Physical Therapist II

Alameda Health System•Oakland, CA

About The Position

Under limited technical supervision, the Physical Therapist II uses skill, judgment, and knowledge of daily operations to supervise a small group of physical therapists, aides, and students. The role evaluates and treats a broad spectrum of patients, communicates with staff members, physicians, and other disciplines, and assists with program planning. The position also performs related duties as required. The Physical Therapist II administers comprehensive physical therapy evaluations and develops and implements treatment plans using appropriate procedures, group classes, modalities, and techniques. The role assesses and orders assistive devices, delegates appropriate tasks, and educates patients, families, and caregivers in self-care, prevention, wellness, home exercise programs, equipment use, and safety. As a team leader, this position coordinates patient assignments and coverage, keeps schedules current, orients and supervises staff and students, supports clinical instruction, and helps evaluate team members and students. It also participates in patient-care collaboration, documentation, quality improvement activities, and department education.

Requirements

Graduation from an approved school of Physical Therapy.
At least one year of experience as a Physical Therapist I employed by Alameda Health System, or at least two years of recent experience in another clinical setting related to the area of proposed supervision, such as acute medical, rehabilitation, skilled nursing facility, or outpatient care.
BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
Current licensure as a Physical Therapist with the California Board of Physical Therapy.

Responsibilities

Attend team meetings and conferences concerning patient care and discharge planning.
Attend, participate in, and contribute to in-service educational training.
Communicate with families, case managers, health insurers, and others as appropriate.
Consult with physical therapists, aides, and the department manager on problem solving and program planning.
Consult with referring physicians and the health care team regarding patient status.
Complete administrative forms for leaves of absence, payroll, and statistics.
Prepare clear, concise, legible, and objective patient evaluations, progress notes, discharge notes, equipment orders, and insurance forms; accurately record daily treatment attendance and charges.
Participate in gathering data for Continuing Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement, staff surveys, and related activities.
Use the SMS computer system proficiently.
Apply appropriate safety measures, including body mechanics, infection control, and environmental hazard control, and clean the treatment area after use.
Conduct comprehensive physical therapy evaluations using tests and measurements appropriate to patients’ diagnoses, ages, and disabilities.
Assess the need for assistive devices for ambulation, exercise, joint protection, and pain control, and order necessary equipment.
Delegate appropriate physical therapy tasks to the PT Aide, PT Assistant, or PT I.
Develop and implement treatment plans using physical therapy procedures, group classes, modalities, and techniques to improve patient outcomes.
Educate patients, families, and other caregivers in self-care, prevention and wellness, home exercise programs, equipment use, and safety.
Accept responsibility for non-patient-care duties, such as task forces, in-service training for new staff, and IOP, that support department care delivery.
Arrange schedules to accommodate patient care when a team member is absent.
Assign new patients to team therapists, considering workloads, patient variety, and clinical expertise.
Assist new PT I Clinical Instructors in developing preceptor skills for the student program.
Keep schedules up to date, coordinate Saturday coverage, arrange coverage for absent team members, and ensure upcoming discharges are monitored.
Orient and supervise new staff members and students; proofread notes and supervise patient care until competence is established.
Help evaluate PT Is, PT Assistants, and PT Aides, and fairly and accurately evaluate students using approved clinical evaluation tools.
Prepare the rough draft of weekly collaborative care conferences.