Physical Therapist (PT) - Outpatient

Responsibilities

• Interpret physician referrals and complete musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and/or integumentary evaluations using appropriate methods.
• Establish a plan of care and implement individualized treatment based on evaluation results and functional goals.
• Monitor and evaluate outcomes, adjusting the treatment plan based on patient response and providing status updates to physicians and teammates.
• Identify factors affecting patient comfort (physical and psychosocial) and address these needs.
• Plan and complete patient discharge, including written home programs, patient/family teaching, referrals for community services, transition planning, and ordering equipment as needed.
• Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve optimum patient care.
• Complete all required documentation (evaluations, progress notes, team conference reports, discharge summaries) following department policy and accreditation standards.
• Record patient care and progress for each assigned patient.
• Complete daily statistics, billing, and scheduling, applying insurance guidelines for authorization and visit limits.
• Maintain site/department productivity standards and adhere to billing/documentation policies, procedures, and timelines.
• Maintain a clean and orderly workspace, including cleaning up after patient treatment and putting away equipment.
• Perform manual techniques, patient positioning, transferring, and transporting duties requiring lifting and pushing/pulling with proper technique.
• Demonstrate skill in using modalities, exercise equipment, and other devices per department orientation checklist.
• Apply knowledge of indications and contraindications for modalities and exercises.
• Promote patient safety by participating in safety initiatives and following infection control measures.
• Participate in performance improvement activities to resolve problems affecting patient care outcomes.
• Manage assigned caseload, inform leadership of coverage needs, and assist with coverage as required.
• Pursue professional growth through continuing education, department in-services, and professional literature.
• Orient new staff to clinical and department policies as requested.
• Participate in co-worker evaluations by providing verbal or written feedback.
• Supervise physical therapy assistants, extenders (rehab aides/techs), and students, delegating tasks while maintaining responsibility for patient care plans.

Requirements

• Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited school or educational requirements commensurate with the date of graduation.
• Licensed Physical Therapist in the state of employment.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification (obtained within 90 days unless exempted by department leader).
• Intermediate computer skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated decision-making, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
• Completion of all competency assessments and annual educational requirements for hospital-based certifications (e.g., DNV, CARF).
• Ability to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served, with knowledge of growth and development principles over the lifespan.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, and squat throughout the workday.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• Lift up to 10 lbs. from waist to overhead.
• Lift and carry up to 40 lbs. at waist height a reasonable distance.
• Push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• Perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with assistance.
• Repetitive use of hands for simple grasping (5-15 lbs.) for 20% of the workday.
• Pushing/pulling up to 75-100 lbs. for 10% of the workday.
• Fine manipulation of hands for massage and joint mobilization.
• Functional use of senses for effective communication.
• Ability to wear protective clothing as needed (exposure to electrical/chemical hazards, blood, and body fluids).
• Potential travel exposure to road and weather hazards.
• Operate all necessary equipment to perform the job.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional certifications, experience, or skills in physical therapy practice.