Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist performs patient treatments and patient care activities for their own caseload and oversees one (1) Physical Therapy Assistant.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Must be licensed in California by the California Board of Physical Therapy. 

2. Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support certificate 

3. Minimum education satisfied through attainment of the required licensure/certification

4. Must see well enough to observe patient reactions and read relevant monitors, relevant device settings, and relevant written information such as the patient's medical record

5. Written and oral communication skills to clearly and concisely provide information, explanations, and instructions to, and to elicit information from others with varying levels of ability to understand, including individuals who are ill or distressed, or who may not speak English

6. Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain a friendly, welcoming environment for the clinic’s patients; to demonstrate an interested, understanding, compassionate manner; to maintain a courteous and calm demeanor; and to use a proactive approach to negotiate with and persuade others to take required action.

7. Ability to maintain composure, efficiency, and a positive, customer-service-oriented manner during periods of peak workload, with frequent interruptions, under tight deadlines, while interacting with challenging patients who may be ill, angry, or emotionally distressed

8. Willingness to assist other staff members with their caseloads

9. Ability to write progress notes and other written reports as requested

10. Ability to organize and coordinate the scheduling of patients

11. Problem-solving skills to independently recognize and define a problem; identify the resources available to help solve the problem; create and implement viable solutions; and follow through to ensure the problem is resolved to the satisfaction of all parties

12. Decision-making skills to independently exercise delegated authority to take action, and to recognize when it is appropriate to seek assistance from others when limits of delegated authority have been reached

13. Ability to communicate clearly with a wide variety of health care professionals and work cooperatively with them.

14. Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with patients and their families. 

15. Ability to exercise discretion to ensure that patient confidentiality is maintained, and a professional, respectful clinic/department environment exists at all times

16. Ability to determine continuing education goals appropriate to the job.

17. Ability to attend annual fire safety, CPR, infection control, and other required courses.

18. Must have basic computer skills

19. Knowledge of current Physical Therapy Board of California rules of practice

20. Knowledge of indications and contraindications of physical therapy interventions

21. Ability to provide physical therapy evaluations and treatments, including range of motion, therapeutic exercise, balance activities, coordination exercises, bed mobility training, transfer training, gait training, use of a variety of assistive devices for transfers and gait, wheelchair mobility, various modalities, and patient / caregiver education

22. Ability to prepare equipment and patient for treatment; ability to remove and reapply splints, braces and orthoses as needed and appropriate

23. Willingness to oversee work of a Physical Therapy Assistant

Key Responsibilities

90% - Provides Physical Therapy services to patients of all ages in an outpatient clinic

• Evaluate and assess patient conditions to develop individual treatment plans.

• Administer therapeutic exercises and modalities to improve mobility, relieve pain, and promote healing.

• Monitor patients' progress, adjust treatment plans as necessary, and provide ongoing support and encouragement.

• Document patient evaluations, progress notes, and outcomes accurately and timely for record-keeping and insurance purposes. 

• Supervise a PTA and Physical therapy aide (as needed)

5% - Miscellaneous assignments as required

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment, adhering to all relevant health and safety regulations. 

• Collaborate with healthcare professionals and interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive and integrated care.

5% - Educational Activities

• Educate patients and their families about the goals and benefits of physical therapy, as well as the importance of at-home exercises and self-care. 

• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in physical therapy techniques and technologies by participating in continuing education opportunities.

• Maintaining CEUs hours in compliance with PT Board requirements.