Physical Therapist - Inpatient/Acute Care Float

Advocate Health; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health is seeking a Physical Therapist to support four inpatient facilities and three acute care sites in the Charlotte, NC area. The role emphasizes age-appropriate patient care, comprehensive evaluations, and collaborative care planning within a multi-site team.

The ideal candidate will have a degree in Physical Therapy with licensure, and a DPT is preferred. The position requires clinical independence, strong communication skills, and commitment to evidence-based practice across

Qualifications

• Degree in Physical Therapy required/registered in state.
• DPT preferred or equivalent educational date.
• Experience in musculoskeletal and neuromuscular assessments.

Responsibilities

• Provide age-appropriate patient care across life span.
• Perform patient evaluations and develop care plans.
• Set functional goals and monitor outcomes.
• Educate patients and caregivers on diagnosis, treatment, and home program.
• Communicate professionally with patients, families, and staff.
• Document evaluations, plans, and progress in medical records.
• Maintain clean, organized department and equipment.
• Pursue continuing education and evidence-based practice.
• Participate in quality improvement and process enhancement.
• Demonstrate float competency across sites and adapt to locations.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Patient education

Communication skills

Documentation

HIPAA compliance

Professional development

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Caseload management

Productivity

Team coordination

Education

Degree in Physical Therapy

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) preferred

Tools

Electronic medical record (EMR) systems

Job description

This position will support four Atrium Health Inpatient facilities and three Acute Care facilities:

• Carolinas Rehabilitation Charlotte

• Carolinas Rehabilitation Mount Holly

• Carolinas Rehabilitation Northeast

• Pineville Rehabilitation Hospital

• Atrium Health Pineville

• Atrium Health Mercy

• Atrium Health University

Major Responsibilities

• Age-Appropriate Patient Care: Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age‑specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department’s policies and procedures. Age‑specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.
• Patient Evaluation and Care Planning: Interprets medical records and provider referrals as appropriate, and completes musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and/or integumentary evaluations utilizing appropriate methods. Establishes an appropriate patient care plan utilizing evidence‑based intervention in accordance with state(s) Physical Therapy Practice Act to include necessary modalities, procedures, exercise programs, and patient/caregiver education as warranted by clinical diagnosis. Recommends next level of care, directs support staff, supervises physical therapy assistants, and ensures quality outcomes. Treatments may include but are not limited to: education, exercise, therapeutic groups, modalities, gait, balance, coordination activities, sensory motor development, functional mobility, and transfer skills. Identifies the need for and utilizes appropriate assistive orthotic devices and adaptive strategies. Demonstrates knowledge of indications and contraindications to all therapeutic interventions utilized.
• Goal Setting and Outcome Monitoring: Establishes functional goals in conjunction with the patient/caregiver and monitors outcomes to enhance physical and functional abilities. Provides individualized adjustments based on the patient’s response to treatment and continuous reassessment. Identifies factors affecting a patient's physical and psychosocial comfort and attends to these needs. Communicates with providers, clinical staff, referral sources, and other disciplines to keep all stakeholders informed on the patient’s progress and plan of care. Collaborates with other disciplines to coordinate the patient’s schedule
• Patient and Caregiver Education: Provides education to the patient and caregivers based on patient needs. Identifies and addresses preferences and learning barriers. Provides patient and caregiver education regarding diagnosis, progress toward goals, treatment intervention, and home instruction. Supports patient discharge by providing written home programs, education, and recommending necessary equipment to promote functionality.
• Professional Communication: Communicates in a professional and timely manner with patient/caregivers, providers, staff, and all external customers. Responds to questions by staff. Promotes an open atmosphere of communication. Informs supervisor of issues and resolutions to potential problems. Communicates information with patients and caregivers and ensures understanding. May attend patient care meetings and participate in multi‑disciplinary meetings to integrate care and coordinate schedules with other disciplines.
• Documentation and Compliance: Completes all required documentation including patient evaluations, progress notes, patient education, team conference reports, discharge summaries, and billing charges. Complies with insurance guidelines regarding authorization and visit limitations. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient/caregiver education, charges and departmental statistics, and ICD codes as appropriate. Responsible for maintaining site/department established productivity standards. Responsible for understanding and adhering to all billing and documentation policies, procedures, and timelines.
• Environment: Shares responsibility in maintaining a clean and orderly department by cleaning up after patient treatment and ensuring all equipment is placed correctly and maintained in good working order.
• Professional Development: Pursues professional growth by participating in continuing education initiatives, department in‑services, and reviewing professional literature implementing evidence‑based practices into daily operations.
• Operational Improvement: Actively engages in performance improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care outcomes and overall quality of services. Demonstrates clinical responsibility by identifying opportunities for both quality and operational improvement within daily practice. Participates in process review and development, consistently bringing forward questions, concerns, and potential solutions. Manages assigned caseload, informing site leadership of coverage needs and ability to cover; assists with coverage, based on department needs and regional needs.
• Float: Meets all requirements for Level 2 outlined in the Enterprise Float Program and applicable Human Resources policies. Must demonstrate the ability to practice competently across assigned departments and/or locations and adapt to varying clinical or operational environments based on organizational need.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required

• Active Physical Therapy license in the state(s) of employment.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers.
• Ongoing compliance with state‑mandated continuing education requirements.

Education Required

• Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) preferred, or educational requirements commensurate with date of graduation.

Experience Required

• Clinical experience consistent with independent physical therapy practice.
• Ability to manage patient evaluations, treatment planning, and clinical decision‑making independently.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Knowledge of physical therapy evaluation techniques, interventions, and standards of practice.
• Strong clinical judgment and problem‑solving abilities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to educate patients and caregivers effectively and address learning barriers.
• Intermediate computer skills and ability to perform basic office and documentation functions.
• Demonstrated compliance with HIPAA and patient confidentiality standards.
• Ability to complete required competencies and meet site‑specific clinical standards.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, and squat throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift:
  • Up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist
  • Up to 10 lbs. from waist to overhead
  • Carry up to 40 lbs. at waist height for reasonable distances
• Ability to push/pull up to 30 lbs. of force.
• Ability to assist with patient transfers, including sliding transfers of up to 150 lbs. with assistance.
• Repetitive use of hands including grasping, pushing/pulling, and fine motor manipulation.
• Functional use of senses and intelligible speech for effective communication.
• Ability to demonstrate exercises and therapeutic activities to patients and caregivers.
• Exposure to electrical, chemical, blood, and body fluid hazards; must wear protective equipment as required.
• May require travel between sites and exposure to road and weather hazards.
• Work environment is primarily indoors with occasional outdoor exposure.
• May make home visits as part of patient care delivery.

Preferred Job Requirements

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification

• Multi‑state licensure or experience practicing across multiple care settings (preferred).

Education

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT).

Experience

• Prior float, multi‑site, or diverse clinical setting experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated adaptability to varying clinical, operational, and patient care environments.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.