Physical Therapist

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Physical Therapy, the Physical Therapist is responsible for directing physical therapy services. This role involves coordinating and supervising operations within the department, administering physical agents prescribed by a referring physician, and maintaining performance improvement activities. The Physical Therapist will assist in budget formulation and evaluations, develop systems for reviewing department charges, and ensure compliance with state, federal, and local regulatory laws.

Position Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of previous experience in physical therapy preferred.
• Current licensure or certification as a physical therapist in California.
• Knowledge of physical therapy modalities, anatomy, and physiology.
• Understanding of disease processes and related causative factors.
• Knowledge of the benefits and values of rehabilitative medicine and physical therapy agents.
• Familiarity with infection control, sterile techniques, and their impact on rehabilitative practices.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others at all organizational levels.
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrates professionalism, confidentiality, respect, and accountability.

Position Responsibilities

General Competencies

• Demonstrates professional behavior at all times, both on duty and as a representative of the organization.
• Establishes positive working relationships with patients, visitors, and staff.
• Exhibits organizational abilities and effective time management skills.
• Produces deliverable products on time and within budget with minimal direction.
• Demonstrates ability to compile and organize data using Microsoft Office applications.
• Maintains organized records and promptly delivers them upon request.
• Communicates respectfully and clearly with directors, managers, and coworkers, accepting direction from authority figures.
• Accurately performs all assigned tasks.
• Utilizes office machines effectively to support job functions.
• Handles phone calls and public inquiries in a professional and friendly manner.
• Observes and evaluates treatment effects, recommending changes to physicians as needed.
• Conducts appropriate assessments and reassessments of all patients, including diverse age groups.
• Assesses patient pain that interferes with functional participation and communicates with physicians for intervention.
• Provides patient care in a manner that prioritizes safety and minimizes healthcare errors.
• Creates teaching plans tailored to identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness, involving family members when appropriate.
• Treats patients and families with respect, addressing their psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs.
• Handles equipment safely and ensures departmental cleanliness and compliance with inspections.
• Involves patients and families in developing care plans, coordinating care to meet needs and adhere to hospital policy.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Specific Competencies

• Ability to remain flexible and organized while functioning under stress.
• Consults relevant departments to collaborate on patient care and performance improvement initiatives.
• Ensures documentation complies with current standards and policies.
• Trains personnel through on-the-job training for nursing and other hospital staff.
• Stays informed on the latest trends in rehabilitative medicine through literature and professional societies.
• Maintains professional ethical standards and procedures.
• Communicates effectively in English, both verbally and in writing; proficiency in additional languages is preferred.
• Demonstrates basic computer knowledge.
• Understands operation and maintenance of physical therapy equipment.
• Maintains composure and responds positively during crisis situations.
• Exhibits appropriate telephone communication skills.

Professional Requirements

• Adheres to dress code, presenting a neat and professional appearance.
• Completes annual education requirements as applicable.
• Maintains compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Ensures patient confidentiality is upheld at all times.

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