Job Summary

Responsible for evaluation, planning, directing, and administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician. Coordinates, delegates and supervises responsibilities assigned to supportive staff (RCNA, PTA, PTLA, etc.). Participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities. Provides input in formulating budget, assists in evaluating department performance versus budget controls and takes appropriate action to remain in budget guidelines.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

• Knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
• Knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.
• Responsible for direction of the Physical Therapy Department certified staff, including Physical Therapy Assistants and Physical Therapy Aides and Restorative CNAs.
• Able to evaluate a patient’s condition and devise an individualized physical rehabilitation and treatment plan to enhance strength, flexibility, range of motion, motor control, and reduce any pain, discomfort and swelling the patient is experiencing.
• Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, recommends change to physician as needed.
• Ability to perform an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and the general patient population.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Administers treatments and physical agents as prescribed by a referring physician in an effort to restore function and prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability.
• Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of physical therapy modalities.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Ensures that patient changes are accurate and entered on a timely basis.
• Participates in all infection prevention and control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety and fire safety programs.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff and administrative team.
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Maintains records pertinent to staff and operation of the department.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Assists with orientation and inservice training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs.
• Provides evaluation of certified staff including interviewing, hiring, evaluating and termination

Regulatory Requirements

• Current State Physical Therapy Licensure, graduate of an approved school of Physical Therapy or graduate of accredited college or university with a certificate in Physical Therapy.
• Three (3) or more years of previous experience in all aspects of physical therapy.
• Current BCLS certification.