Rehabilitation Department Case Manager

About the Role

The Rehabilitation Department Case Manager performs duties established by the Rehabilitation Department Manager and the PTA Supervisor, reporting directly to the PTA Supervisor. This role facilitates patient flow, maintains department standards, coordinates clerical and clinical duties, and provides medical assistance to Podiatry and Orthopedic providers.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate patient flow, including triaging patients for scheduling and/or treatment.
• Maintain inventory and stock clinic supplies; receive and restock supplies.
• Assist with fracture management, including applying casts in Orthopedic and Podiatry clinics under direct supervision.
• Ensure Joint Commission standards are maintained through daily and monthly temperature/humidity logs, equipment checklists, and compliance with expiration dates on supplies.
• Coordinate department compliance with Infection Control requirements; complete necessary surveys and paperwork.
• Maintain clean treatment areas, restock linen, and ensure overall department neatness.
• Stock medications for Physical Therapy, Wound Care, Podiatry, and Orthopedic clinics.
• Inventory and stock supplies in clinician treatment rooms daily.
• Ensure Joint Commission compliance with equipment sterilization procedures.
• Perform biweekly cleaning of hydrocollators, freezer, paraffin units, and semi-annual cleaning of fluido-therapy machines.
• Perform case management by entering referrals and pushing medical records to outside providers for Rehabilitation, Podiatry, and Orthopedic clinics.
• Schedule patient appointments with outside providers for Podiatry and Orthopedic clinics.
• Conduct chart reviews for Shoe Clinic, Orthopedic, Podiatry, and Rehabilitation referrals to ensure timely follow-up and triage patients appropriately.
• Request and obtain outside medical records from referral sources.
• Assist in complex wound care, including dressing removal/application and wound cleaning.
• Fill in for front desk clerks in Orthopedic Clinic and Rehabilitation Department as needed.
• Assist clinicians with patient transfers and treatments within the hospital.
• Transport patients to other departments and specimens to the lab as needed.
• Receive incoming phone calls and schedule clinic appointments for Rehabilitation Department clinicians.
• Order labs and x-rays for providers as needed.
• Obtain vital signs, recognize abnormal values, and alert clinicians.
• Operate specialized medical equipment (e.g., electrical stimulation, ultrasound, treadmill) and initiate corrective action for malfunctioning equipment.
• Maintain a safe environment through Universal Precautions, Body Substance Isolation, and proper medical waste/chemical management.
• Check on patients using unattended modalities.
• Participate in Rehabilitation department community outreach programs.
• Establish good interpersonal relationships with patients and staff.
• Adapt to special circumstances such as staffing shortages, emergencies, or fluctuations in patient census.
• Perform other duties as assigned to uphold CIHA policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree or higher in a health care-related field.
• 5 years of experience in a health care clinical setting.
• 6–12 months to become proficient in the position.
• CPR/BLS certification required within 6 months of hire.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.

Skills

• Proficiency with computers, phones, copy/fax, and scanning.
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR) and scheduling software.
• Ability to perform basic chart reviews and schedule appointments with appropriate providers.
• Knowledge of Joint Commission and infection control regulations.
• Knowledge of specimen handling, vital signs, and recognizing abnormal values.
• Basic knowledge of diseases, illnesses, and patient condition changes.
• Ability to assist clinicians with treatments and modalities in outpatient/inpatient settings.
• Practical knowledge of prescribed treatment plans (e.g., dressing changes, passive range of motion).
• Understanding of medical facility organization, services, HIPAA, COBRA, and medical terminology.
• Ability to interpret medical prescription orders and triage for scheduling.
• Skills in operating specialized medical equipment (e.g., electrical stimulation, ultrasound, MIST).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with staff, patients, families, and outside providers.
• Ability to work independently, multitask, prioritize, and problem-solve.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced environment requiring walking, standing, bending, pushing, and lifting.
• Moderate risks of exposure to infectious diseases, radiation, electrical hazards, irritant chemicals, and explosive gases.
• Frequent written, face-to-face, and telephone communication with staff, patients, families, and outside providers.
• Adherence to HIPAA and confidentiality policies for medical and administrative records.
• Responsibility for accuracy and timeliness of work; compliance with federal, state, and tribal regulations.