Physical Therapy Specialist

Summary:

Provides Physical Therapy Services to patients referred, including assessment, treatment plan development and implementation with the follow-up and discharge planning. Actively assists with clinical aspects of the department, including program development, department operations and Performance Improvement activities. Assists with supervising and coordinating the Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant student programs. In addition, supervises Licensed Physical Therapy Assistants, Rehab Technicians, and Volunteers.

Responsibilities:

• Performs comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to determine the status of the physical, cognitive abilities of inpatients and outpatients, considering diagnosis and age specific needs. 
• Develops and implements, with patient/family participation, individualized treatment plans, as indicated, considering diagnosis and age specific needs, with measurable goals and methods to achieve goals. 
• Adheres consistently to the P&Ps relating to documentation, to include: Initial Patient Evaluations, Daily and Weekly Progress notes as required, Discharge Summaries and other notations as appropriate. 
• Participates in patient care conferences, family conferences, in-service programs, and departmental and interdepartmental meetings. 
• Counsels both patient (if appropriate), family, and other involved individuals regarding patient evaluation, care, and treatment. Initiates and completes discharge planning in a timely manner and provides effective education and training. 
• Assists with coordination and supervision of the Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant student programs, as well as the volunteer program. 
• Actively assists with clinical aspects of the department including orientation of new associates, scheduling of patients to assure quality patient coverage and appropriate staff supervision, as necessary. 
• Demonstrates adherence to the CORE values of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System. 
• Understands, supports, and participates in Performance Improvement activities. 
• Complies with and develops efficient and creative ways to maintain departmental productivity standards. 
• Maintains an awareness of other agencies within the community in order to make appropriate referrals, when indicated, to network and to increase knowledge of community resources. 
• Identifies and provides educational opportunities for self, department, and community. Participates in research activities as appropriate. 
• Demonstrates competence to perform assigned patient care responsibilities in a manner that meets the age-specific and developmental, and population specific needs of patients served by the department. 
• Appropriately adapts assigned patient assessment, treatment, and/or care methods to accommodate the unique physical, psychological, cultural, age-specific, and other developmental needs of each patient served. 
• Fosters and promotes positive and professional relationships with members of the medical staff, physicians, and referral sources.
• Performs other related duties as directed. 

Requirements:

Education/Skills

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or entry level Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited college or university in the area of Physical Therapy is required.
• All modalities/equipment used by a Physical Therapist as outlined by the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners. 

Experience

• None required. 

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• Licensed as a Physical Therapist by the Texas Executive Council of Physical and Occupational Therapy Examiners.
• BLS certification is required.
• Must also successfully complete the pre-employment/post job offer health screening examination and the annual screening, each year thereafter as an employee.

W ork Schedule:

MULTIPLE SHIFTS AVAILABLE

Work Type:

Per Diem As Needed