Physical Therapist - Acute Care

Job Requirements

Position Summary

The Physical Therapist is accountable for a continuum of services in providing care to patients with orthopedic, neuromuscular, and other physically related disorders requiring skilled physical therapy evaluation and treatment. The Physical Therapist utilizes rehab processes to promote and restore optimal health and wellbeing of the patient. The Physical Therapist assumes personal accountability for Health First’s Mission and Core values.

Primary Accountabilities

Evaluates patients by completing initial evaluation following Physical Therapy practice guidelines.

Establishes plan of care and makes recommendations for referral if treatment is needed outside the scope of Physical Therapist practice.

Eligible to perform Direct Access Physical Therapy in Outpatient settings, as indicated by State of Florida Physical Therapy Practice Act.

Applies appropriate diagnostic and prognostic testing for musculoskeletal, neurological and neuromuscular conditions. Performs standardized testing to include special tests and outcome measures to determine level of disability and track outcomes over the patient care experience, with populations that may include geriatrics, adults and pediatrics.

Establishes and implements a treatment plan of care utilizing practice standards and patient needs; creates measurable and attainable goals and timeframes by collaborating with patients, family and other members of the health care team to support success after discharge. Performs a variety of best practice and evidence based therapeutic interventions to address the unique rehabilitation needs of each patient.

Communicates and collaborates with Physical Therapy Assistants regarding treatment plans, expectations and patient progress; monitors patients’ response to treatment and modifies treatment plan as appropriate.

Recognizes personal limitations and capabilities and utilizes available resources, and evaluates patient learning styles and appropriately teaches patients skills and techniques required for participation in physical therapy.

Engages in promoting evidence-based standards of care and life-long learning through autonomous and collaborative research review, such as journal club, teaching/mentoring/clinical instructing, or clinical practice education within a peer group. Communicates with referring licensed practitioners.

Supports consumer marketing and public awareness through participating in community events, educational lectures, and/or other extension of clinical expertise to the community as approved by the manager.

• Verifies all productivity targets are met, and utilizing their time, supplies and support staff responsibly.
• Maintains documentation standards as required by industry standards; regularly participates in chart reviews and peer reviews, as well as, reporting incidents as required by state and department requirements.
• Participates in training new associates and students as needed, and conducts other duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy.
• Work Experience: None
• Licensure: Physical Therapist (PT) licensure in the State of Florida.

Certification

American Heart Association Basic Life Support (AHA BLS) Healthcare Provider Completion Card prior to start date and maintained.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Interpersonal communications skills.
• Basic computer skills or willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Doctorate’s degree in Physical Therapy (DPT).
• Work Experience: Previous experience as a physical therapist, or clinical rotations in a similar environment.

Certification

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification.
• Dry Needling Certification.
• Certified McKenzie Therapist (MDT) certification.
• Orthopedic Certified Specialist (OCS) certification.
• Geriatric Certified Specialist (GCS) certification.
• Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) certification.
• Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certification.
• Oncology Certification.
• Neurology Certification.
• Pelvic & Women’s Health Certification (PWHC).
• Sports Physical Therapy Certification.
• LSVT Big & Loud certification.
• Graston Technique Specialist (GTS) certification.
• PNF Certification.
• Certified Manual Therapist certification.
• Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) certification.
• Ergonomic Certification.

Physical Requirements

Physically agile; may require walking, standing, running, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, or crouching frequently.

May occasionally include lifting or moving objects up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.

May require moving in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces, including reaching out and above shoulders, or overhead.

May lift, turn, pull, push, or ambulate people and/or equipment with or without assistance up to 90% of the assigned shift.

May be exposed to inside and outside environments with varied temperatures, air quality, lighting, and/or low to loud noise.

May require working with biohazards such as blood/body fluids and airborne particles following OSHA and CDC guidelines.

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination to perform tasks.
• Workspace may vary from open to confined.

May require travel to various facilities within and beyond county perimeter; may require use of personal vehicle.

Benefits

About Health First

At Health First, diversity and inclusion are essential for our continued growth and evolution. Working together, we strive to build and nurture a culture that recognizes, encourages, and respects the diverse voices of our associates.

We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds create a stronger and more collaborative work environment that delivers better results. As an organization, it fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our associates, customers, and the communities we serve.

Schedule: Per Diem

Shift Times: variable

Paygrade: PG-42