Physical Therapist I - Temporary

Primary Function Serves as Physical Therapist providing quality therapy for the treatment or prevention of physical disability or disease. As a Physical Therapist, the incumbent participates in all aspects of the department including program planning, delivery of patient care, performance improvement and other duties as needed. Job Description Practices the profession of Physical Therapy as a licensed Physical Therapist, requiring knowledge and application of concepts, principles and practice of evaluation, treatment and prevention of physical disability or disease. Responsible for a high degree of professional competence, skill and judgement in assessment, planning and carrying out the full range of treatment interventions, patient and family education and discharge planning for a variety of conditions and situations. Treatment objectives are complex and procedures involve application of highly specialized skills and knowledge. May be encouraged to gain advanced knowledge in evaluation and treatment of wounds and become proficient with procedures based on wound etiology and best practice, requiring knowledge of advanced wound care products and working in conjunction with department WOCNs. Develops and coordinates team approach to treat complex clinical problems. Performs case management as needed by interfacing with Primary Care team or other referral sources. Participates in educational programs, which include training volunteers, Physical Therapy students from affiliated university programs, and in service programs for medical staff, nursing, other government agencies, and the community. Maintains currency in current Physical Therapy best practices and evidence-based physical therapy. Maintains NC licensure standards and participates in continuing education directed by departmental needs. Shares CE knowledge with fellow clinicians. Uses evidence-based knowledge to drive clinical decision making. Participates in quality of patient care rendered by the department, quality improvement programs, and physical therapy health promotion activities for hospital employees, tribal entities, and the community as needed. Provides consultation to the medical and clinical staff on matters pertaining to physical therapy and/or patient progress, using tact, diplomacy and persuasiveness in all professional communications. Represents Physical Therapy regarding general program planning for patient care services with multidisciplinary care teams or at rounds. Develops and maintains clinical processes and procedures under the direction of the department manager and the PT supervisor in accordance with all applicable accrediting organizations and participates in applicable accreditation inspections. Maintains accurate documentation of physical therapy visits that facilitates reimbursement and meets compliance standards. Uses safe work practices, following established policies and procedures for safety and infection control, following universal blood/body fluid precautions and reporting accidents/incidents promptly. Organizes and prioritizes work efficiently to maintain a high level of productivity without sacrificing quality. May be required to provide PT evaluation and/or treatment at Tsali Care Center. May be required to provide PT evaluation and/or treatment at CIHA Satellite Clinics (SBC, CCC). May be necessary to work when administrative leave is granted if patient care would be compromised. Education/Experience Graduate of an accredited DPT program. Current North Carolina state Physical Therapist license or an accepted reciprocal state license. Requires a minimum of 3 years to become technically proficient. Job Knowledge Anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neuro-anatomy, neuro-psychology, bio‑mechanics, disease entities including causes, course of disease, symptoms and signs, treatment and prognosis. Therapeutic programs in physical therapy and how to devise them. Patient evaluation procedures and how to implement comprehensive patient treatment plans. The development of various therapeutic activities and an understanding of the education processes in order to instruct physical therapy patients. How to communicate and work effectively with others under varying conditions and situations. Regulatory agencies, practices, policies and procedures, and the ability to develop and maintain documentation required by certifying/accrediting agencies. Privacy Act regulations and HIPAA regulations governing the confidential safeguarding and dissemination of medical information and records. Computers and how they are used and store data, including basic word processing skills, the use of computerized software to develop exercise programs and the electronic medical record. Complexity of Duties Clinically, the work involves planning and carrying out a full range of therapy treatments using a wide variety of therapeutic modalities and techniques specific to standard physical therapy practice. It may also require training in wound care evaluation and treatment skills. A complex approach to clinical decision making is required while accounting for changes in patients’ needs or status, changes in the rehabilitation program, coding or billing requirements, technological developments, and evolution of knowledge in the broader medical fields. Supervision Received The incumbent is under the direct supervision of the Physical Therapy/Wound Care Department Manager. The Supervisory Physical Therapist approves the incumbent’s schedule. The incumbent works an 8‑hour shift Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. routinely, with rotation through on‑call weekend and holiday schedules as outlined in the PT policies and procedures. All assigned duties are performed in accordance with defined hospital regulations, policies, and procedures to accomplish each unit objective, priority, and deadline. The incumbent works independently, using initiative and judgment when interpreting procedures relative to established policies and objectives, consulting the supervisor when there is a conflict. The incumbent must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and is expected to attain skills to work alone on weekends and holidays. Responsibility for Accuracy A high degree of accuracy is required in navigating the Electronic Health Record, interpreting medical history and other relevant information from the record, interpreting physical therapy orders, performing daily procedures, and documenting efficiently in the EHR. Understanding of tribal eligibility criteria is also needed. Accuracy in routine communication with other healthcare providers and ancillary staff is essential. Contact With Others Frequent contact occurs with coworkers, other healthcare professionals, patients, and their families, requiring tact, courtesy, and diplomacy to maintain positive relationships. Contacts may be with providers requiring professionalism or informal, occurring in person, at routine meetings, or on the telephone. Daily work prioritizes developing relationships with patients and families and requires an understanding of cultural perspectives that influence each individual and the wider community. Cultural sensitivity and patient‑centered care are important for success. Confidential Data An above‑average degree of discretion is required. Adherence to HIPAA, federal law, and hospital and tribal confidentiality policies and procedures is mandatory. Access to all medical records and treatment plans involves maintaining complete confidentiality of all administrative, medical, and personnel records and any other pertinent information. Violations may result in adverse action, including dismissal. Mental/Visual/Physical The incumbent exercises initiative and independent judgment to plan and provide patient care services. The work is moderately active, requiring the ability to walk, sit, reach, bend, and rise while assisting with exercises, transfers, and ambulation. Prolonged standing and walking are required, as is the ability to perform manual therapy. Fine motor skills are needed for wound care and orthotic production. Job duties can be mentally or emotionally stressful at times. Visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear are required. The incumbent may occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. Environment The role involves various healthcare settings, including inpatient, inpatient behavioral health, the ER, and primary care. Use of standard PPE is required, and more comprehensive protection garments may be necessary depending on the situation. Customer Service The incumbent consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients and customers, aligning with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Excellent customer service is provided to all patients and customers, with continual opportunities to be of service. #J-18808-Ljbffr