Physical Therapist

Overview

SUMMARY:  The Physical therapist works with patients to improve their movement and manage their pain.  Provides in-patient and out-patient care to patients with injuries and chronic health conditions regain their range of motion, manage their pain, and improve their quality of life. Using a variety of treatment and techniques, including hands-on therapy, strengthening and stretching, massage stimulation, exercises and localized movements of joints and muscles, to restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities in their patients, as well as educating patients about staying fit and preventing future injuries.

Wage Rate: $49.96-$81.38/hr

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Direct patient care under the authorization of a physician.
2. Consult with patients to learn about their physical condition and symptoms.
3. Reviews patients’ medical histories.
4. Diagnose patients by observing movement dysfunction, listening to concerns, and developing a treatment plan.
5. Develops individualized treatment plans for patients, outlining clear goals and the expected outcomes of the plan.
6. Test and measure patients’ strength and flexibility.
7. Communicates with the patient’s primary care provider to develop and modify treatment plans.
8. Advise and consult with patients, family members, physicians, nursing staff, and medical professionals on the care and treatment of patients.
9. Share information and coordinate treatment plans with onsite care providers such as physicians and nursing staff.
10. Teaches patients how to properly use therapeutic exercise techniques.
11. Provide stimulation or massage to promote healing.
12. Uses exercise, stretching, equipment, and hands-on therapy to manage patients’ pain, increase mobility, and prevent further pain and injury.
13. Assists patients with the use of equipment.
14. Records patients’ progress and modifies the plan of care if needed.
15. Maintains patient records and keeps track of goals and progress.
16. Oversees physical therapist assistants and physical therapist aides.
17. Educate patients and family members about the recovery process.
18. Advises the patient and family about in-home treatment options and exercises.
19. Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of Physical Therapy Department. Directly supervises 1 – 3 employees.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Current California Driver’s License.  Current Physical Therapist License.  Current CPR card preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Physical therapy requires hands-on, individualized patient care. Some of the job skills needed are:

1. Stamina
2. Compassion
3. Interpersonal communication skills
4. Attention to detail
5. Dexterity
6. Creative problem solving
7. Resourcefulness
8. Time management

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be in good physical and mental health and able to adapt to stressful situations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be on their feet much of the day and spent a great deal of time using their bodies to work with patients or to lift and move them. It is important to learn proper body mechanics and use those principles in your daily work to avoid injuring themselves. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  Must be able to work in spite of frequent interruptions.  Ability to read work product of others.  High level of concentration and attention to detail.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to work with a team and prioritize work.  Interacts appropriately with others.

 TO APPLY:

Contact Chanda Pedotti, Human Resources, 530 279-6111 x. 1231 or hr@svhospital.org. EOE

Minimum Education and Experience