Proposal Specialist

General Summary

Assists patients in reaching maximum physical performance while adjusting to disabilities. Treats disabled patients using standard physical therapy therapeutic interventions such as heat, cold, electricity, traction, ultrasound and exercise. Evaluates patients motor and neurological capabilities and adapts physical therapy program as appropriate.

Consistently demonstrates support of the RIC statement of Mission and Philosophy by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

Demonstrates RIC Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and RIC Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Evaluates patient's physical and functional status including muscular strength, motor functions, reflexes, ambulation skills and ability to perform activities of daily living. Observes and interviews patient, review medical history including physician's diagnosis and prescription and administer detailed sensory tests, manual muscle tests, range of motion exams and other evaluation techniques.
2. Performs regular duties and responsibilities of a Physical Therapist.
a. Determines suitability for treatment based on evaluation results. Demonstrates competency in understanding the growth and development of infant, child, adolescent and geriatric patients as measured by specific performance standards and as described by department/unit policies and procedures. Demonstrates the ability to interpret growth and development related information to assure patient needs are met.
b. Establishes therapy goals and formulates a treatment plan based on evaluation results.
c. Decides extent and duration of treatment such as exercise, modalities, balance activities and gait training.
d. Discusses evaluation, goals and treatment with both patient and family.
e. Instructs patients and their families in appropriate exercise program and in use of equipment.
f. Develops and instructs patient/family in home program when appropriate.
g. Participates in discharge planning.
h. Documents evaluation and all progress maintaining records of each patient's condition for physicians and insurance carriers.
3. Selects from a variety of physical therapy treatment modalities such as whirlpool, ultrasounds, massage, biofeedback, paraffin and prosthetics/orthotics and/or monitors or administers the application of treatment.
4. Determines and orders appropriate devices necessary to assist patients in performing physical activities such as wheelchairs, canes, crutches and prosthetic and orthopedic devices. Instructs patient in care and use of same.
5. Provides information and/or attends patients conferences, clinics, medical rounds, inservice education classes and team/family meetings as required.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
6. Assists in keeping work area in a clean, sanitary and orderly manner by changing linens on treatment tables/beds and cleaning whirlpools.
7. May participate in the Department education program by teaching and supervising students.
8. Contribute to the department and the profession through organizational activities, education, research and/or publications.
9. Participates in research projects as needed.

Reporting Relationships

1. Assigned Manager, Allied Health

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

1. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and physical therapy treatments and modalities at a level normally acquired through completion of Master's degree from an accredited school of physical therapy.
2. Must be licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
3. Approximately three to six months on-the-job experience necessary to gain full knowledge of physical therapy techniques and objectives to develop and administer treatment programs.
4. Current CPR certification required.
5. Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with physicians, patients and families in providing therapy and exchanging patient progress/condition information and to assign duties and orient/train subordinate professional, technical and support personnel.
6. Analytical ability necessary for determining priorities, providing input regarding the development of departmental policies, procedures and budgets, evaluating new supplies and developing and assessing new programs and recommending changes.
7. Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail when administering treatments, observing patients and maintaining records.
8. Ability to lift 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently to transfer and position patients.

Working Conditions

1. Normal patient care environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
2. Some exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients.
3. May include exposure to community, home, work, school and off-site clinic settings.
4. Includes Saturday and Sunday rotation work.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job Grade - 10

Required Skills

Required Experience