Job Title and Department
Job Title: Physical Therapist – SHM
Department: Therapy Services
Reports to: Director of Therapy Services
Status: Non-Exempt Position
Supervised: Physical Therapy Assistant
Job Summary
Physical therapists are responsible for diagnosing physical impairments, creating plans of care, providing treatment, and educating patients. They create plans of care designed to alleviate pain, restore function, prevent disabilities, and promote quality of life for patients. The Physical Therapist may train and mentor team members to ensure department standards are met. The Physical Therapist performs in a manner consistent with Oswego Health’s mission, policies and initiatives while maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Provide skilled physical therapy treatment plans in accordance with physician orders in compliance with New York State laws.
- Coordinate treatment plans with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, physical therapy assistants, or case managers as needed.
- Provide information for insurance credentialing and authorization to ensure patient insurance coverage.
- Design home exercise programs, instruct patients, and recommend or provide assistive equipment; promote follow-up programs to continue the therapeutic plan after discharge.
- Supervise and direct physical therapy assistants and therapy aides in direct patient care and related activities.
- Provide clinical instruction of physical therapy students with clinical rotations and shadowing as assigned.
- Comply with New York State Office of Professions regulations, Joint Commission standards, and policies and procedures of Oswego Health and the Therapy Services Department.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to urgent or emergent situations per protocols.
- Maintain a clean work area, exam rooms and supplies; maintain professional appearance and conduct.
- Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
- Work within budgetary allowances; establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, staff and management.
- Keep regular clinic hours as approved by the supervisor; attend meetings as requested.
- Participate in community-based health promotion and education as directed; assist in management of frequently used supplies.
- Ability to multi-task efficiently and effectively; act calmly and effectively in busy or stressful situations.
- Communicate effectively in English in person, by phone and in writing; work with a team approach for efficient use of resources in delivery of care and administrative duties.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Functionality
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of CPT & ICD-10 coding procedures.
- Thorough knowledge of physical therapy principles and practices.
- Working knowledge of computer programs.
- Responsible for completing all procedures scheduled during the shift without compromising quality of work.
- Respond to changes in work schedule as necessary; consistently complete work left from previous shifts and report incomplete assignments.
- Demonstrate willingness to assist others and regularly assist in other department areas such as receptionist and clerical duties.
Documentation
- Promptly and thoroughly maintain confidential clinical and administrative records. Accurately record all pertinent information on the patient’s medical record according to policy and procedure.
- Ensure accurate, timely, defensible, and ethical billing; track goals and progress.
- Documentation meets needs of third-party payer sources.
- Use computer programs, including order entry, per policy and procedure as assigned.
- Document contraindications or barriers to treatment in the physical therapy setting.
Safety
- Competently perform patient handling techniques such as bed positioning, transfers, ambulation, and stairs climbing with proper body mechanics.
- Arrange or adjust immobilization devices to prevent movement and reduce discomfort.
- Follow principles of asepsis and infection control guidelines when performing patient care.
- Administer treatment modalities per department policy and procedures.
- Communicate unexpected treatment outcomes or significant changes in patient status to referral sources or appropriate team members.
- Promptly report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor; participate in safety drills as required.
- Demonstrate knowledge of safety policies and procedures.
Required Skills/Abilities (Unit Specific)
- Accuracy — ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
- Communication — ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Computer Skills — proficient with computer use and electronic medical records.
- Confidentiality — maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
- Customer Service — friendly, cheerful, and helpful while following office policies.
- Detail Oriented — attention to detail.
- Flexibility — adapt easily to changing conditions and responsibilities.
- Positivity — maintain a positive attitude and be a positive agent for change.
- Teamwork — work as part of a team and collaborate with coworkers.
- Working Under Pressure — ability to complete tasks under stress.
Education and Experience
- Graduate from an accredited physical therapy program.
- Current New York State Physical Therapist license or permit working toward license.
- Physical Therapy experience preferred.
Certification and Licensure
- Maintain licensure requirements such as continuing education and associated fees.
Working Conditions
- Hearing: Adequate to perform job duties in person and over the telephone.
- Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly to patients in person and over the telephone.
- Vision: Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading from printed sources and computer screens.
- Requires frequent lifting and carrying items up to 50 pounds unassisted, including assisting patients when required; use proper body mechanics and equipment.
- Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting and sitting, with some heavy lifting, pushing and pulling regularly.
- Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer; subject to interruptions.
- Ability to perform prolonged standing, walking, and traversing; possible exposure to bodily fluids and other conditions common to a medical environment.
- May require use of personal protective equipment as appropriate.
- Frequent interaction with a diverse population including team members, providers, patients, insurance companies and the public.
- Active participation in Quality Assurance, CQI, cross-training, in-service programs; attend mandatory classes and meetings; complete department-specific requirements and competencies; accept assignments to other units as hospital needs require.
- Comply with DOH requirements for annual health assessments and immunizations; attendance ensures job requirements are met.
Pay Range: $50.00/hour
Employee salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications.
About Oswego Health
The mission of Oswego Health is to provide accessible, quality care and improve the health of residents throughout Oswego County. As a nonprofit healthcare system established in 1881, Oswego Health is proud to be Oswego County’s largest private employer, with more than 1,300 employees across 18 locations. The health system operates Oswego Health Home Care, Oswego Hospital, and multiple outpatient centers and medical practices offering a broad range of services including orthopedics, cardiology, ENT, gastroenterology, breast care, general surgery, urology, and bariatrics.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Oswego Health is committed to equal opportunity in all employment matters, without regard to protected characteristics. Decisions about recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, training, or terminations will be made in accordance with this policy.