Physical Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Physical Therapist – Level I

EMPLOYER: NJ Disc Center

PAY RANGE: OPM Pay Grade 12 (Salary)

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SUMMARY:

The Physical Therapist is responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and functional impairments in accordance with established clinical standards and applicable federal and state laws. The Physical Therapist develops individualized treatment plans designed to improve mobility, strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, functional capacity, and overall quality of life.

Supporting NJ Disc Center, the Physical Therapist works collaboratively with physicians, advanced practice providers, clinical staff, and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated, patient-centered care. The position may treat patients with conditions involving the spine, neck, back, joints, muscles, and other orthopedic or neurological conditions and will provide education and therapeutic interventions to promote recovery, prevent reinjury, and maximize functional independence.

The Physical Therapist is expected to maintain high standards of clinical care, documentation, professionalism, patient communication, and compliance with all applicable regulatory and organizational requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Patient Evaluation & Clinical Assessment
• Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations based on the patient's medical history, diagnosis, functional limitations, and treatment goals.
• Assess strength, range of motion, flexibility, balance, coordination, posture, gait, mobility, pain levels, and functional abilities.
• Identify impairments and functional limitations that may benefit from physical therapy intervention.
• Review relevant medical records, imaging reports, physician recommendations, and other clinical information as appropriate.
• Establish measurable, individualized treatment goals based on the patient's condition, functional needs, and expected outcomes.
• Reassess patients periodically to monitor progress and modify treatment plans as clinically appropriate.
Treatment & Rehabilitation
• Develop and implement individualized physical therapy treatment plans.
• Provide therapeutic exercises and activities to improve strength, flexibility, endurance, balance, coordination, mobility, and functional performance.
• Provide manual therapy and other appropriate therapeutic techniques within the scope of licensure and professional competency.
• Provide neuromuscular reeducation, gait training, functional training, and other appropriate interventions.
• Utilize appropriate modalities and therapeutic equipment consistent with the patient's condition and established clinical protocols.
• Educate patients regarding home exercise programs, proper body mechanics, posture, injury prevention, and strategies for maintaining functional improvements.
• Progress or modify treatment plans based on patient response and clinical findings.
• Recognize when a patient's condition requires additional evaluation, referral, or communication with the treating physician or other healthcare provider.
Spine & Orthopedic Care
• Provide rehabilitation services for patients with spinal and musculoskeletal conditions, including neck and back pain, discrelated conditions, postoperative rehabilitation, and other orthopedic diagnoses.
• Coordinate treatment with NJ Disc Center physicians and providers when appropriate.
• Follow physician referrals, treatment recommendations, precautions, and relevant clinical protocols.
• Assist patients in improving functional capacity and safely returning to work, daily activities, recreational activities, or other identified goals.
• Monitor patients for changes in symptoms or functional status and communicate significant findings to the appropriate provider.
Patient Education & Communication
• Explain examination findings, treatment plans, therapeutic exercises, and expected outcomes to patients in an understandable manner.
• Establish professional and therapeutic relationships with patients and their families or caregivers.
• Encourage patient participation and adherence to prescribed treatment programs.
• Provide clear instructions for home exercise programs and reinforce proper technique and safety.
• Address patient questions and concerns professionally and appropriately.
• Promote patient independence and active participation in the rehabilitation process.
Documentation & Compliance
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation in accordance with applicable laws, professional standards, payer requirements, and NJ Disc Center policies.
• Complete evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports, reassessments, discharge summaries, and other required documentation.
• Document patient response to treatment and progress toward established goals.
• Ensure documentation supports the medical necessity and appropriateness of services provided.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and other applicable privacy requirements.
• Follow all applicable federal and New Jersey laws, regulations, licensing requirements, and professional standards governing the practice of physical therapy.
• Maintain current professional licensure and required certifications.
• Complete required continuing education and professional development activities.
Collaboration & Care Coordination
• Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, medical assistants, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Communicate relevant patient progress, concerns, treatment recommendations, and barriers to recovery to the appropriate providers.
• Participate in interdisciplinary discussions regarding patient care when requested.
• Support continuity of care between physical therapy and other services provided by NJ Disc Center.
• Maintain effective communication with administrative and clinical team members.
Professional Responsibilities
• Maintain a professional, respectful, and patientcentered approach at all times.
• Demonstrate sound clinical judgment and ethical decisionmaking.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with patients and coworkers.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, quality improvement initiatives, and other organizational activities as assigned.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized treatment environment.
• Follow infection control, workplace safety, OSHA, and other applicable safety standards.
• Assist with the appropriate maintenance and use of physical therapy equipment.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management that are consistent with the position.
QUALIFICATIONS Required:
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited physical therapy program.
• Current and unrestricted New Jersey Physical Therapist license.
• Current CPR/BLS certification or ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Strong knowledge of physical therapy principles, orthopedic rehabilitation, therapeutic exercise, and patient care.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to independently evaluate patients and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• Ability to work collaboratively with physicians and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
Preferred:
• Experience in an orthopedic, spine, pain management, rehabilitation, or outpatient clinical setting.
• Experience treating patients with spinal, musculoskeletal, or postoperative conditions.
• Experience working collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare providers.
• Experience with electronic medical records and electronic clinical documentation systems.
• Knowledge of evidencebased physical therapy practices and current rehabilitation techniques.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Strong clinical assessment and decisionmaking skills.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, and rehabilitation principles.
• Ability to develop individualized treatment plans based on clinical findings.
• Ability to recognize changes in patient condition and respond appropriately.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and patient service skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple patients and responsibilities in a clinical environment.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• Ability to use electronic medical records and standard office technology.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Commitment to providing compassionate, ethical, and patientcentered care.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Physical Therapist is required to perform duties in an outpatient clinical environment and must be able to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday. The position requires frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, reaching, stretching, and positioning of the body to evaluate and treat patients. The Physical Therapist must be able to demonstrate therapeutic exercises and functional activities and may be required to assist, guard, transfer, reposition, or otherwise physically support patients with varying levels of mobility and functional ability.

The employee may be exposed to patients with varying medical conditions, mobility limitations, and illnesses, as well as cleaning agents, bodily fluids, and other conditions commonly associated with a healthcare setting. The employee is expected to follow all applicable infection prevention, OSHA, workplace safety, and NJ Disc Center policies and procedures. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.