Physical Therapist SL

Summary: 

Provides physical therapy and related services for patients while maintaining positive levels of interaction with communities and clients in accordance with the principles and practices of physical therapy and within Reliant Rehabilitation guidelines.  Provides quality patient care including screening and evaluation of patients, development of initial and ongoing treatment plans of care, discharge plan, supervision of assistants and Rehab Techs, and case management responsibilities.  Maintains professional conduct that represents Reliant Rehabilitation’s commitment to quality and service in all interactions with clients, including positive levels of interaction and rapport with communities and clients.  Adheres to all state and federal regulations regarding physical therapy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Optimize the functionality and skills of patients by providing, directing, and/or overseeing physical therapy in the following:

1. screening of residents, as appropriate.
2. evaluate and treat patients who may benefit from therapy as referred by state approved referral source.
3. comply with state and federal guidelines regarding accurate and timely billing and documentation in the medical record.
4. Establish and maintain effective interactions with patients, interdisciplinary team, and other clientele which reflects patient-centered care.

• Refer patients for treatment to Certified Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) throughout the cluster.
• Provide consultation and clinical supervision to PTAs throughout the cluster.
• Maintain availability to answer questions from PTAs.
• Directly supervise PTA and Rehab Tech in skilled tasks during group and individual treatment in a manner that promotes efficient and effective utilization of resources and facilitates the ongoing development of clinical skills in accordance with State Practice Acts, Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA), and Reliant Rehabilitation policy.
• Build a strong physical therapy program by participating in the following activities:
1. actively integrating physical therapy’s role into community and interdisciplinary treatment team.
2. contributing to community patient care, utilization review, case management, administrative staff/department head, and family conference activities and communications.
3. establishing and maintaining a good working relationship with other health care professionals and colleagues in the community.
4. making appropriate referrals to other members of the rehabilitation team,
5. developing and implementing new programs/techniques to enhance rehabilitation services.
6. adhering to Reliant Rehabilitation and client specific policies and procedures related to environmental safety, orderliness, risk management, infection control, and emergency preparedness; and
7. adhering to the requirements of the patient’s rights and privacy.
• Enhance clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities. 
• Maintain valid state license (where appropriate).  Maintain awareness of issues related to the profession of physical therapy and the health care environment.
• Understands various relevant payment models related to billing and treatment guidelines, as well as clinically appropriate means/modes of delivery.  Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelines.
• Be compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a community.
• This position requires patient lifting using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a workday/shift.  Must be capable of lifting fifty (50) pounds of dead weight alone.
• Maintain confidentiality of Reliant Rehabilitation, community, and patient information. 
• Must conduct self in an ethical, legal, and responsible manner at all times.
• Must adhere to the policies, principles, and guidance within the Team Member Handbook and Code of Business Conduct.
• Must be able to travel between communities during scheduled hours.
• Must be able to work varying hours and shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Attends all mandatory meetings, trainings, and assignments as delegated.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Competency:

Prior to beginning patient care for Reliant Rehabilitation, a peer PT may complete a Competency Checklist.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Effective clinical problem-solving skills to include but not limited to: identify and prioritize issues in a responsive manner, develop sound and innovative action plans, execute action plans on a timely basis, and ensure appropriate results
• Be a strong team player.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with a diverse population.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend in English: instructions, correspondence, charts, memos, and reports.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, productive work environment.

Education/Experience:

• Graduate of an APTA accredited school of physical therapy.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.)
• Basic Internet navigation skills

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid physical therapist state license (where applicable)

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise the work of one or more Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), Rehab Techs, and/or Physical Therapy students, following state practice act guidelines by providing consultation and clinical supervision; creating and ensuring treatment plans are executed; and assisting the RDO and DOR with clinical development of PTAs and rehab techs in the various covered communities.