Job Description

** General Summary**

• Under general supervision, deliver physical therapy services through evaluation of patient needs, goal determination, and development of treatment plans according to the principles and practices of physical therapy.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks:

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Provides direct physical therapy services to patients in accordance with generally accepted physical therapy standards, State of Maryland Physical Therapy Practice Act, code of ethics, and departmental procedures, as follows:
A. Performs comprehensive evaluations to identify problems that require physical therapy. Selects appropriate tests and measurements to identify and define specific patient problems.
B. Sets priorities and establishes treatment goals directed toward problems that are objective, functional, and measurable. Plans and selects the most appropriate treatment modality, method, or procedure to address goals.
C. Selects and implements alternate methods or procedures when goals are not being adequately attained, adjusting goals according to patient response. Determines when goals have been reached and problems resolved.
D. Provides competent patient care. Maintains patient privacy. Teaches patients and families home care and exercise skills specific to the patient's disability. Recognizes patient distress signals and provides emergency care, via CPR, when necessary.
E. Requests the assistance of Physical Therapy Assistants, Therapy Aides and/or volunteers as appropriate.
2. Records patient evaluations, re-evaluations and care provided in the medical record in accordance with departmental documentation standards.
A. Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department, such as patient evaluation results, treatment plans, progress reports, discharge summaries, and other such reports.
B. Records patient charges and procedures performed, daily.
3. Participates in quality assurance activities, suggests areas for improvement to colleagues in a tactful and considerate manner. Suggests quality assurance topics and alternate treatment techniques to improve physical therapy services.
4. Assumes responsibility to resolve or reports clinical and operational issues department leadership for resolution in order to assure smooth departmental operations.
5. Attends and participates in clinical patient rounds and conferences as required, as part of the interdisciplinary patient care team. Communicates observations, facts and comments to interdisciplinary team members.
6. Attends physical therapy in-service training programs. Suggests in-service topics and speakers. Presents information concerning continuing education courses to Physical Therapy staff at in-service programs.
7. Oversees and directs the work of therapy aides, volunteers and students as directed by the department leadership.

Qualifications

** Education and Experience**

• Bachelor's Degree, Master’s Degree, or Doctorate of PT, required.
• Current licensure as a Physical Therapist with the State of Maryland is required.
• Current CPR certification is required.

** Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**

• Knowledge of physical therapy techniques and practices; and general knowledge of orthopedics, neurology, trauma, pathology, and general medicine is required.
• Ability to read, write and speak English in order to follow and give instructions accurately.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population served on the assigned unit.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time while performing Physical Therapy services.
• Ability to learn and practice positive guest relations skills.
• Ability to work regularly with patients possessing potentially infectious disease using the appropriate "Standard Precautions" and safety procedures.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills are required in order to work with patients and other health care personnel effectively.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.