Job Description

Responsible for the evaluation, planning, directing and administering of physical therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician. 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.

OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs preparatory data gathering necessary to adequately evaluate the patient's needs prior to initial patient contact; reviews patient records; confers with the treating physician; collaborates with nursing staff and other members of the health care team regarding each patient.
• Exhibits accuracy in performing patient evaluations; interprets results within scope of licensure.
• Performs evaluations in a setting appropriate to the patient's disability, age and psychosocial needs. Exhibits respect for the needs of the patient/family.
• Appropriately assesses the needs of the patient in accordance with level of licensure; formulates realistic and appropriate short- and long-term treatment goals. Discusses these goals with the patient/family and other members of the health care team.
• Develops and implements therapy programs specific to each patient in accordance with the prescribed physician treatment. Therapy program is based upon evaluation results.
• Demonstrates innovation, skill and efficiency in developing and implementing patient treatment programs. Exhibits ability to design treatment programs for patients with varying degrees/types of disabilities and multiple medical problems.
• Performs treatment programs in accordance with pre-established protocols/procedures, as appropriate, to the provided treatment plan and level of functioning.
• Collaborates with members of the rehabilitation team to develop the most appropriate treatment plan consistent with the needs and level of functioning of each patient.
• Completes a comprehensive written evaluation for the medical record after the initial evaluation has been performed. Documents in clear and concise language, using objective data, in the progress and discharge notes according to departmental and facility standards, policies and procedures.
• Maintains active and supportive communication with the patient/family and members of the health care team, as appropriate, regarding the outcome of evaluation activities, treatment programs, clinical concerns, home care programs and other issues related to the progress of the patient through the therapeutic process.
• Develops innovative home programs individualized to meet the needs of the patient/family. Instructs the patient and family in these programs.
• Initiates consideration of patient discharge on the day of admission to facilitate transition to the home care environment.
• Monitors accurate, current documentation of patient evaluations, progress, discharge status, patient participation and other data elements as defined in departmental policies and procedures.
• Ensures that all patient charges are recorded on the appropriate billing log and forwarded to the Billing Department daily.
• Provides clinical direction to occupational therapy assistants and aides; assigns entire or components of treatment programs to rehabilitation services support staff; performs initial evaluation of the patient prior to assigning patients to assistant or aides.
• Organizes daily work schedule, allowing appropriate amounts of time for preparation and completion of tasks. Coordinates and reassesses schedule with other staff members throughout the work day.
• Develops the work schedule for assistants and aides to ensure maximum departmental efficiency.
• Accurately delegates parts of treatment programs to assistants and aides for overall departmental efficiency; uses supportive personnel to perform duties within their abilities in order to allow the therapist more time to concentrate on patient care as a number one priority. Prioritizes and directs patient care delegating components of treatment progress to assistants and aides. Maximizes use of support staff to allow for clinical focus by the occupational Therapist.
• Exhibits ability to assemble and maintain patient care records appropriately
• Applies therapeutic principles and practices; uses appropriate technical knowledge and clinical judgment in observing patient's reaction to appropriate treatments specific to the needs of the patient, as deemed necessary
• Routinely demonstrates a thorough knowledge of proper body mechanics when moving (transferring, lifting, etc.) patients.
• Maintains all equipment in a safe and proper working condition; identifies when equipment is not in safe and proper working condition. Removes non-operational equipment and sends the same day for repair. Insures repairs are completed.
• Participates in educational activities or service programs, involving the community regarding physical therapy. Advances modalities of treatment and other issues of community interest and benefit.
• Participates in staff and nursing in-service programs as needed.
• Participates in the orientation and skill development of new staff members.
• Participates in the development and implementation of policy/procedures, manuals, departmental records and for the department.
• Utilizes a comprehensive approach to patient evaluation and implementation of the therapy program; assesses physical, social and emotional needs of the patient.
• Adapts work pace to patient program requirements; understands patient's needs and responds accordingly. Changes program activities according to observations on patient's interest and motivation
• Demonstrates an ability to establish and implement treatment priorities.
• Reports significant alterations in patient's condition or behavior to appropriate rehabilitative team personnel.
• Exhibits appropriate professional judgment in presenting alternative or innovative solutions to problems encountered in the course of occupational therapy; revises available treatment environments to enhance optimal patient performance during treatment/therapy activities
• Understands the relationship of the Physical Therapist to other members of the patient care and rehabilitative team; demonstrates an awareness of the overall operation of the facility in relation to total patient care.
• Assists the Director of Therapy Services in operational oversight activities of the department, as requested.

BASIC SKILLS

• Basic computer knowledge.
• Basic awareness of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
• Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Current Physical Therapist License in the State of Texas
• Current BLS Certification

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Additional Languages a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Position requires the ability to lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds.
• May be required to assist with patients or equipment up to 500 pounds. T
• he individual will be required to stand for long periods, push, pull, lift, bend, kneel, twist, and reach above shoulder level.
• Requires vision and hearing skills corrected to near normal range