Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist - Specialist

The Physical Therapist-Specialist is responsible for the development of the Physical Therapy Specialty service line including; clinical protocol development, workflow and patient flow coordination with referring providers, planning/implementing treatment programs, monitoring patient's progress towards treatment goals in addition to directly communicating with referring physicians and accountability for service line performance and improvement.

Job Relationships:

• Reports to the Director of Physical Therapy

Principal Responsibilities:

• Provide immediate support to physicians and patients in a physician clinic setting specific to the area of specialization.
• Coordinate the care of patients outside the physician clinic specific to their rehabilitation needs.
• Perform evaluation procedures including: range of motion, circumferential measurements of body parts, neurological and manual muscle testing, motor developmental assessment, and analysis of posture, gait, and functional activities.
• Interpret evaluation results to determine degree of impairment, aid in differential diagnoses, and assist in establishing and revising the specifics of treatment.
• Plan treatment programs based upon the patient's complaint, physician referral, review of medical records, and evaluation results.
• Set appropriate goals for treatment to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
• Rule out contra-indications to treatment and recommend necessary changes.
• Perform electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, cryotherapy, traction and massage techniques following established procedures and within limits set by patient condition and tolerance.
• Administer therapeutic exercises to improve posture, strength, range of motion, coordination, and endurance.
• Provide fitting and application of recommended orthotic devices.
• Instruct patients in the use of assistive devices and physical therapy procedures to be continued at home.
• Monitor the effects of treatment and modify techniques to achieve maximum benefit.
• Document initial evaluation and progress report for patient's medical record.
• Verbally report progress or changes in patient's condition to the referring physician as appropriate.
• Validate treatment given for accurate completion of the charge ticket.
• Provide input or timely scheduling for patients.
• Provide direction and supervision of Physical Therapy Assistants and other supportive personnel.
• Maintain professional mannerism.
• Maintain clean, neat and orderly work environment.
• Attempt to provide for patient comfort and modesty.
• Communicate tactfully in person or by telephone.
• Economically utilize supplies.
• Help to maintain equipment and notify the Director of problems.
• Demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedure codes.
• File incident reports for any event in which the individual or facility might be subject to liability.
• Notify the Director of any situation, which warrants consideration beyond the Staff Physical Therapist's duties and responsibilities.
• Comply with the Springfield Clinic incident reporting policy and procedures.
• Adhere to all OSHA and Springfield Clinic training & accomplishments as required per policy.
• Provide excellent customer service and adhere to Springfield Clinic's Code of Conduct and Ethics Standards.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.

Licenses/Certificates:

• Licensed by the State of Illinois (PT).
• CPR certification per American Heart Association guidelines required within 30 days of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Preferred to be a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, but not required.
• Kinesiotaping, LSVT BIG certification for treatment of Parkinson's, Graston Technique, Sports Medicine, McKenzie Method for back pain, Lymphedema Management, Women's/Men's Health, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Dry Needling, ASTYM, ISTYM, CSCS and BFR (Blood Flow Restriction).

Working Environment:

• Extensive walking, standing, kneeling and heavy lifting.

PHI/Privacy Level:

• HIPAA1