Physical Therapist

Baystate Health•Springfield, MA

10d

About The Position

The Physical Therapist assists patients in reaching maximum physical performance while adjusting to disabilities or recovering from injuries. The therapist treats patients using standard physical therapy procedures, determines patients’ capabilities, needs, interests, and goals, and prepares individually tailored programs consistent with the physician’s diagnosis. The role is expected to function independently. The description covers essential functions; other similar and related duties may be assigned. The therapist evaluates assigned patients using established department procedures, develops treatment plans, assesses patient needs and discharge plans, and helps patients and families obtain prescribed or recommended equipment. The therapist delivers and adapts treatment, trains patients and families in carryover procedures and equipment use when appropriate, and maintains a safe treatment environment using universal precautions. The role also includes clinical documentation, consultations with patients, families, physicians, nursing staff, ancillary services, and referring agencies; department operations such as scheduling and billing; support and oversight of student interns; professional development; meeting productivity expectations; and attending or presenting training and in-service sessions.

Requirements

0–3 years of experience as a physical therapist.
Mid-level physical therapy skills.
Knowledge of physiology, health promotion and maintenance, creating a safe and effective environment, motivating others, legal compliance, quality focus, bedside manner, clinical skills, pain management, persistence, and energy level.

Responsibilities

Evaluate assigned patients using established department procedures within 24 hours, assess needs and discharge plans, and develop individualized treatment plans and goals based on evaluation findings and patient/family goals.
Assist patients and families in obtaining physician-prescribed and other recommended equipment according to department guidelines.
Participate in discharge planning with patients, families, and the rehabilitation team using professional judgment.
Apply treatment plans within established procedures and time frames, modify treatment according to patients’ abilities, and train patients and families on carryover procedures and equipment use when appropriate.
Maintain a safe environment for patients and therapists using universal precautions and demonstrate empathy in patient care.
Complete required documentation, including initial consultations, progress notes, clinical conference notes, and dictated reports; complete initial consultation documentation within 24 hours of receipt.
Document patient history, test results, clinical observations, diagnosis, prognosis, recommendations, progress toward treatment goals, changes in status, and discharge recommendations as appropriate.
Provide information and consultation to patients, families, caregivers, and other health care personnel; counsel patients and families as appropriate and consult with physicians, nursing staff, ancillary services, and referring agencies as indicated.
Complete department operational procedures, including scheduling, billing, equipment usage, time-off requests, and caseload coverage assignments; submit patient charges or credits within 24 hours.
Use and issue department equipment appropriately and provide efficient coverage for assigned patients during staff shortages.
Assist with on-the-job orientation and training for student interns, help students develop in-services, review and co-sign intern documentation, and contribute to midterm and end-of-internship ratings.
Demonstrate relevant clinical knowledge and skills in evaluation, treatment, and counseling, and establish and implement one or two professional development objectives for annual review.
Meet productivity expectations as determined by the supervisor.
Attend in-service training, outside seminars, and other meetings as directed, and present in-service training according to established guidelines.