Physical Therapist I-II | Adv Physical Therapist I-II

In accordance with Navajo Nation and federal law, TCRHCC has implemented an Affirmative Action Plan pursuant to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act. Preference in hiring and employment is given to applicants who meet the necessary qualifications and are (1) enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, or San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, (2) legally married to enrolled members of these tribes and meet residency requirements, or (3) enrolled members of other federally-recognized American Indian Tribes.

About the Role

The Physical Therapist I/II / Advanced Physical Therapist I/II provides quality physical therapy services to a predominantly Native American population for the treatment or prevention of physical disability or disease. This role involves managing and implementing the Physical Therapy program, including evaluation and treatment of inpatients and outpatients across all age groups. Specialty services include wound care, prosthetic and orthotic clinics, geriatric and high school clinics, spinal cord clinics, assistive technology evaluations, and the Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetic Orthotic Supply Program. The position also entails directing and developing the physical therapy section, ensuring quality improvement, risk management, policy development, Joint Commission preparation, staff education, and other administrative duties.

Responsibilities

• Perform professional work applying knowledge of physical therapy concepts, principles, and practices for the treatment or prevention of physical disability or disease.
• Provide a high degree of professional competence, skill, and judgment in assessing, planning, and executing treatment modalities for a variety of inpatient and outpatient situations.
• Consult with medical or clinical staff on physical therapy matters and patient progress, exercising tact and good judgment.
• Ensure quality patient care and participate in clinical research efforts and specialty clinics.
• Assist supervisors and staff in all aspects of Physical Therapy Services and administrative tasks.
• Enter data into electronic health records pertinent to the patient service role.
• Adhere to proper PPE protocols, including donning, doffing, and disposal of used PPE.
• Complete routine cleaning and decontamination processes for surfaces contaminated by communicable diseases.
• Maintain and obtain necessary training, certifications, or continuing education for licensure and specialties.
• Provide education and training to staff, students, volunteers, and hospital personnel on physical therapy techniques.
• Counsel patients, family members, and care providers on patient education and therapeutic interventions.
• Identify and report departmental issues affecting patient care, process flow, and provider interaction.
• Evaluate clinical skills and recommend improvements to enhance patient care and department operations.
• Participate in hospital committees as a representative for physical rehabilitation services.
• Engage in professional associations, continuing education, workshops, networking, and collaboration to maintain knowledge of physical therapy practices.
• Advanced Physical Therapist II: Provide patient care within a specialty scope of practice according to board certification and maintain all requirements for specialty practice.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a Commission of Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited school of Physical Therapy.
• Valid, current, full, and unrestricted license in any U.S. state, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association.
• Credentialed to serve on the Medical Staff; all required credentialing information must be provided.
• Experience:
  • Physical Therapist I: No prior experience required.
  • Physical Therapist II: Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a licensed Physical Therapist.
  • Advanced Physical Therapist I: Minimum of four (4) years of experience as a licensed Physical Therapist.
  • Advanced Physical Therapist II: Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a licensed Physical Therapist and/or APTA Board Certification Specialist.
• Positive employment references demonstrating:
  • Positive working relationships with others.
  • High ethical standards and no history of complaints.
  • Reliability and dependability with consistent attendance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access).
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Solid analytical, creative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work in an organized, efficient manner with attention to detail and timely follow-through.
• Expertise in communication, interpersonal, organizational leadership, and team-building skills.
• Time management skills and ability to meet deadlines while maintaining work quality.
• Ability to multi-task and handle a hectic work environment effectively.
• Awareness of the impact of job duties on patient care quality, safety, and clinic efficiency.
• Successful completion of background checks, fingerprint clearance, physical examinations, and other screenings.
• Submission of all required employment-related documents free of false, misleading, or incomplete information.

Problem Solving

Must evaluate, analyze, and address a broad range of complex problems in a busy physical therapy clinic. Requires mastery of physical therapy principles, theories, concepts, and clinical skills to provide consultation, advice, and direction to patients, families, and healthcare providers. Ability to formulate appropriate patient treatment plans and incorporate departmental policies and procedures. Excellent interpersonal skills to handle complaints, disputes, and negotiations with compassion and professionalism. Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective report writing and compassionate healthcare delivery.

Mental and Physical Effort

Physical: Prolonged walking, standing, sitting, bending, talking, or hearing. Use of hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, and occasional pushing/pulling. Ability to lift, pull, and bend to move patients and supplies up to 50 lbs. Must handle considerable lifting and performance of therapeutic exercise programs for minimally to severely physically impaired patients. Ability to hear alarms, client calls, and instructions. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Prolonged repetitive use of hands and occasional repetitive use of feet.

Mental: Work with a high degree of independence in judgment, planning, and carrying out complex treatment objectives. Exercise tact, good judgment, and persuasiveness with patients, management, and providers. Work in a fast-paced environment with time-sensitive patient care appointments in various clinical settings.

Environmental: Exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles. Moderate noise levels.