Physical Therapist I - Outpatient - Atrium Health Physical Therapy Greater Charlotte Float - FT

This float position will support Atrium Health Physical Therapy clinics in the Greater Charlotte area.

Major Responsibilities

Age-Appropriate Patient Care: Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Patient Evaluation and Care Planning: Interprets medical records and provider referrals as appropriate, and completes musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and/or integumentary evaluations utilizing appropriate methods. Establishes an appropriate patient care plan utilizing evidence-based intervention in accordance with state(s) Physical Therapy Practice Act to include necessary modalities, procedures, exercise programs, and patient/caregiver education as warranted by clinical diagnosis. Recommends next level of care, directs support staff, supervises physical therapy assistants, and ensures quality outcomes. Treatments may include but are not limited to: education, exercise, therapeutic groups, modalities, gait, balance, coordination activities, sensory motor development, functional mobility, and transfer skills. Identifies the need for and utilizes appropriate assistive orthotic devices and adaptive strategies. Demonstrates knowledge of indications and contraindications to all therapeutic interventions utilized.

Goal Setting and Outcome Monitoring: Establishes functional goals in conjunction with the patient/caregiver and monitors outcomes to enhance physical and functional abilities. Provides individualized adjustments based on the patient's response to treatment and continuous reassessment. Identifies factors affecting a patient's physical and psychosocial comfort and attends to these needs. Communicates with providers, clinical staff, referral sources, and other disciplines to keep all stakeholders informed on the patient's progress and plan of care. Collaborates with other disciplines to coordinate the patient's schedule

Patient and Caregiver Education: Provides education to the patient and caregivers based on patient needs. Identifies and addresses preferences and learning barriers. Provides patient and caregiver education regarding diagnosis, progress toward goals, treatment intervention, and home instruction. Supports patient discharge by providing written home programs, education, and recommending necessary equipment to promote functionality.

Professional Communication: Communicates in a professional and timely manner with patient/caregivers, providers, staff, and all external customers. Responds to questions by staff. Promotes an open atmosphere of communication. Informs supervisor of issues and resolutions to potential problems. Communicates information with patients and caregivers and ensures understanding. May attend patient care meetings and participate in multi-disciplinary meetings to integrate care and coordinate schedules with other disciplines.

Documentation and Compliance: Completes all required documentation including patient evaluations, progress notes, patient education, team conference reports, discharge summaries, and billing charges. Complies with insurance guidelines regarding authorization and visit limitations. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient/caregiver education, charges and departmental statistics, and ICD codes as appropriate. Responsible for maintaining site/department established productivity standards. Responsible for understanding and adhering to all billing and documentation policies, procedures, and timelines.

Environment: Shares responsibility in maintaining a clean and orderly department by cleaning up after patient treatment and ensuring all equipment is placed correctly and maintained in good working order.

Professional Development: Pursues professional growth by participating in continuing education initiatives, department in-services, and reviewing professional literature implementing evidence-based practices into daily operations.

Operational Improvement: Actively engages in performance improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care outcomes and overall quality of services. Demonstrates clinical responsibility by identifying opportunities for both quality and operational improvement within daily practice. Participates in process review and development, consistently bringing forward questions, concerns, and potential solutions. Manages assigned caseload, informing site leadership of coverage needs and ability to cover; assists with coverage, based on department needs and regional needs.

Float: Meets all requirements for Level 1 outlined in the Enterprise Float Program and applicable Human Resources policies. Must demonstrate the ability to practice competently across assigned departments and/or locations and adapt to varying clinical or operational environments based on organizational need.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required

Physical Therapy License administered in the state(s) of employment.

Possesses and maintains Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers

Maintains continuing education requirements as mandated by applicable state(s) professional standards

Education Required

Obtained degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) preferred or educational requirements commensurate with the date of graduation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

Intermediate computer skills

Demonstrates excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational skills to promote effective decision-making, and problem-solving.

Ability to perform basic office functions

Complies with HIPAA guidelines. Accesses protected health information (PHI) reasonably and shares information on a need-to-know basis.

Successfully completes all competency assessments/requirements pertaining to provision of patient care and consistent with site standards.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, and squat throughout the workday

Must be able to:

lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist

lift up to 10 lbs. from waist to overhead

lift and carry up to 40 lbs. at waist height a reasonable distance

Must be able to: 

push/pull with 30 lbs. of force

perform a sliding of 150 lbs. with a second person present

Position requires repetitive use of hands:
Simple grasping - 5-15 lbs. - 20% of the workday
Pushing/pulling - up to 75-100 lbs. - 10% of the day
Fine manipulation of hands during massage and joint mobilization

Must have functional use of senses to allow for effective communication

Must have intelligible speech and adequate language skills to perform job duties

Must be able to demonstrate any appropriate exercise and activities to patients/caregivers

May be exposed to electrical and chemical hazards as well as blood and body fluids. Must have ability to wear protective clothing and equipment as needed

Position may require travel; therefore, may be exposed to road and weather hazards

Work environment is primarily indoors but occasionally outdoors

Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job

May make home visits

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Employees may be required to perform other related duties as assigned and responsibilities may be modified to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.