JOB DESCRIPTION:
This position reports directly to the Rehab Director. Physical Therapists, also known as PTs, assess, diagnose, and provide treatment to individuals of all ages, from newborns to 21 years old. They work with patients who have injuries, disabilities, or other health conditions that require treatment. They aim to help patients avoid surgery and prescription drugs, improve mobility, manage pain and chronic conditions, prevent future problems, and enhance physical function and fitness.
The physical therapist will assess each patient and create a treatment plan to enhance movement, reduce or manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability. They will collaborate with patients/parents to implement the treatment plan. The physical therapist will also continuously monitor and adjust the treatment plan throughout the patient’s care. When appropriate, the physical therapist will discharge the patient or transition them to the next phase of the treatment plan.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Restores patient’s function, alleviates pain, and prevents disabilities by planning and administering medically prescribed physical therapy.
- Provides quality care by assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results.
- Determines physical therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians or by prescription.
- Helps patient accomplish treatment plan by administering manual exercises, giving massages, and using equipment as necessary.
- Evaluate and record patient progress, modify treatment plans, and try new treatments if required.
- Evaluate the use and fit of prosthetic and orthotic devices by observing, noting, and observing the patient’s progress and recommending adjustments and modifications.
- Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
- Instruct patients in proper in-home exercises and therapies.
- Educates patients and their families about the recovery process and the challenges they will face.
Patient Education
- Facilitates movement toward a healthcare partnership between providers, patients, and their families. Educates patients and their families regarding therapeutic exercises, activities, and equipment. Helps patients improve their movement and manage pain.
Evaluation/Re-evaluations
- Is responsible for administering and evaluating patients through standardized assessments. They gauge functional abilities, including physical, emotional, and cognitive components, to evaluate the necessity of skilled physical therapy intervention. A patient’s history, context, and treatment goals should be considered when determining a treatment plan.
Treatment
- Helps the patient achieve the goals outlined in the treatment plan by teaching them different functional tasks and exercises intended to strengthen or stretch muscles and alleviate pain.
Discharge
- Ensures safety at discharge and continuation of progress by providing home exercise programs, family/caregiver instruction, recommendations for assistive equipment, and recommendations for continued therapy in a less restrictive setting. Discharge planning should begin at the evaluation and continue throughout treatment. Planning and coordination for discharge should occur in conjunction with physicians, social workers, other healthcare workers, the client, and their family members/caretakers.
Contribution to Healthcare Team
- Communicates with the larger health team through adequate documentation and charting of patient and department records. They maintain patient confidence by keeping information confidential, keeping the work environment safe and clean, and adhering to infection control and other safety policies.
Maintenance of Department Integrity
- Compliance with federal and state professional requirements. They also maintain professional expertise through continued education as necessitated by licensure and as appropriate for specific treatments. The therapist may further develop the physical therapy department by reviewing best practices annually.
Supervision
- Therapists may also supervise physical therapy students following standards set by the American Physical Therapy Association, the state of employment, and the facility.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of traits, processes, and ethics in patient care.
- Demonstrated skills in writing and editing notes, evaluations, and reports.
- Ability to analyze complex information and software to develop spreadsheets and databases and do word processing.
- Ability to meet established deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
- Standard office equipment, including personal computers and peripherals; multi-line phone system.
EDUCATION:
Master’s or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education- an accredited physical therapist education program and passing a state licensure exam.
EXPERIENCE:
• 5-7 years of experience in a related field preferred.
• Experience working with pediatric patients preferred.
LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS:
Physical therapists must be licensed to provide physical therapy in the state of Texas. They must also be registered and in good standing with the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and possess an appropriate, valid Texas driver’s license and insurance. CPR certification and other relevant certifications may be required.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Office environment, exposure to computer screens, frequent contact with the public. Continuous sitting. Some lifting and carrying. Assist in philanthropic efforts for the clinic and perform other duties as assigned.
BENEFITS:
Medical, dental, life insurance, 401K, ample paid time off including spring break, July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
All offers for employment with Moody Clinic are contingent upon the candidate having successfully completed a criminal background check.