Job Description

This is a professional position at a health care facility or school district responsible for evaluating, planning, and providing physical therapy treatments to patients or students in accordance with written prescription or referral from a licensed physician who provides medical direction. The employee reports directly to, and works under the general supervision of a Supervising Therapist or other higher level staff member. General supervision may be exercised over Physical Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapy Aides, clerical employees and students assigned to the service. Does related work as required (All need not be performed in a given position. Other related activities may be performed although not listed.) Performs physical therapy procedures upon the written order or referral of a licensed physician; Evaluates the degree of function and disability of patients or students unless contraindicated by the Therapists professional judgment or a doctors admission note; Evaluates and orders appropriate functional and mobility aids such as wheelchairs, ambulation aides and bathroom equipment, and provides training in their use; Participates with other personnel in case conferences to discuss and formulate patients total care plans; Records, on charts, physical therapy evaluations, re-evaluations, progress notes, consultation and discharge summaries; Confers periodically with the medical supervisor, physicians or other higher level staff member regarding all facets of patient care and related activities; Provides teaching and functional training to families; Attends family conferences to discuss the needs of patients and families; Assists in the development of physical therapy policies and procedures; Assists in the development of, and instructs and participates in, facility in service education programs and other educational programs; Maintains program records such as the service budget and statistical reports of the frequency and types of treatment and numbers of people treated; Maintains physical therapy equipment; WHEN ASSIGNED TO MONROE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL: Coordinates and/or supervises the work of undergraduate physical therapy students; Provides patient home evaluations in conjunction with the Occupational Therapy Department and makes recommendations prior to discharge; Provides home physical therapy programs for discharged patients; FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of physical therapy; good knowledge of the operation and maintenance of apparatus and equipment used in physical therapy; good knowledge of pathological conditions and socio economic factors affecting a patients disabilities; good knowledge of community resources applicable to physical therapy; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to assume responsibility for the treatment of patients; ability to teach and guide patients, families and allied personnel in physical therapy techniques; ability to communicate orally and in writing; ability to design and carry out effective treatment plans; ability to follow oral and written directions; ability to provide and maintain accurate records and reports; ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships; ability to communicate effectively to individuals and groups; good judgment; resourcefulness; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. Possession of a valid license and currently registered by the New York State Education Department as a Physical Therapist; OR, (B) Possession of a Limited Permit to practice Physical Therapy issued by the New York State Education Department.