Physical Therapist 1, FT, Days

Position Summary:
Physical Therapist 1 is professional work in administering physical therapy treatments in a rehabilitation department. Physical Therapists I are responsible for performing a full range of physical therapy treatments, following physician prescriptions and combining professional therapeutically skill with knowledge of fundamental theory and objectives of rehabilitation. Employees in this classification develop therapy treatment plans, evaluate patient progress, decide on treatment modifications, and prepare analytical progress notes. Incumbents are assigned to exercise modality areas, clinics and hospital wards, treating patients with a wide variety of disabilities. An additional responsibility is for the training of Physical Therapy Aides. Work is performed in accordance with recognized professional principles and techniques, and professional judgment is required in development and modification of treatment plans and evaluation of patient progress.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Evaluates and treats each patient according to their specific needs considering diagnosis, age, functional status, and previous medical history. Establishes and implements an effective physical therapy treatment plan of care and modifies plan as patient status changes. Documents patient evaluation, daily progress notes, patient care plans, weekly progress notes in the medical chart, on appropriate forms in established time frame. Completes daily charge vouchers for assigned patients by the end of each work day. Participates as an active rehabilitation team member, attending rounds and family conferences interacting and reporting in a professional, organized manner and working as part of the team. Accurately measures patients, orders and performs check-out of wheelchairs and other physical therapy equipment for patient use in a timely and cost conscious manner acknowledging future growth and/or physical changes. Prepares and instructs patients in written home physical therapy programs. Develops age-specific patient education materials and/or classes for patients and staff as required. Demonstrates competence in the safe and effective use of therapeutic equipment. Develops and maintains Management by Objectives with the unit Asst. Chief. Updates them yearly, and reviews progress with Asst. Chief on a quarterly basis. Attends and participates in unit, department and mandatory Rehabilitation Center and hospital in-services to ensure appropriate understanding and knowledge of policies and procedures related to all patient and employee safety issues. Schedules, prepares and delivers unit and department in-services as assigned. Arrives on time, prepared to work at scheduled starting time working in an efficient, organized manner. Assist in overseeing and coordinating the learning experience of physical therapy students during their internships and education practicum's with the C.C.C.E., and Senior Physical Therapist of the unit. Performs thorough, appropriate evaluation procedures specific to patients age which may include, but not be limited to the following: patient history, sensation, proprioception, muscle strength, axial and peripheral joint ROM, gait analysis, body composition. Administers physical therapy treatment using, but not limited to the following procedures/physical agents: Manually and mechanically applied passive, active, isokinetic exercise and conditioning; Electrical stimulation - TENS, Galvanic, Low Volt, High Volt. Participates in goal directed therapeutic recreation activities in a safe and therapeutic manner, recognizing patient age and interests. Assists in the development and implementation of the units; Quality Improvement program with guidance from the unit Asst. Chief and Senior physical therapist. Assist Unit and Chief of Department to identify ways to improve department services. Possesses and maintains understanding of the principles of growth and development. Assesses data reflective of the patients status and interprets the information needed to identify the patients requirements relative to his/her specific needs. Maintains sensitivity to the psychosocial needs of the patient while explaining, coaching and reassuring the patient and his/her family on the proper techniques of therapeutic exercise. Participates in clinical research as it relates to improving patient care. Treats patients, co-workers and visitors in a professional manner. Follows and performs all related unit specific policies and procedures, as detailed on the unit specific competency check-list. Utilizes job and unit specific equipment as required. Demonstrates behaviors of service excellence and CARE values (Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Expertise). Performs all other related job duties as assigned. Performs additional advanced job duties, as outlined in the Rehab Clinical Ladder, which must be pre-approved and determined by the Rehab Committee.