Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist provides a full range of physical therapy evaluation methods and treatment interventions including administration of physical modalities. Assists with the administrative functions of the physical therapy department as needed including attending assigned meetings, adjusting patient schedules, participating in supply inventory/ordering, and participating in quality improvement.

This position is located within the Physical Therapy Department of the Tohono O'odham Nation Sells Hospital, located in Sells, Arizona.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides evaluation tests and measures and interprets findings in order to establish a physical therapy intervention or plan of care.
• Helps restore patient's physical function and mobility to perform everyday activities and boost their quality of life.
• Provides a full-range of physical therapy evaluation methods and treatment interventions including administration of physical modalities (heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, laser/light, iontophoresis, mechanical traction, etc.), therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and gait/functional training.
• Maintains daily documentation of all treatments provided with written assessment of patient's status for all contacts.
• Documents information/patient care on to the patient's PCC Ambulatory Care Record and/or electronic health record (EHR).
• Maintains patient records and keeps track of goals and progress.
• Performs intake procedures by obtaining chief compliant, purpose of visit, vital signs, pulse oximetry; routing patients and labeling specimens, etc.
• Initiates emergency measure, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), appropriate to skill level, assist with retrieving emergency medical equipment.
• Assists health providers in examination of patients by; explaining procedures, positioning the patient; assembling, arranging and draping instruments; and gathering supplies.
• Assists with escorting/transporting patient to various hospital departments (i.e. laboratory, radiology).
• Instructs patients on patient's role in various procedures and assists with chaperoned examinations.
• Assists with the administrative functions of the physical therapy department as needed including attending assigned meetings, adjusting patient schedules, participating in supply inventory/ordering, and participating in quality improvement.
• Obtains medical records and screens charts for possible implementation of other necessary forms that may be required with the patient's visit.
• Understands and provides basic infection control, patient isolation and universal precautions.
• Assists with program development and continued interaction with community groups as indicated.
• Assists with day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of Physical Therapy Department and its equipment.
• Maintains a courteous and professional manner when in contact with patients, family, and other customers.
• Assists in orientation of new personnel.
• Adheres to Privacy Act regulations, HIPAA and maintains patient confidentiality.
• Perform duties and responsibilities as a Center Coordinator for Clinical Education (CCCE).
• Plans, develops and performs data collection for research on physical therapy methods, treatments and techniques. Submission of written studies for peer review and journal publishing.
• Participates in the continuous Performance Improvement Program.
• Contributes to a team effort and performs other job related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge and understanding of the cultural needs of the patients.
• Knowledge of physical therapy theory, professional medical rehabilitation and therapeutic principles or extensive clinical experience and training to develop individual treatment programs for each patient referred in the areas of physical disabilities, neuromuscular and psychosocial dysfunctions.
• Knowledge of the procurement system established and the methods used to supply the Ambulatory Care Department.
• Knowledge of highly specialized concepts, principles and practices to assess, diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of neuromuscular disorders of diverse complexity and etiology, often requiring tasks of considerable difficulty.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; Microsoft Word; Microsoft Excel; design software; internet software; and familiarity with electronic database health record systems.
• Skill and experience with health care principles, practices and procedures including physical and emotional assessment, establishment of physical therapy goals, construction and implementation of a physical therapy program and evaluation of the results.
• Skill and experience to apply physical therapy methods, concepts, procedures and practices to develop short and long-term intervention plans according to the patient's condition.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to instruct patients, family, staff, students, and other health care providers in treatment plans, procedures and techniques, and document physical therapy intervention.
• Ability to teach patients how to properly use therapeutic exercise techniques.
• Ability to provide consultation services and communicate and teach information to staff and patients
• Ability to work effectively under mental and emotional pressure of emergency situations.
• Ability to uphold all principles of confidentiality and patient care to the fullest extent.
• Is compassionate, patient and attentive to detail.
• Maintains positive professional attitude, demonstrates good interpersonal communications skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; and one (1) year of clinical experience as Physical Therapist.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Must possess a current, active and unrestricted Physical Therapy licensure from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• Must have current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification with Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and a National FBI fingerprint check are required to determine suitability for employment, including a 39-month driving record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, the incumbent(s) may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham Language and English as a condition of employment.