PHYSICAL THERAPIST

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Uses evidence-based practice to evaluate and analyze results in order to develop an Individual Program Plan (IPP) to restore function and increase independence of the individual at home and in the community. Provide direct physical therapy services to patients as per the plan utilizing accepted format and terminology for all documentation. Supervises and reviews all documentation of treatment plans by physical therapy assistants and rehabilitation technicians working under the plan of care. Exercises sound clinical decision making when planning, implementing, and evaluating the patient’s response to treatment. Depending upon need, consult with referring practitioners regarding the individual’s progress and appropriateness of treatments. Participate in clinical research as assigned by the Program Director or Clinical Manager. Accepts the responsibility for and acquires necessary certification to act as a clinical instructor when appropriate for student physical therapists. The licensed Physical Therapist will uphold the mission, philosophy and goals of the organization and department while maintaining strict confidentiality of personnel and the individuals being served in the performance of assigned duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Review patient's screening prior to the patient’s full admission to the clinical program.
• Select and utilize appropriate assessment procedures.
• Identify a comprehensive list of primary physical and functional problems.
• Develop a professional clinical impression, a supporting conclusion from evaluations, and consult with advanced clinicians/clinical specialists when appropriate.
• Establish realistic, functional goals and treatment plan, adhering to department treatment and program protocols.
• Administer thorough physical therapy treatment procedures according to the developed treatment plan with a focus on maintenance, endurance and community engagement and mobility.
• Identify appropriate duration of physical therapy treatment.
• Provide discharge plan recommendations, including DME and referrals for therapy to outside resources, in a timely manner in collaboration with other clinical and case management staff.
• Identify and implement the use of adaptive equipment to address the patient's needs with training provided, as needed.
• Consistent consultation/communication with PTA/PAs regarding plan of care/changes in plan of care and client related goals.
• Educate the patient, family, care takers regarding disease process, current treatment plans and specific procedures, long-term or follow-up care.
• Provide home evaluations and carryover skills for families, including education and training.
• Refer appropriate patients for additional assessments as needed.
• Complete all patient care documentation according to expectations of the program, CARF, and third- party payer requirements. Documentation is to include the patient’s initial evaluation/re-evaluations; daily treatment notes; monthly IPP report; and discharge paperwork.
• Submit justification of need and/or letter of medical necessity for equipment when necessary
• Consult/communicate with referring practitioners in an appropriate and timely manner regarding patient's medical status, clinical assessment, contraindications, and to collaborate treatment plan to maximize patient care.
• Communicate as a liaison with other health care professionals.
• Regularly maintain therapy equipment and make recommendations for repair or replacement to the Clinical Manager or Program Director.
• Complete training physical therapy competencies for new staff, as well as in-services for training refreshers and skills fairs. 
• Maintain professional relationships with DME venders, Orthotics and prosthetics venders etc.
• Complete all root cause analysis’s relating to falls in patients.
• Attend occasional weekend outing events such as Camp For All
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Hold current CPR and First Aid Certifications.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with patients.
• Ability to carry out physical aspects of direct service in treatment and evaluation.
• Ability to monitor mobility of patients.
• Ability to interpret data and recommend realistic patient goals for accomplishment.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Physical ability to break the fall of a patient.

EDUCATION/LICENSURE

Master’s Degree Required; Prefer Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). Graduation from a physical therapy curriculum approved by the American Physical Therapy Association. 

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE

Must be licensed to practice physical therapy in Texas.

EXPERIENCE

Prefer experience providing direct service to adults with neurological disorders including but not limited to head injury and cerebral vascular accident.