PHYSICAL THERAPIST / NEUROLOGICAL PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Job Description Summary

Responsible for evaluation and treatment of patients with a variety of neurological, balance, deconditioning and physical disorders, working cooperatively with an interdisciplinary team and department to achieve goals and objectives for the provision of optimal patient care services. Organizes and directs the treatment activities of patient assistants, rehabilitation aides and/or co-op students.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1) Patient Care

a) Provides appropriate and comprehensive evaluations, re-evaluations and treatments through discharge, in accordance with established departmental and discipline specific standards of care and practice and within insurance parameters as required
b) Evaluates, plans, directs and implements patient care using evidence-based practice
c) Practices within the legal boundaries of Massachusetts license and other professional and governmental agencies
d) Provides appropriate direction to licensed staff working under their plans of care
e) Directs other licensed and non-licensed personnel as required, such as Rehab aides and volunteers. Delegates duties to other staff appropriately understanding their role, knowledge and capability
f) Follows the organization’s infection control standards
g) Maintains patient safety practices throughout all instances of patient care
h) Identifies impairments that reflect an accurate assessment of the patient’s status
i) Establishes goals in collaboration with the patient that are realistic, measurable and functional
j) Develops an appropriate plan of care based on evaluation findings that include rehab potential and prognosis as well as frequency and duration of follow up care
k) Implements appropriate treatment interventions based on established goals
l) Provides initial and ongoing patient education and/or home exercise program as necessary
m) Interacts with patients and family in a compassionate manner, demonstrating confidence, empathy, sensitivity and patience.
n) Discharges patient from service when skilled therapy is no longer appropriate
o) Supports South Shore Health and department mission, vision and values
p) Adheres to South Shore Health policies and procedures

2) Documentation/Billing
a) Follows department standards for completing all documentation, discharge and charge entry
b) Writes clear and complete documentation that reflects the patient’s current status and ongoing needs
c) Adheres to all South Shore Health and department guidelines and standards for documentation regarding timeliness, accuracy and completeness
d) Takes responsibility to provide accurate information during handoff
e) Accurately performs all aspects of charge capture including
i) Entering charges that reflect the documented treatment provided
ii) Application of appropriate modifiers
iii) Charge correction
iv) Co-treatment and concurrent/group treatment sessions

3) Productivity
a) Strives to meet 100% productivity standard for primary area(s)

4) Technology

a) Possesses a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization
b) Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently
c) Accurately uses all software applications as needed for job performance

5) Communication
a) Communicates effectively with staff, peers, colleagues, patients and family members in all manners of communication (written, verbal, non-verbal)
b) Appropriately uses all forms of South Shore Health communication in accordance with standard practices
c) Responds in a timely manner when feedback is requested

6) Professional Development
a) Assumes responsibility for maintaining ongoing professional development
b) Embraces change in clinical practice based on evolving advances in evidence
c) Demonstrates willingness to provide supervision of clinical students
d) Demonstrates awareness of performance initiatives and incorporates them into practice
e) Establishes and strives to achieve annual goals
f) Takes advantage of learning opportunities for professional growth such as attending in-services, conferences, and/or reading professional articles

7) Professional Behaviors
a) Maintain a professional and appropriate manner of conversation
b) Maintain composure during stressful situations
c) Complete clinical and non-clinical tasks as well as assigned activities according to policies, practice guidelines and assigned deadlines
d) Utilize critical thinking and problem solving in day to day operations as well as in emergent situations
e) Communicates appropriately and effectively following chain of command
f) Demonstrates dependability and flexibility in meeting scheduling needs of the department

Non-Essential Functions
1) Demonstrates willingness to identify and/or assume activities relative to the developmental needs of the Health System or department
2) Performs other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education - Required

BS, MS or DPT from accredited physical therapy school

Minimum Work Experience

Previous clinical experience/rehabilitation experience preferred; orthopedic rehabilitation experience desirable.

Required Licenses

PT - Licensed Physical Therapist

Maintain active license to practice Physical Therapy in Massachusetts

Required Classes/Skills -

BLS - Basic Life Support