Physical Therapist

Non-Physician Openings•Westbrook, ME

About The Position

The Physical Therapist evaluates and treats patients and reports to the lead therapist or manager of physical therapy. The role supervises physical therapy assistants, aides, and athletic trainers in direct patient care and related activities. The therapist examines patients’ medical histories; assesses strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function; and develops treatment plans describing the strategy, purpose, and anticipated outcome. Treatment may include manual exercises, physical agents such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation, massage, and traction. The therapist evaluates treatment effectiveness and adjusts care to maximize benefit, often consulting with physicians and other practitioners. The role includes teaching patients to use assistive and adaptive devices and perform at-home exercises, maintaining complete and timely clinical and billing records, and discharging patients when goals or projected outcomes are achieved while providing appropriate follow-up care or referrals. The therapist also maintains a clean, organized treatment area and equipment, supports staff training and patient education materials, manages supplies, and treats patients respectfully while maintaining confidentiality.

Requirements

Current state license as a Physical Therapist.
Demonstrated effective communication skills, including written, verbal, non-verbal, or electronic communication.
Ability to listen to and acknowledge the concerns of patients and peers.
Ability to make effective decisions reflecting clear and logical thinking.
Flexibility in examining new approaches in response to changing organizational objectives.
Ability to identify and proactively solve problems.
Ability to prioritize work based on department demands and complete assignments within designated timeframes with little to no supervision.
Demonstrated behavior that protects the safety of self and others, the department, and equipment.

Nice To Haves

1–3 years of clinical experience in an outpatient setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patients, including reviewing medical histories and measuring strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function.
Plan and prepare treatment plans describing the strategy, purpose, and anticipated outcome.
Administer manual exercises and treatments such as physical agents, massage, and traction.
Evaluate treatment effects at various stages and adjust treatment to achieve maximum benefit, consulting physicians and other practitioners as appropriate.
Teach patients to use assistive and adaptive devices and instruct them on at-home exercises.
Record evaluations, daily treatment notes, monthly progress notes, and discharge summaries completely and on time.
Record treatment charges daily and complete charge tickets accurately and promptly.
Discharge patients when goals or projected outcomes are attained and provide appropriate follow-up care or referrals.
Keep treatment areas clean, organized, and unobstructed, and clean equipment after treatment.
Assist with training and orientation of new staff.
Help maintain and update patient education material files.
Maintain adequate inventory supplies and organize the treatment area.
Treat patients respectfully and maintain the confidentiality of patient information.
Attend continuing education courses and provide in-service education to physical therapy and medical staff.
Supervise physical therapy assistants, aides, and athletic trainers in direct patient care and related activities.