Physical Therapist

Department: Physical Therapy

Hours: Fulltime

Description:

Position Overview: The Physical Therapist provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients across the lifespan in both inpatient and outpatient settings within a critical access hospital. This position provides high-quality, evidence-based care for patients of all ages with a variety of movement-limiting diagnoses, including orthopedic, neurological, post-surgical, post-injury/trauma, and general medical conditions, as well as functional decline, deconditioning, and balance impairments.

The Physical Therapist collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to support patient recovery, improve functional outcomes, and ensure safe transitions of care. Opportunities to support program development, community outreach, and service line growth may be included based on organizational needs and therapist interests.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide physical therapy evaluations and develop individualized treatment plans based on patient needs and goals.
• Deliver skilled physical therapy services in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Treat patients of all ages with a variety of movement-limiting diagnoses, including orthopedic, neurological, post-surgical, post-injury/trauma, and general medical conditions, as well as functional decline, deconditioning, and balance impairments.
• Collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, case management, and other rehabilitation team members to coordinate care and optimize patient outcomes.
• Provide patient and caregiver education to support recovery, safety, and independence.
• Participate in discharge planning to ensure appropriate transitions of care and continuity of services.
• Document patient care in accordance with regulatory, legal, and organizational standards.
• Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans as appropriate.
• Assist with development and implementation of clinical programs, protocols, and best practices as needed.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and contribute to departmental and organizational goals.
• Participate in community outreach and education activities as appropriate.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Assumes other duties and responsibilities that are related and appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and are not to be considered as all-inclusive.

Minimum Education and/or Experience Required:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or equivalent required.
• Previous clinical experience preferred; new graduates may be considered.

Additional Qualifications:

• Strong clinical reasoning skills across a variety of patient populations.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates professionalism, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to care.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of patient records and complies with HIPAA and all privacy regulations.
• Basic computer skills.
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently chart and navigate electronic health records (EHR) systems with accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with documentation standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Self-motivated with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to change and manage multiple priorities.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• Mandatory Reporter (Dependent Adult and Child) training within six months of hire.

Licensure/Certification Required:

• Current licensure as a Physical Therapist in the State of Iowa.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Physical/Cognitive Requirements:

• Sit: Frequent
• Stand: Constant
• Walk: Constant
• Lift:
  • 10 pounds Constant
  • 25 pounds: Occasionally
  • 50 pounds*: Occasionally
  • 75 pounds*: Occasionally
  • Greater than 100 pounds*: Occasionally
• Carry:
  • 10 pounds: Frequent
  • 25 pounds: Occasionally
  • 50 pounds*: Occasionally
  • 75 pounds*: Occasionally
  • Greater than 100 pounds*: Occasionally
• Push/Pull:
  • 10 pounds: Constant
  • 25 pounds: Frequent
  • 50 pounds*: Occasionally
  • 75 pounds*: Occasionally
  • Greater than 100 pounds*: Occasionally
• Squat/Kneel/Crouch: Frequent
• Climb: Occasionally
• Balance: Constant
• Twist: Occasionally
• Bend/Stoop: Frequent
• Crawl: Never
• Grasp/Grip: Frequent
• Talk: Constant
• Hear: Constant
• See: Constant

• Anything greater than 50 pounds- assist of two or more, or mechanical lift are required.

Environmental Factors:

• May be exposed to communicable diseases due to working in a health care environment.
• Works in a well-illuminated climate-controlled environment.
• Work environment is comfortable, with minimal exposure to physical hazards.
• Moderate noise level when machines/equipment in use but typically quiet environment.
• May come in contact with blood and other body fluids.

Organizational Relationships:

Reports To: Rehabilitation Services Director

Employees Supervised: None