Position Summary:

The staff physical therapist practices physical therapy, which is defined as the evaluation, treatment and/or prevention of disability, injury, disease, or other conditions of health, using physical, chemical and/or mechanical means, including but not limited to heat, cold, light, air, water, sound, electricity, massage, mobilization, and therapeutic exercise, with and without assistive devices; the performance and interpretation of tests and measurements to assess pathophysiological, pathomechanical, and developmental deficits of human systems to determine treatment and assist in diagnosis and prognosis.

 Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Understands and adheres to the WPH Performance Standards, Policies and Behaviors.
2. Performs physical therapy evaluations and treatment procedures upon physician’s referral.
3. Develops plans of treatment, modifies treatment plans /programs as necessary; determines rehabilitation potential and participates in discharge planning.
4. Carries out regular assessment/re-evaluations and modifies program goals as needed.
5. Open to treating infants, children and adolescents as requested within professional ability level.
6. Under the orders of a qualified ordering provider, a Physical Therapist can administer oxygen to the patient during treatment session. In certain situations, a physical therapist may titrate the oxygen flow to maintain patients at or above the threshold saturation value when prescribed by a provider in maintenance of a specific oxygen saturation (SpO2) level during rest and activity.
7. Notes possible need for patients to receive other services (OT, ST, SS, etc.). Discusses possibility with other professionals, physicians.
8. Knows and utilizes varied treatment techniques and skills for various problems / disabilities.
9. Keeps up-to-date records of each patient’s treatment and progress, performing timely re-evaluation as necessary and indicated.
10. Responsible for scheduling of patients’ sessions and arranges for transfer of duties in the event of absence.
11. Instructs patients in the use and care of equipment and apparatus, such as wheelchair, braces, canes, crutches, walkers, prosthetic and orthotics services.
12. Directs and supervises the activities of Physical Medicine Technicians, students, and volunteers.
13. Maintains department equipment; reports defects or problems immediately to supervisor staff.
14. Consults with other health related departments (i.e., nursing, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc.) to coordinate therapeutic programs and maintains communication with physicians regarding the patient’s progress and response to treatment.
15. Demonstrates and teaches physical therapy techniques to physical therapy students.
16. Participates in periodic assessment of the quality of care provided; makes the suggestion for improvement of quality as needed.
17. Attends department meetings, allied health conferences. Attends special courses, seminars, in-service. Reports on relevant course material to staff. Shares areas of special interest or expertise with staff.
18. Accepts rotations in assignments to bedside care and out-patient clinic.
19. Instructs families about the needs, management, capabilities, and precautions related to the patient’s care prior to discharge.
20. Provides information regarding billing for services and equipment.
21. Determines needs for purchase of equipment for patients and department.
22. Maintains and carriers out procedures for departmental records, charge slips, daily statistics, etc.
23. Attends hospital mandatory in-service programs.
24. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Graduate of an accredited college program in Physical Therapy. B.A./B.S. in Physical Therapy or higher degree.
• New York State license or eligibility for license.
• BLS (through the American Heart Association) is required within 6 months of hire
• Successful completion of orientation program according to department guidelines.
• The ability to interact with others in a constructive manner.
• The ability to promote the availability of quality in-service to staff. Ability to interact with and treat adults and seniors.