Therapy - PT

Physical Therapist

Evaluation and treatment of functional deficits or problems due to illness, injury, musculoskeletal dysfunction, or birth defect. Can work independently or under orders of physician/licensed independent practitioners. Works with individuals from birth through geriatrics. Works in outpatient, acute care, and post-acute care settings. Development and implementation of treatment programs. Delegation to and supervision of physical therapist assistants and support staff. Patient, family, and community education. Documentation of the above. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that contributes to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family-centered care.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• Assess patients to determine their needs, age-related problems, strengths, and rehabilitation potential.
• Plans individualized treatment program based on assessment results, physician's order, and clinical judgment.
• Documents all necessary information in the patient's medical record.
• Delegates treatment tasks to others as appropriate and monitors application and results of treatment.
• Coordinates services and treatment plan with patient, family, and other disciplines.
• Serves as Clinical Instructor or mentor, when requested, for physical therapy and PTA students.
• Teaches patient and family regarding disease or injury, treatment plan, self-help measures, and preventive care.
• Treats patients according to the assessment results and treatment plan established.
• Provides education to other departments and to the public, when requested.
• Demonstrates job-related aspects of patient safety to assure a safe environment.
• Must demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span.
• Possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the information needed.
• Supports the organization's mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies, and procedures.

Departmental and Additional Job Responsibilities:

• Assists with other departmental needs such as cleaning or answering telephones.
• Assists other staff with treatments as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Abilities/Motor Skills:

• Sedentary work must frequently require standing, kneeling, and crouching.
• May be required to move about, sit, climb stairs, and bend regularly.
• Frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
• May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
• Vision requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.
• Requires clarity of vision at various distances.
• Motor coordination is required to use hand and finger movement and handle objects effectively.
• Must be able to travel independently throughout the facility and access patients/families including areas confined by space or equipment.
• Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Essential Technical Abilities:

• Proficiency in using modern office, computer, and telephone equipment.

Essential Mental Abilities:

• Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast-paced or stressful situations.
• Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including policies and regulations.
• Ability to interpret assessment results and evaluate patient's response to treatment.
• Sufficient clinical knowledge of physical therapy principles to work autonomously.

Essential Sensory Requirements:

• Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in various formats.
• Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.
• Ability to communicate receptively and expressively with patients, families, and staff.
• Tactile/proprioceptive skills sufficient for effective palpation and examination of patients.
• Ability to visually and audibly monitor treatment and patient responses to treatment.

Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to interact with co-workers, administration, patients, and the public in a courteous manner.
• Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
• Open, honest, and tactful communication skills are necessary.
• Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
• Positive, cooperative, and motivated attitude is expected.