What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Therapist position at OrthoCare Georgia?
Department: Physical Therapy
Reports To: Director of Physical Therapy / Practice Administrator
Employment Status: Full-Time or Part-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Riverdale, Georgia
Position Summary
The Physical Therapist is responsible for providing comprehensive, evidence-based physical therapy services to patients in accordance with established clinical standards, applicable laws and regulations, and the policies and procedures of the organization.
The Physical Therapist evaluates patients, develops individualized plans of care, provides therapeutic interventions, monitors patient progress, and modifies treatment plans as clinically appropriate. The position works collaboratively with physicians, advanced practice providers, physical therapy staff, and other members of the healthcare team to support high-quality patient outcomes and continuity of care.
The Physical Therapist is expected to demonstrate sound clinical judgment, professionalism, effective communication, and a commitment to patient-centered care.
Essential Functions
- Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations and assessments based on patient history, diagnosis, functional limitations, and physician recommendations.
- Develop individualized treatment plans based on clinical findings, patient goals, functional needs, and established standards of care.
- Provide appropriate therapeutic interventions, including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, functional activities, modalities, and other treatments within the scope of practice.
- Monitor patient response to treatment and modify the plan of care as clinically indicated.
- Establish measurable functional goals and document patient progress toward established goals.
- Complete timely, accurate, and compliant clinical documentation, including evaluations, daily treatment notes, progress reports, reassessments, and discharge summaries.
- Communicate effectively with referring physicians and other healthcare providers regarding patient status, progress, treatment recommendations, and barriers to care.
- Provide patients and caregivers with education regarding diagnosis, treatment plans, home exercise programs, injury prevention, and strategies to support recovery and functional independence.
- Maintain appropriate patient scheduling, productivity, and clinical workflow standards.
- Participate in interdisciplinary communication and case coordination as appropriate.
- Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based physical therapy practices, clinical standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Maintain required professional licensure, certifications, continuing education, and clinical competencies.
- Comply with organizational policies and procedures, HIPAA requirements, infection prevention standards, safety requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.
- Champion a culture-forward attitude, keeping interactions professional, respectful, and service-oriented environment for patients, families, physicians, and coworkers.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities within the scope of the position as assigned.
Clinical Responsibilities
The Physical Therapist is responsible for exercising independent clinical judgment within the scope of professional licensure and organizational policies. Clinical responsibilities include:
- Patient evaluation and examination
- Diagnosis and clinical assessment within the scope of physical therapy practice
- Development and implementation of individualized plans of care
- Treatment and therapeutic intervention
- Functional outcome measurement
- Patient and caregiver education
- Progress monitoring and reassessment
- Discharge planning
- Communication with referring providers and members of the healthcare team
- Appropriate use and maintenance of clinical equipment
Patient Care Expectations
The Physical Therapist is expected to provide care that is:
- Patient-centered and respectful
- Clinically appropriate and evidence-based
- Consistent with established standards of practice
- Timely, organized, and appropriately documented
- Focused on measurable functional outcomes
- Responsive to patient needs and individual circumstances
Administrative and Operational Responsibilities
In addition to clinical responsibilities, the Physical Therapist is expected to contribute to the effective operation of the physical therapy department, including:
- Maintaining accurate and timely documentation and billing-related information.
- Following established scheduling and patient flow procedures.
- Communicating scheduling, clinical, equipment, or operational concerns to appropriate leadership.
- Maintaining a clean, organized, safe, and professional treatment environment.
- Using supplies and equipment responsibly and supporting appropriate cost management.
- Participating in department meetings, staff education, quality improvement initiatives, and organizational activities as requested.
- Supporting a collaborative team environment and contributing to the continued development of the physical therapy program.
Minimum Qualifications
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program or equivalent educational preparation recognized by the applicable licensing authority.
- Current, unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in the State of Georgia.
- Current CPR/BLS certification or ability to obtain certification within the organization's required timeframe.
- Demonstrated knowledge of physical therapy evaluation, treatment planning, therapeutic intervention, and documentation standards.
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and coworkers.
- Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in an orthopedic, sports medicine, outpatient, or physician practice setting.
- Experience treating post-operative orthopedic patients.
- Experience with musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions.
- Experience working collaboratively with orthopedic physicians and advanced practice providers.
- Familiarity with electronic medical record systems and electronic clinical documentation.
- Experience in a growing or developing outpatient practice environment.
Core Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Clinical competence and sound professional judgment
- Patient-centered approach to care
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Accountability and reliability
- Organization and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities
- Adaptability within a growing practice environment
- Strong commitment to teamwork and collaboration
- Ethical conduct
Work Schedule
The physical therapy department operates with a variable schedule designed to accommodate patient access and clinic needs. Scheduling may include a combination of early and late shifts on designated weekdays and a reduced schedule on Fridays. Current schedule is:
Monday/Wednesday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday/Thursday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am to 12 noon
Full-time and part-time positions may be available. Part-time employees are expected to maintain the minimum scheduled hours established by the organization and to meet applicable attendance, productivity, and performance expectations. Part-time hours require either early or late shifts; no mid-day schedules are available.
Specific schedules are determined based on department needs, patient volume, staffing requirements, and the employee's agreed-upon schedule.
Physical Requirements
The position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of a physical therapist, including:
- Standing and walking for extended periods.
- Frequent bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and positioning.
- Assisting with patient transfers and mobility activities.
- Demonstrating therapeutic exercises and functional activities.
- Applying manual therapy techniques.
- Moving or positioning equipment and supplies.
- Assisting patients with varying levels of mobility and physical ability.
- Ability to lift and/or assist with movement of patients and equipment in accordance with established safety practices.
Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position.
Work Environment
The position is performed in an outpatient physical therapy clinical environment and involves regular interaction with patients, physicians, clinical staff, administrative personnel, and visitors.
The employee is expected to maintain appropriate infection prevention, safety, privacy, and professional standards at all times.
Performance Expectations
Performance will be evaluated based on the employee's ability to consistently fulfill the essential functions of the position, including:
- Quality and safety of patient care
- Clinical judgment and effectiveness of treatment
- Patient outcomes and progress
- Accuracy and timeliness of documentation
- Professionalism and communication
- Reliability and attendance
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Compliance with organizational policies and applicable regulations
- Appropriate productivity and efficient use of clinical resources
- Contribution to the overall effectiveness and development of the physical therapy department
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an individual assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may be modified, expanded, or otherwise adjusted as organizational and operational needs change.
The organization is an equal opportunity employer and provides employment opportunities without regard to legally protected status.
Pay: From $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $80,000