Staff Physical Therapist - St. Simons & Brunswick, GA

Optim Orthopedics is seeking a full time Staff Physical Therapist for St. Simons & Brunswick, GA location. **We offer sign-on/relocation bonus**

Job Supervisory Responsibilities: May participate in supervision of Physical therapy assistants.  Will supervise Physical Therapy Aides and Physical Therapy Assistants.

General Summary: An exempt position responsible for helping patients improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. Patients may have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for supervising, monitoring and directing physical therapy assistants (PTAs). Assesses patients and develops treatment plans in collaboration with physicians and other clinicians.

1. Responsible for initiating and follow through on regular communication with Optim staff and management.

1. Assists patients to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. Helps patients to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning ability and to compensate for any permanent loss of function to reach the goal of having independent, productive, and satisfying lives.
2. Helps patients in performing a variety of daily activities including occupational and leisure tasks.
3. Utilizes all standard physical therapy and modalities available to achieve the best outcomes for the patient. Teaches patients comprehensive home exercise programs to the patients to enhance clinical treatments.
4. Follow Optim therapy practice policies related to compliance, safety, and infection control. Documents patient treatment and outcomes in medical record.

1. Performs necessary tasks as needed and assigned to ensure clinic and department compliance and satisfactory patient care. 

Education: Bachelor's, Master’s or Doctoral degree in Physical therapy from accredited school .

Experience: New Graduates as well as experienced therapists may apply 

Other Requirements: Current state Physical therapist license, successful completion of national certification examination. Current CPR certificate. 

Performance Requirements: 

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of Physical therapy principles, standards, and applications.
2. Knowledge of physical, biological, and behavioral sciences as well as application of Physical therapy equipment, devices, and patient-specific therapeutic devices. Understanding of how to modify equipment as needed.
3. Knowledge of clinic policies and regulations related to infection control, safety, and quality improvement. 

Skills:

1. Skill in evaluating and treating patients.
2. Skill in proper use of Physical therapy equipment and devices.
3. Skill in assessing and recording patient activities and progress. 

Abilities:

1. Ability to collaborate with patients, families, and employers to modify workplace or home environment in line with patient’s condition, including identification of environmental factors and hazards.
2. Ability to communicate with patients and families in caring and compassionate manner to encourage behavioral changes.
3. Ability to analyze patient data and behavior and modify treatment plan as appropriate. 

Equipment Operated: Variety of therapeutic equipment including wheelchairs, orthotics, and aids for activities of daily living. Computer hardware and software for record keeping and communication. 

Work Environment: Exam, treatment, and exercise rooms. May also occasionally require visits to patient homes and workplaces. Exposure to communicable diseases, biohazards, and conditions related to clinic setting. 

Mental/Physical Requirements: Extensive physical activities including standing, stooping, lifting, bending, and twisting. Must be able to transport/transfer patient safely. Occasional need to lift/carry and move equipment and supplies weighing up to 100 pounds. Some stress related to dealing with concerns of patients and families.