SUMMARY: Responsible for evaluation, planning, directing and administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician. Administers treatments and physical agents as prescribed by a referring physician in an effort to restore function and prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. The staff therapist coordinates, delegates and supervises responsibilities assigned to supportive staff (PTA). The staff therapist participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities. Provides input in formulating budget, assists in evaluating department performance versus budget controls and takes appropriate action to remain in budget guidelines. Ensures that patient changes are accurate and entered on a timely basis. Participates in all infection control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety and fire safety programs.
FUNCTIONS OF POSITION:

1. Responsible for direction of the Physical Therapy department certified staff, include Physical Therapy Assistnats.
2. Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, recommends change to physician as needed.
3. Ability to perform components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and the general patient population.
4. Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assesses effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
5. Demonstrates knowledge of physical therapy modalities.
6. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family.
7. Manages and operates equipment safety and correctly Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
8. Interacts professionally with patient/ family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan care.
9. Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, facility staff and administrative team.
10. Coordinates and assists with directing patient care to ensure patient's needs are met and facility policy is followed.
11. Maintains records pertinent to personnel and operation of the department.
12. Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
13. Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
14. Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
15. Documentation meets current standards and policies.
16. Participates in education staff performance improvement in services. Assists with orientation and in-service training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs.
17. Provides evaluation of certified staff including interviewing, hiring, evaluating and termination.

QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION: Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy.
LICENSE: Missouri license from Board of Healing Arts.
CREDENTIALS: Accredited program in Physical Therapy.
EXPERIENCE: One or more years of clinical experience preferred.
SPECIAL:
PATIENT CONTACT: Ability to meet establish appropriate rapport of all ages. Basic knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology .Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of the same.
TYPING: Basic computer knowledge
MACHINE OPERATION:
PHYSICAL:
STANDING: Ability to stand for long periods.
WALKING: Must have the mobility to move to various areas throughout the workday.
LIFTING: Ability to assist in lifting patients of all sizes.
SITTING/ DRIVING: A safe car for extended periods of time.
VISUAL: Vision correctable to 20/20
HEARING: Hearing within normal limits.
SPEAKING: Ability to do public speaking, hold in-service classes for physicians, patients, and co-workers, and to communicate with hospital staff effectively.