and subsequently every three years

Experience

• Broad-based clinical experience in multiple settings - preferred

Education, Certifications, And Licenses Required

• Entry level qualifying master’s or doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program OR Graduate from an APTA approved program of Physical Therapy at the master's or bachelor’s level with 2 years proven work and Continuing Education experience that indicates applicant has mastered the knowledge base that would typically be taught in a Doctorate program - required
• Licensed as a Physical Therapist - required
• Current Basic Life Support certification - required
• Valid Driver’s license. - required
• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and subsequently every three years
• High Risk Competency required within 3 months of hire and subsequently every three years

Skills

• To utilize, properly fit and train patients with adaptive devices. Including but not limited to splints, braces, orthoses, seating equipment, durable medical equipment and ADL assistive device
• In expressing self clearly and effectively in written and spoken communication in documentation of written reports, client progress notes, narrative summaries, as well as in training clinical and non-clinical staff; consulting with upper management, outside agencies, organizations, and subordinates; networking with other providers in the community; and proficient in public speaking
• Demonstrates skills utilizing information technology. Proficiency with computers including multiple software applications. Able to interface with multiple programs. Uses technologies such as laptops, tablets and imaging devices
• Able to communicate effectively with patients, families, teachers, community members and non-PT service professionals, persons of any level of understanding. Including the ability to translate complex PT service diagnoses, evaluations, and therapies into simple oral and written language that others can understand
• Able to exercise sound judgment in all aspects of employment such as patient care, workplace safety and employee relations