Therapy - PT

Physical Therapist

Primarily outpatient, with some acute care coverage. This position delegates responsibility to the Physical Therapist Assistant and Aides. Activities of this position are patient-focused and utilize assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in accordance with physical therapy standards, physician orders, and governing policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Evaluates the patient's function by performing formal/informal testing measures to determine the skeletal, neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular status.
• Develops a goal-specific treatment regime based on assessment data and the patient's tolerance to carry out the treatment plan as prescribed.
• Submits a written treatment regime to be included as part of the plan of treatment authorized by and coordinated with the physician.
• Updates plan of care as needed to reflect changes in patient status.
• Co-signs verbal orders received by physical therapist assistants as necessary.
• Devises a schedule of treatment, which is frequency and duration-specific to be discussed with patient/family/caregiver and coordinated with clinical support staff.
• Educates patient, family, and/or caregiver regarding pathology or condition, patient alternatives, prognosis, and rationale for treatment through forms of rest, exercise, modalities, and other indicated interventions.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides supervision for Physical Therapist Assistants, Physical Therapy Aides, Home Health Aides, and students per affiliate and regulatory standards.
• Recommends adaptive/supportive equipment based on assessment; contacts appropriate representative and/or supplier to place order.
• Documents the patient/family/caregiver response to treatment and changes in patient condition per documentation policies and/or standards and in compliance with regulatory agencies.
• Completes daily documentation necessary for procedures per policy and in compliance with regulatory agencies.
• Provides treatment intervention and demonstrates competence to facilitate or restore optimal functioning specific to patient care area.
• Educates patient/family/caregiver in home education program using relevant and effective teaching methods.
• Demonstrates effective oral and written communication with all internal and external customers to maximize quality of patient care including coordination with interdisciplinary team members.
• Promotes education and development among staff, students, and other health care providers using relevant and effective teaching methods.
• Participates in team conferences and interdisciplinary meetings as appropriate.
• Promotes physical therapy and provides community education.
• Functions as case manager for assigned cases.
• Demonstrates commitment to mission through customer service and teamwork.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and affiliate information in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Interpersonal skills needed for effective verbal and written communication in English to interact with people individually and in a group at all levels.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrating problem-solving, organizational skills, time management skills, and initiative.
• Ability to work where exposure to communicable diseases may occur.
• Ability to use personal protective equipment correctly.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with reasonable accommodation.
• Demonstrates and teaches selected treatment routines to appropriate professional and non-professional individuals.

Physical/Mental Requirements and Typical Working Conditions:

• Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, trauma, grief, and death.
• Able to move freely about a facility with or without an assisted device.
• Must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
• Requires frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Some exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials is required.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and maintain regular attendance.
• Overall dexterity is required, including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering, and feeling.
• Physical demand level: Medium.
• Must be able to occasionally lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently 20 lbs., and constantly 10 lbs.