Job Summary

Assists in the coordination of the daily operations of the department. Supervises all activities of clinical personnel. Evaluates, plans, directs, and administers programs of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Speech Language Pathology upon referral by the physician. Plans and conducts therapy programs to restore function, prevent disability, and help patients reach their maximum level of independence.

Essential Functions

• Assists in management of administrative functions and may cover in the department leader’s absence.
• Coordinates staffing and participates in clinical teaching (including coordination of student supervision) to ensure that patient needs are met within the department. May include provision of resources to other departments and facilities.
• Serves as a contact for patients/families, physicians, clinical staff, other disciplines/professionals as well as community, to coordinate patient schedules, treatment programs, and recommendations for post-discharge services.
• Gathers and interprets appropriate data from the medical record, patient, and family as evidenced by documentation. Reviews incident reports and reports of occupational injury and/or illness, and prepares for Medicare, TJC, and CARF reviews/accreditations.
• Assists leadership in planning and implementing new treatment programs and submits them for approval.
• Submits written justification for all capital equipment purchase requests to be included in the annual department budget.
• Provides evaluations, identifies each patient's requirements, and ensures and documents that age-specific needs are being met.
• Monitors patient's progress and goals, re-evaluates as needed, modifies goals and treatment as the patient's status changes.
• Ensures staff provides and documents patient and family education in regard to deficits, progress towards goals, treatment techniques.

Physical Requirements
Hearing (corrected) adequate for oral/aural communication. Vision (corrected) adequate for reading. Intelligible speech and adequate language/cognitive skills to perform job duties. Sitting, standing, and walking required throughout the day. Job duties sometimes require climbing stairs, kneeling, twisting, bending; on occasion, crouching, crawling and reaching overhead. Lifting of patients, equipment or supplies will be required up to 20 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally. Able to laterally transfer patients 100 pounds rarely. Must be able to demonstrate any appropriate exercise and activities to patients/caregivers. Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, goggles, gowns, and masks are sometimes required due to possible exposure to hazardous chemicals or blood and body fluids. Work is in a fast-paced clinical environment. The work environment is primarily indoors but occasionally outdoors.

Education, Experience and CertificationsBachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy or Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology required. NC license in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Language Pathology required. Possess and maintain Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association required.