PHYSICAL THERAPIST

SUMMARY

Provides physical therapy consultation, evaluation and direct treatment; functions as a member of an interdisciplinary team and acts as a resource to staff and the general public regarding assigned areas of responsibility. Functions independently to fulfill professional roles of physical therapy clinical practice with regard to confidentiality of patient information, accurate and timely completion of patient evaluation and treatment, and appropriate communication with patients, families and interdisciplinary team. Provides clinical supervision of Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA), physical therapy students, rehab aides, and volunteers.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs comprehensive evaluations including patient history and assessment, and develops a plan of care based on sound therapeutic judgment
• Evaluation of the following may be included: gross motor, developmental sequencing/milestones, motor planning, skill acquisition, and prosthetic use
• Based on evaluation, formulates therapy plan, including patient goals and planned treatments. Makes independent decisions in adherence with California laws and regulations
• May use exercise, stretching, manual therapy, taping, and equipment in providing care. Applies and removes splints and other equipment as needed
• Makes recommendation for self-management or additional treatment
• Evaluates patient progress, modifying treatment plan as needed
• Provides patient and family education
• Participates in multi-disciplinary team meeting in support of optimal patient care
• Provides care with the highest level of customer focused service
• Works effectively with physicians and other health team members to meet comprehensive needs for effective patient care
• Documents medical information and charts on timely basis
• Provides supervision of other physical therapists (PT) as assigned, PTAs, physical therapy students, rehab aides, and volunteers including contributing to performance appraisals
• Ensures equipment used for patient treatment is safe, sanitary, and/or in proper working condition prior to patient care
• Participates in departmental performance improvement projects
• Participates in the Physical Therapy Clinical Education program as a student preceptor as assigned
• Participates in the review and revision of departmental protocols and standards of care for treatment of specialized patient groups and department policies and procedures within required timeframes as requested by the department manager
• Performs clerical and fiscal optimization duties as assigned or requested

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND SUCCESS INDICATORS

• Patient outcomes meet or exceed standards as evidenced by successful completion of treatment
• Medical records are completed in a timely manner as evidenced by Medical Records Department documentation
• Billing meets professional standards as evidenced by random chart audits
• Positive patient, physician and staff relations as evidenced by satisfaction surveys, confidence level and positive comments

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program, required
• California State Physical Therapy license, required
• Five to Seven (5-7) years of experience in the profession preferred
• BLS certification required
• Bilingual preferred