SENIOR PHYSICAL THERAPIST - South Shore Health

Job Description Summary

Responsible for precepting new hires, as well as, communicating with clinical staff to identify/assist as needed, with clinical growth opportunities. Will also perform leadership/charge duties when needed. Provides mentorship to therapists/therapist assistants/aides/students. The ideal candidate has experience in evaluating and treating patients who are medically complex and have diagnoses related to orthopedic, balance/falls, and possibly neurological conditions. This position will require involvement in both student and staff education. In addition, is responsible for evaluation and treatment of patients with a variety of physical disorders, working cooperatively with an interdisciplinary team and department to achieve goals and objectives for the provision of optimal patient care services. Excellent communication skills are a necessity.

Job Description

SENIOR PHYSICAL THERAPIST JOB DESCRIPTION

Minimum Education:

BS, MS or DPT from accredited physical therapy school required.

Minimum Work Experience:

Minimum 3 years of practice as a physical therapist

Required License

Maintain active license to practice Physical Therapy in Massachusetts

Essential Functions

Departmental leadership support duties

Assists and coordinates onboarding of new staff

Assists manager in performance appraisals as indicated

Assists with coordination, and completion of staff competency.

Facilitates huddle as needed

Involved in preparation for annual skills day.

Conducts and/or facilitates monthly discipline specific meeting

Assists with daily department operations.

Plans and actively participates in department projects/events/activities

Patient Care

Expectation 75-100% of time for patient care

Provides appropriate and comprehensive evaluations, re-evaluations and treatments through discharge, in accordance with established departmental and discipline specific standards of care and practice and within insurance parameters as required

Evaluates, plans, directs and implements patient care using evidence based practice

Practices within the legal boundaries of Massachusetts license and other professional and governmental agencies

Provides appropriate direction to licensed staff working under their plans of care

Directs other licensed and non-licensed personnel as required, such as Rehab aides and volunteers.  Delegates duties to other staff appropriately understanding their role, knowledge and capability

Follows the organization’s infection control standards

Maintains patient safety practices throughout all instances of patient care

Identifies impairments that reflect an accurate assessment of the patient’s status

Establishes goals in collaboration with the patient that are realistic, measurable and functional

Develops an appropriate plan of care based on evaluation findings that include rehab potential and prognosis as well as frequency and duration of follow up care

Implements appropriate treatment interventions based on established goals

Provides initial and ongoing patient education and/or home exercise program as necessary

Interacts with patients and family in a compassionate manner, demonstrating confidence, empathy, sensitivity and patience.

Discharges patient from service when skilled therapy is no longer appropriate

Supports South Shore Health and department mission, vision and values

Adheres to South Shore Health policies and procedures

Documentation/Billing

Follows department standards for completing all documentation, discharge and charge entry

Writes clear and complete documentation that reflects the patient’s current status and ongoing needs

Adheres to all South Shore Health and department guidelines and standards for documentation regarding timeliness, accuracy and completeness

Takes responsibility to provide accurate information during handoff

Accurately performs all aspects of charge capture including

Entering charges that reflect the documented treatment provided

Application of appropriate modifiers

Charge correction

Co-treatment and concurrent/group treatment sessions

Productivity

Strives to meet productivity standard for primary area(s)

Technology

Possesses a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization

Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently

Accurately uses all software applications as needed for job performance

Communication

Communicates effectively with staff, peers, colleagues, patients and family members in all manners of communication (written, verbal, non-verbal)

Appropriately uses all forms of South Shore Health communication in accordance with standard practices

Responds in a timely manner when feedback is requested

Professional Development

Assumes responsibility for maintaining ongoing professional development

Embraces change in clinical practice based on evolving advances in evidence 

Demonstrates willingness to provide supervision of clinical students   

Demonstrates awareness of performance initiatives and incorporates them into practice

Establishes and strives to achieve annual goals

Takes advantage of learning opportunities for professional growth such as attending in-services, conferences, and/or reading professional articles 

Professional Behaviors

Maintain a professional and appropriate manner of conversation

Maintain composure during stressful situations

Complete clinical and non-clinical tasks as well as assigned activities according to policies, practice guidelines and assigned deadlines

Utilize critical thinking and problem solving in day to day operations as well as in emergent situations

Communicates appropriately and effectively following chain of command

Demonstrates dependability and flexibility in meeting scheduling needs of the department

Non-Essential Functions

Demonstrates willingness to identify and/or assume activities relative to the developmental needs of the Health System or department

Performs other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education - Required

BS, MS or DPT from accredited Physical Therapy school required

Minimum Work Experience

Three (3) years of practice as a physical therapist

Required Licenses / Registrations 

PT - Physical Therapist

Maintain active license to practice PT in Massachusetts

Required Classes/Skills -

BLS - Basic Life Support

Required additional Knowledge, and Abilities

Advanced knowledge of examination and evaluation for broad range of impairments requiring physical therapy intervention. Must be fluent in written/spoken English language