PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Physical Therapist

Expected pay for this position is $43.84-$65.76. Actual pay will be determined by experience, skills and internal equity. MDH benefits package includes: medical, dental, vision 457B and employer match for FT employees company paid STD and LTD.

Job Summary: Plans, organizes, and implements specific medically prescribed physical therapy treatment programs for individual patients to detect, assess and restore function and prevent disability following disease, injury, or loss of a body part; helps patient reach his maximum performance and assume a place in society while learning to live within limits of his/her capabilities. Collaborates with interdisciplinary treatment team.

Job Specifications

Education and Experience: B.S., M.S., or D.P.T. in physical therapy from an accredited program offering training in this specialty, plus a supervised clinical internship. Illinois license and registration or a permit from licensing board while awaiting licensure examination is required. No previous experience is necessary. Must have valid driver’s license for Home Health/Hospice if applicable. Current CPR certification is required.

Job Knowledge: The physical therapist must be aware of the relative value and limitations of each piece of equipment and skilled in the use of a broad range of modalities with a clear understanding of indications and contraindications of each modality. He/she must be able to apply knowledge of anatomy, neuroanatomy, physiology and physical science to specialized techniques in treatment of patient, and know how to position patients with various conditions for different types of treatments. The patient population must be considered when assessing job knowledge from the employee.

Abilities, Interests and Temperaments: Verbal ability is necessary to understand medical terminology and how it applies to physical therapy; to communicate with patients, staff and physicians; and to prepare meaningful reports. Spatial and form perception is necessary to visualize anatomical structure of the disabled part of the body and the relation of the therapeutic devices in remedial actions. Clerical perception is necessary to keep accurate records of patients’ treatments, reactions, and evaluation of progress. Motor coordination and manual and finger dexterity are most necessary when treating patients and handling therapeutic equipment and apparatus. A preference for working with people to meet the therapeutic needs of the disabled. A preference for people communicating with the disabled and motivating them toward recovery. Ability to perform in situations requiring direction, control, or planning of an activity or the activities of others to initiate and conduct therapy programs. Must be able to form conclusions reflecting patients’ progress on basis of both sensory and/or judgmental criteria and measurable or verifiable criteria, indicated by their reaction to therapy activities. Must successfully complete departmental specific orientation(s) and ongoing hospital-wide CBLs (Computerized Based Learning) participate in departmental inservices, and demonstrates competency by completing departmental specific competency testing/evaluation program. Must have the ability to work with a variety of patients of all populations (e.g. developmentally appropriate care, cultural diversity, patients with pain, victims of abuse or neglect, and diagnosis or procedure specific such as patient with congestive heart failure or cesarean delivery).