Physical Therapist

Shift: Days, Full Time
State License Details: Upon Acceptance
Minimum Years of Experience: 1 year
Specialty Type: Rehabilitation Therapy
Sub Specialties: Physical Therapist

Responsibilities:

• Provides assessment, performs evaluation, identifies therapy diagnosis, formulates therapy treatment plan with goals and implements treatment of PT services to patients. Is responsible as the primary therapy provider to implement, supervise and modify a therapy plan of care based on assessment of patient response to optimize the outcome for each patient. Reviews clinical records and case histories. Attends care conferences, regular meetings/rounds and remains in contact with referring providers and other health care professionals to review patients status and individual needs within the health care team concept. Collaborates with other team members to assure appropriate medical equipment is arranged and care plan is established prior to discharge. Documents patient encounter findings and treatments including diagnoses, treatment plan, recommendations, and prognoses in appropriate format according to SEARHC policies.

• Provides services in a timely manner and according to regulatory requirements. Works with in-patient and out-patient populations in various settings as assigned. Directs the work of support staff, students or interns. Facilitates a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients and their families. Develops, implements and conducts patient education and therapy programs based on patient and/or family needs. Provides patients and families clear and concise home exercise programs to achieve the fullest rehabilitative potential. The provider ensures that these instructions are understood by asking for feedback and return demonstration of programs by patient or caregivers. Programs are taught demonstrating sensitivity to cross cultural issues. Advises patients and family members in methods that facilitate a capacity for self-care and independence, facilitating movement towards a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients and their families. Home programs are clear and concise, and the provider ensures that these instructions are understood by asking for feedback and demonstration of programs by patient or caregivers.

• Assists senior staff in administrative matters, clinic operations, and speciality/research areas as appropriate. Utilizes the hospital computer system to obtain patient information and to keep abreast of hospital directives. Participates in the timely and efficient flow of information via email and other digital platforms as appropriate. Provides summary of results, statistics and metrics as required by management. Assists in acquisition and fit of durable medical equipment/devices based on needs of patient. Maintains supply stocks and clinical equipment at acceptable levels. Remains current in specific billing procedures/mechanisms (Medicare, Medicaid and third-party payers) to aid in reimbursement of services, dispensable supplies and plan of care concurrence with referring providers. Maintains cleanliness of clinical space.

• Therapy services may be performed in a variety of settings that will be unique to the community or primary assignment. These can include, but not be limited to: Edgecumbe Hospital, Wrangell Medical Center, the patients home, Mt. Edgecumbe High School Student Health Clinic, SEARHC Community Clinics, community senior centers, Pioneer Home, health/job fairs, patients workplace, and other collaborative efforts between SEARHC Rehabilitative Services Department and the communities we serve. This may include participation with project or health promotion teams. Video conferencing may be used for patient encounters, training, and administrative duties with off-site locations. When appropriate, home assessments for evaluation of patients living arrangements may occur to allow for use of durable medical equipment and implementation of therapy plan in the home living environment. Occasional multi-day travel to remote locations by boat or small plane may be required and may occur in inclimate or harsh weather.

• Educates staff on PT issues and educates patient/family with therapeutic exercises, activities and equipment. Assists in committee and management duties and represents the Rehabilitation Services Department as requested. Provides therapy consultation, presentations, and in-services to medical staff, consultants, and other interdisciplinary health care personnel and patient populations regarding therapy services as assigned. This may include participation with project or health promotion teams. In order to keep current with knowledge of therapy procedures/techniques and improve clinical service staff will participate as a learner or teacher in clinical education, in-service, etc. Continuing educational funds will be allocated for the benefit of the department. Adheres to the regulatory and practice standards of PT set by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Follows all SEARHC confidentiality and quality assurance standards; participates in SEARHC SQM functions, utilizes SQM principles in all aspects of the job. Demonstrates sensitivity to cross cultural issues.

• Performs other duties or activities as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience

• Entry level qualifying masters or doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from a accredited program or
• Graduate from an APTA approved program of Physical Therapy at the Baccalaureate level with 2 years proven work and Continuing Education experience that indicates applicant has mastered the knowledge base that would typically be taught in a masters program.
• Broad-based clinical experience in multiple settings preferred.

License/Certification

• Licensed as a Physical Therapist.
• Current Basic Life Support certification.
• Valid Drivers license.