Physical Therapist

FMOLHS•Lafayette, LA

About The Position

The Physical Therapist evaluates and assesses the needs of referred patients, develops treatment plans, and provides therapy services defined by those plans. The role works cooperatively with physicians, case managers, patients, and other healthcare team members, and maintains accurate documentation of services in the medical record. The Physical Therapist may supervise physical therapy assistants, therapy technicians, and students. The position includes conducting and documenting thorough initial evaluations, identifying functional disabilities or problem areas, setting measurable short- and long-term goals, and creating detailed treatment plans. The therapist periodically reassesses patients’ functional status and progress, revises treatment plans as needed, communicates evaluation results, involves patients in care planning, and identifies patient and caregiver education needs. The role is expected to maintain at least 75% direct patient care productivity (24 billable units per day), maintain professional competencies, pursue professional growth, and contribute to improvements in patient care and work processes. It also includes delegating and supervising support personnel appropriately, coordinating scheduling, maintaining an orderly work area, and serving as a clinical instructor for physical therapy and PTA students on clinical internships.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy Program, with a minimum of a bachelor's degree.
Current Louisiana State Physical Therapy License; temporary licensure is allowed.
BLS Certification.
Good interpersonal and human relations skills.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Good teamwork skills.
Good critical-thinking and decision-making skills.
Superior organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Evaluate and assess referred patients and formulate treatment plans.
Provide therapy services defined in treatment plans.
Work cooperatively with physicians, case managers, and other healthcare team members.
Maintain accurate documentation of therapy services in the medical record using approved hospital and department systems.
Complete daily patient charges promptly and accurately according to department procedures.
Perform and document thorough initial evaluations, including objective testing and identification of functional disabilities or problem areas before treatment begins.
Identify and document measurable short- and long-term goals for each evaluated patient.
Develop a detailed treatment plan for each patient.
Periodically reassess patient functional status and progress toward goals, and modify treatment plans accordingly.
Communicate evaluation results to patients and significant others and involve patients in planning, implementing, and revising treatment plans.
Assess and identify patient and significant-other education needs concerning treatment, expected reactions, equipment safety, home programs, and follow-up care.
Maintain direct patient care productivity of at least 75%, or 24 billable units per day.
Complete and maintain competencies in department practice and pursue professional growth through educational programs, professional literature, in-services, and workshops.
Participate in improving work processes to improve patient care.
Delegate appropriately to and supervise support personnel according to their training and applicable state law.
Maintain effective and professional relationships with healthcare team members, patients, and the public.
Assist coworkers and use the designated chain of command to communicate work-related concerns and present solutions or options.
Participate in assigned committees and consult the department Director about department input and the effects of committee decisions on department function and budget.
Accommodate patients for treatment as ordered and schedule support staff to support productivity and fair work distribution.
Maintain a neat and orderly work area.
Serve as a clinical instructor for physical therapy and PTA students on clinical internship, providing mentoring, supervision, timely feedback, and written evaluations.
Demonstrate problem-solving skills and good judgment.
Accept additional work assignments from the Director or Team Leader.
Consistently perform the organization's 12 Service Standards focused on Values, Service, and Quality.