Lymphedema Specialist - Physical Therapist

Beth Israel Lahey Health•Burlington, VT

3d•$41 - $58•Onsite

About The Position

The Lymphedema Specialist is a licensed Physical Therapist who evaluates and treats patients with lymphedema affecting the upper and lower extremities, head and neck, breast, and genitals. The therapist guides patients through Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and helps establish maintenance programs, including measuring for custom and ready-to-wear garments, developing home exercise programs, and assisting with obtaining specialized equipment such as pneumatic compression pumps. The role is based at an outpatient Burlington clinic and works within an interdisciplinary team to provide patient-centered care. Under the supervision of the manager, the Physical Therapist II assesses, plans, organizes, and participates in rehabilitative programs to improve or restore physical function, alleviate pain, and prevent dysfunction. The therapist is also a clinical and administrative resource for the department, supporting safe and effective department operations. Responsibilities include patient examination and treatment planning, intervention and discharge planning, documentation, productivity and quality-improvement activities, staff education and mentorship, career development, leadership, and compliance with organizational policies. The position requires a bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy, an active Massachusetts Physical Therapy license, Basic Life Support certification from the American Heart Association, lymphedema specialty certification, and at least two years of licensed clinical experience in a physical therapy setting. The listed base hourly pay range is $41.08–$57.52. A $10,000 sign-on bonus is available for a limited time. Staff must be vaccinated against influenza as a condition of employment.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
Active Massachusetts Physical Therapy license.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Lymphedema specialty certification.
At least two years of licensed physical therapist experience in a clinical physical therapy setting.
Knowledge of physical therapy theory and practice, services, facilities, equipment, therapy methods, and techniques.
Ability to observe, assess, and record objective findings, symptoms, reactions, and progress, with critical judgment and thinking skills.
Ability to communicate medical information, test results, diagnoses, and proposed treatments clearly and effectively to patients, both orally and in writing.
Ability to assess individual patient needs and maintain patient medical records.
Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection-control standards.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and manage confidential information.
Ability to provide leadership and mentorship.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a certified lymphedema training course, such as Klose Training or Norton Training.

Responsibilities

Examine patients using appropriate testing methods and instrumentation, record and interpret findings, identify patient needs, and formulate detailed assessments.
Develop functional, time-based, measurable treatment plans and outcomes with input from patients, families, and other health professionals.
Safely implement treatment interventions using sound clinical judgment and skill, and encourage patient motivation and cooperation.
Provide patient and family education during therapy and in preparation for discharge.
Conduct ongoing assessments and revise treatment interventions, goals, and outcomes as appropriate.
Initiate discharge planning, incorporate patient and family input, and participate in multidisciplinary patient care planning.
Consult with allied health professionals as needed, discontinue unproductive treatment when indicated, and transfer patients when physical therapy services are no longer required or goals have been achieved.
Document discharge summaries and maintain accurate medical records, including initial evaluations, daily treatment notes, and reassessments, according to department policy.
Meet department productivity standards, delegate tasks to support staff when appropriate, complete daily statistics by the end of the business day, and assist with quality-improvement data collection.
Attend educational programs and read professional journals to maintain and enhance physical therapy skills and clinical outcomes.
Address staff educational needs through lectures, training, and mentorship; provide feedback to the manager; supervise students; and orient, train, and mentor new staff.
Develop and maintain physical therapy skills and knowledge in accordance with the Rehabilitation Services Career Ladder, meet Physical Therapist II qualifications every two years, and document achievements.
Assume charge responsibility in the absence of the immediate supervisor; assist with quality assurance; and develop, plan, upgrade, and implement programs and protocols.
Maintain confidentiality, comply with organizational policies and behavioral expectations, interact courteously and effectively with colleagues and patients, complete mandatory education, and participate in quality-improvement activities.
Evaluate and treat lymphedema; guide patients through Complete Decongestive Therapy; establish maintenance programs; measure for garments; develop home exercise programs; and assist patients in obtaining equipment such as pneumatic compression pumps.