Physical Therapist

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Assists assigned patients in achieving maximum functional potential by facilitating and teaching motor skills.

REPORTS TO

• Director—Home Health Care

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Minimum Education: Bachelors Degree required; Masters Degree Preferred.

Degree: Degree in Physical Therapy required.

License/Certification Required: Licensed Physical Therapist

Minimum Work Experience: 1 year experience in pediatric therapy preferred

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Graduate of a nationally accredited physical therapy program.
• Uses multiple therapeutic modalities.
• Demonstrates professional judgment.
• Outstanding communication skills.
• Capable of multitasking.
• Attentive to detail.
• Highly organized.
• Flexible.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Completes evaluations of assigned patients in accordance with the established standards of care and practice:
• Independently performs consultations/evaluations on patients according to standards. Identifies needs and strengths that reflect an accurate assessment of the patient’s status, per documentation. Completes comprehensive assessment based on patient’s medical and developmental status. Performs ongoing assessment of pain and modifies treatment plan accordingly. Completes reassessment for patients whose care is ongoing per Home Health policy and/or Federal/State requirements.
• Develops a Plan of Care to promote optimum function and safety as documented in the clinical record:
• Partners with patients and caregivers to establish goals for Plan of Care. Establishes interventions and specific measurable outcomes that are consistent with identified needs and strengths. Identifies goals and outcomes that are realistic, measurable and address functional needs and strengths. Modifies and updates the plan of care as patient status warrants or as required by policy.
• Provides skilled therapy, reassessing patient status during each session ensuring quality of care:
• Selects and performs therapeutic techniques and that are appropriate to patient’s needs and medical status, reflecting therapist’s clinical knowledge and theory. Provides patient/caregiver education regarding treatment, precautions and equipment use and documents patient/caregiver understanding/demonstration provided. Provides instructions for home program activities and verifies care giver comprehension. Plans discharge or transition throughout the course of treatment based on patient response, caregiver goals, participation, progress and medical condition.
• Completes all documentation of services per department standards: Independently writes clear, concise, relevant and inclusive documentation that facilitates communication of the patient’s status and ongoing needs. Therapist adheres to all procedures and documentation standards. Submits accurate and complete visits for each day on a daily basis.
• Coordinates patient care with other clinical team members ensuring optimal patient care and communication as noted in the clinical record: Identifies the need for and makes referrals to other disciplines following established criteria. Exhibits knowledge about care provided by other disciplines and communicates effectively with patient, family and team members to reach optimum patient outcomes.
• Meets departmental productivity requirements. As indicated by daily completion of documentation and synchronization. Complies with established patient attendance, progress and caregiver participation practices. Meets all competencies for work specific assignments as indicated by peer to peer review and annual supervisory visits.
• Promotes and maintains professional relationships with other departments. Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible and courteous environment. Is sensitive to the needs, feelings and capabilities of others. Approaches others in a non-threatening way and pleasant manner and treats them with respect. Is sensitive to the needs, feelings and capabilities of others. Approaches others in a non-threatening way and pleasant manner and treats them with respect.
• Promotes and maintains effective communication:
• Responds timely to messages from physicians, other departments/disciplines, families/caregivers and other internal and external customers. Addresses conflicts in a timely and professional manner. Communicates upward, keeping coordinator/director informed of pertinent issues and concerns. Assesses situations and implement most appropriate communication style, i.e. guiding, directing, following, etc. Communicates politely and respectfully, promoting collaborative relationships. Expresses alternate points of view in a non-threatening way. Knows when it’s appropriate to compromise and when it is important to take a stand.
• Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and intra-departmentally to facilitate the department’s/unit ability to meet its goals and objectives.
• Participates in providing an environment conducive to learning for students from the professional schools utilizing the hospital for clinical experience.
• Works on projects as part of a team, exchanging ideas and contributing skills that complement those of other team members. Fulfills commitments to team members.
• Exhibits innovative thinking. Looks for ways to improve effectiveness by implementing new ideas and more efficient approaches.
• Willingly accepts any other assignments that may be requested.
• Utilizes hospital resources and time respectfully and accountably.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Light lifting, pushing and pulling is required for 10-20 lbs occasionally and frequent moving of objects of less than 10 lbs is required. Frequent sitting with some walking, standing, squatting, bending and reaching is required. Keyboard/computer use and/or repetitive motions may be required. 

Come work where you can make a difference everyday.