POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides rehabilitation care services in accordance with the policies of MHS and directives of the medical staff. Possess the ability to comprehend and follow written or verbal instruction or directions. Adheres to MHS Standard Precaution policy and procedure. Performs other duties as requested by supervisor. Work with supervisors, other department managers and medical staff in order to provide the best patient care possible. Plans and administers medically prescribed physical therapy treatment for patients suffering from injuries and/or muscle, nerve, joint, and bone disease, to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reviews Physician’s referral (prescription) and patient’s condition and medical records to determine physical therapy treatment required.
• Tests and measures patient’s strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency, and records findings to develop or revise treatment programs.
• Plans and prepares written treatment program based on evaluation of patient data.
• Administers manual exercises to improve and maintain function.
• Instructs, motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities and in use of assistant and supportive devices such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
• Administers treatments involving application of physical agents.
• Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
• Administers massages.
• Administers traction to relieve pain.
• Records treatment, response, and progress in patient’s chart or enters information into computer.
• Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
• Evaluates, fits, and adjusts prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommends modification to Orthotist.
• Confers with Physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions
• in treatment program, and integrate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient’s health care.
• Orients, instructs, and directs work activities of assistants, aides, and students.
• Plans and conducts lectures and training programs on physical therapy and related topics for medical staff, students, and community groups.
• Plans and develops physical therapy research programs and participates in conducting research.
• Maintains positive and effective relationships with other departments and the Medical Staff.
• Maintains open communication and problem solving atmosphere with other departments to achieve quality patient care.
• Any other job duty as allowed by licensure.
• Attends in-service training at the request of their Director, including hospital orientation and Annual Skills Fair.
• Will be preceptor to new hires as requested.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:

• Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy; or a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy and four to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Current license from the Texas Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners. BLS is required within 30 days of hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to lift over 50 pounds.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to bend, squat, push, stoop, and pull as needed, especially in fulfilling job responsibilities.