Physical Therapist

Position: Physical Therapist Strength Level: Medium (DOT Standards) Supervisor: Therapy Manager/ Director of Rehab FLSA Status: Exempt Position Summary The Physical Therapist is a qualified, licensed professional who provides quality and efficient patient care to all ages of population in an outpatient rehabilitation program. A physical therapist will collaborate with occupational therapists and speech therapists when appropriate and supervise physical therapist assistants, physical therapy students and technicians as needed. Essential Functions Patient Care Lift minimum of 50 pounds Documentation and report writing In-service for staff, companies-patients Cleaning as needed Marginal Functions Ordering equipment Training of new PTs, PTAs, or other staff members Education/Experience Must be a graduate of an accredited physical therapy school and hold a current, valid Texas license or eligible for such (in the case of a new graduate) Must have a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in Physical Therapy Confidential Data Has full and complete access to patient records and financial information Conforms to all regulations and policies as outlined including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability) Orientation Orientation time frame of up to three months To be oriented by other physical therapists and the Director of Rehabilitation Patient Care Evaluates new patients using the appropriate evaluative tools. Recognizes when patients need to be referred to a physician. Can gather information using verbal, auditory, sensory, visual, olfactory, and tactile sources Provides treatment in a safe manner using safe patient care techniques. Receives and interprets information from patients including movement, posture, body mechanics, skin conditions, changes in appearance, and gait to compare to normal standards. Can receive and interpret aural information from patients including notation of discomfort, pain, or emergent conditions Can read and interpret patient charts, professional literature, and notes from patients, family members, physicians, and other health care providers Designs individualized treatment programs to meet the needs of the patient and re-evaluate the program a minimum of one time per week. Instructs patients in a home exercise program when professionally deemed necessary Can make physical contact with patients in a non-threatening way Has knowledge of modalities and can use as needed Willing to learn about and use equipment introduced into the clinic Maintains a minimal waiting time of less than 10 minutes from the set appointment time Communicates with patients at each visit to answer questions, concerns, review information, and explain new program additions as needed Supervises and critiques patients during their exercise program Makes recommendations for assistive devices and equipment when needed Participates in staff meetings with physicians, employers, patients, school systems, and staff as needed Reports equipment malfunction and does repairs as able Conforms to HIPAA regulations regarding patient/client information Must complete full CCUs and turn in for approval in allotted time frame Always maintains an active physical therapist license Report Writing – Documentation Can document treatment plans, daily notes, progress notes, and any other necessary documents in an accurate and proper manner to remain in compliance with guidelines of medical/ legal standards or laws Evaluation and reports are completed and sent to the appropriate person in a timely manner Progress notes are completed in a timely manner, prior to patient’s doctor visits, or otherwise needed (every 2-4 weeks) and contain all necessary information Other reports are completed as required Completes daily notes in patient charts within 24 hours of treating the patient Documents clearly and legibly in the patient’s record, to physicians, and other required documentation as necessary Completes discharge notes within 2 weeks of notification of patient completing therapy Sets specific, objective, quantifiable, and appropriate goals on all initial evaluations during documentation in the patient chart In-service for staff, companies, patients / Continuing education Attends all in-services as required for staff Provides educational training and in-service training as needed Attends approved continuing education classes as required, occasionally followed by an in-service to staff Cleaning Will clean mats and gym area as needed Will change pillowcases as needed Will fold linens as needed Will perform assigned cleaning duties Requirements Skills/Specialization Knowledge of proper use of modalities and other equipment used Computer skills needed, including electronic documentation Previous experience preferred Directs Work of Others / Number of employees for work / supervised 1 PT to provide therapy to a patient at a time, with assistance from technicians/ PTAs as available Assists with supervision of PT students, PTAs, PT techs, and volunteers. Measurements (Not all inclusive) Boxes to shelves - weighing up to 18 pounds empty, for stacking Weights to load boxes – 5–10-pound weights Sacks of material - 20-50 pounds Reaching overhead, to the floor, horizontally Assistance with patient transfers OSHA Category OSHA risk category 1- High Risk Number of Employees Supervised Helps orient, train, supervise PTA’s, technicians, volunteers, and students Physical requirements Be able to perform CPR, walk, and balance well enough to assist patients with walking and transferring without injury to self or patient Must have manual dexterity to safely operate and adjust buttons and dials on therapeutic modalities and other equipment. Must be able to measure vital signs Must use proper body mechanics to sit, stand, walk, lift, carry, push, pull and transport patients on a variety of surfaces to reduce injury risk Must be able to safely and effectively position hands and apply mobilization techniques or palpate body surfaces and tissue Physical Tasks Standing – Frequent Walking – Frequent Reaching overhead, to the floor, horizontally – Frequent Squatting – Occasional Sitting – Occasional to Frequent Seeing – Continuously Hearing – Continuously Speaking – Frequent Writing – Frequent Pushing – Occasional Pulling – Occasional Lifting at least 50# – Frequently Driving – Occasional Gripping – FrequentlyPinching – Occasional Psychological Considerations Ability to take initiative Able to communicate with doctors, patient’s family members, fellow employees, and employers in a respectful and professional manner. Ability to work under stressful conditions and at times under deadlines Willingness to do other tasks and duties as assigned Conducts self in a professional manner inside and outside of the clinic Employees have access to all patient information due to cross training and must conform to HIPAA regulations Cognitive/Motor Ability to read and write Ability to use a computer and type Ability to communicate clearly with patients, colleagues, physicians, other health care professionals, community, or professional groups in all the following manners: Orally, in writing, via computer, via telephone, and aurally Ability to problem solve Ability to understand new techniques of treatment Physiological Considerations May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, fumes, and dust, loud noises, or potential falling objects on ergonomic evaluations which could affect respiratory functions, hearing, and possible injury. Environmental Considerations Most of the work is done indoors. May be exposed to blood and body fluids and contagious diseases: OSHA risk- HIGH May find the need to perform emergency care. May be subjected to unpredictable situations. Reports To Therapy Manager/ Director of Rehabilitation Background Check Criminal background check Drug test Current CPR Current immunizations Driver’s license check License verification #J-18808-Ljbffr Lynn County Hospital District