Full Time Physical Therapist, Pediatrics

St. Luke's University Health Network•Kresgeville, PA

13d

About The Position

The Physical Therapist evaluates, diagnoses, and manages pediatric patients with physical impairments and functional limitations to maximize their functional abilities. The role designs and implements individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s goals and needs, and educates patients and families on preventing or managing conditions to promote health and wellness. The therapist documents evaluations, treatment plans, responses, and changes in patient status; monitors progress and outcomes; and collaborates with patients, families, and other healthcare providers. The role also contributes to department programs, quality improvement, staff education, and professional development, and may supervise Physical Therapy Assistants, students, and observers.

Requirements

Doctoral, master’s, or bachelor’s degree from an accredited physical therapy program, or a physical therapy certificate.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association or equivalent, required upon hire or to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Current Physical Therapist license in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, depending on work location.
Work within the physical therapy practice guidelines defined by the applicable state law.
Successful completion of required affiliations.
At least one year of experience as a physical therapist in an outpatient setting.
CPR certification.
Ability to sit for up to 90 minutes at a time and stand for 30 to 45 minutes consecutively.
Ability to manipulate machine dials with hands and fingers; occasionally stoop or bend, squat, crouch, kneel, and reach above shoulder level.
Ability to lift and move patients up to 50 pounds and push or pull patients weighing up to 50 pounds.
Tactile sensation sufficient to assess muscle spasms, texture, and skin temperature; hearing sufficient for normal conversation; and vision sufficient for general vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive initial evaluations, identify functional deficits, and develop treatment plans to improve movement, manage pain, restore function, and prevent disability.
Provide skilled interventions tailored to patient needs and preferences using appropriate techniques, modalities, and equipment.
Collaborate with patients to establish short- and long-term goals.
Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients, families, and healthcare providers while ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
Manage patients through direct or indirect treatment, or refer them to another provider as appropriate.
Establish and update diagnoses, prognoses, and plans of care using available evidence and clinical reasoning.
Review and document patient medical history, evaluation findings, treatment plans, treatment responses, and changes in status.
Educate patients and family members about prognosis and care options.
Assist in developing and implementing department programs.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, continuing education, professional development, and QI data collection and planning.
Monitor and document patient progress, outcomes, and satisfaction with services.
Share clinical knowledge and techniques to improve patient care.
Supervise Physical Therapy Assistants, PT and PTA students, and observers as assigned.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with information-release requirements, organizational and departmental policies, safety procedures, reporting requirements, and professional ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.
Demonstrate the Network’s Service Excellence Standards and contribute to performance improvement in clinical care, customer service, operations, and safety.
Use resources effectively and efficiently and comply with attendance and dress-code policies.
Demonstrate competency in assessment, treatment, growth and development, and communication appropriate to the age of patients treated.
Attend designated or requested meetings, including multidisciplinary meetings as applicable.
Accurately bill patient accounts for services rendered.
Provide in-services to PT department staff and others.
Clean and order supplies as assigned by the facility director.
Perform other related duties as assigned, such as peer record review.