PHYSICAL THERAPIST

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

This position will be based in one of the SEARHC Rehabilitation Services settings (hospital, outpatient clinic or home health) and will have a varied focus depending on the location and the local need.  The primary focus will be to provide general Physical Therapy (PT) evaluations and treatments which impact patient’s functional abilities.  Physical therapy is a core service provided by this healthcare organization.  The therapist performs in a professional manner, respects confidentiality, and demonstrates qualities endorsed by following the Seven Standards for Service Excellence outlined in the SEARHC Human Resources Manual.   Services are to be provided in compliance with hospital standards, licensure requirements, regulatory and practice standards of Physical Therapy and the national professional guidelines established by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Physical therapists are health care professionals responsible and accountable for patient assessment, evaluation, establishing a plan of care and theraputic interventions for a wide range of ages with widely varying diagnoses and skills needs who present with a full spectrum of movement abilities, dysfunctions and complexities.  The clinician needs to be able to inform clinical teams regarding decisions that involve physical therapy while taking into consideration consultation provided by other care providers. As patients are seen, recommendations may be made regarding their level of independence and rehabilitation needs which may impact services, care placement and further treatment.  The incumbent shall also demonstrate accountability for the contribution to program development, quality improvement, problem solving, and productivity enhancement in a flexible interdisciplinary fashion.  Documenting standards must be followed for continuity of care and reimbursement for services. The position may require occasional travel off site and out of town to provide services or cover for providers in other SEARHC facilities.

Salary - $38-53/hour DOE

• Provides assessment, performs evaluation, identifies therapy diagnosis, formulates therapy treatment plan with goals and implements treatment of PT services to patients. Is responsible as the primary therapy provider to implement, supervise and modify a therapy plan of care based on assessment of patient response to optimize the outcome for each patient.  Reviews clinical records and case histories.  Attends care conferences, regular meetings/rounds and remains in contact with referring providers and other health care professionals to review patient’s status and individual needs within the health care team concept.  Collaborates with other team members to assure appropriate medical equipment is arranged and care plan is established prior to discharge.  Documents patient encounter findings and treatments including diagnoses, treatment plan, recommendations, and prognoses in appropriate format according to SEARHC policies.

• Provides services in a timely manner and according to regulatory requirements. Works with in-patient and out-patient populations in various settings as assigned.  Directs the work of support staff, students or interns.  Facilitates a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients and their families.  Develops, implements and conducts patient education and therapy programs based on patient and/or family needs. Provides patients and families clear and concise home exercise programs to achieve the fullest rehabilitative potential.  The provider ensures that these instructions are understood by asking for feedback and return demonstration of programs by patient or caregivers.  Programs are taught demonstrating sensitivity to cross cultural issues. Advises patients and family members in methods that facilitate a capacity for self-care and independence, facilitating movement towards a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients and their families.  Home programs are clear and concise, and the provider ensures that these instructions are understood by asking for feedback and demonstration of programs by patient or caregivers.

• Assists senior staff in administrative matters, clinic operations, and speciality/research areas as appropriate. Utilizes the hospital computer system to obtain patient information and to keep abreast of hospital directives.  Participates in the timely and efficient flow of information via email and other digital platforms as appropriate.  Provides summary of results, statistics and metrics as required by management.  Assists in acquisition and fit of durable medical equipment/devices based on needs of patient. Maintains supply stocks and clinical equipment at acceptable levels.  Remains current in specific billing procedures/mechanisms (Medicare, Medicaid and third-party payers) to aid in reimbursement of services, dispensable supplies and plan of care concurrence with referring providers.  Maintains cleanliness of clinical space.

• Therapy services may be performed in a variety of settings that will be unique to the community or primary assignment. These can include, but not be limited to:    Edgecumbe Hospital,  Wrangell Medical Center, the patient’s home, Mt. Edgecumbe High School Student Health Clinic, SEARHC Community Clinics, community senior centers, Pioneer Home, health/job fairs, patient’s workplace, and other collaborative efforts between SEARHC Rehabilitative Services Department and the communities we serve.   This may include participation with project or health promotion teams.  Video conferencing may be used for patient encounters, training, and administrative duties with off-site locations.  When appropriate, home assessments for evaluation of patient’s living arrangements may occur to allow for use of durable medical equipment and implementation of therapy plan in the home living environment.  Occasional multi-day travel  to remote locations by boat or small plane may be required and may occur in inclimate or harsh weather.

• Educates staff on PT issues and educates patient/family with therapeutic exercises, activities and equipment. Assists in committee and management duties and represents the Rehabilitation Services Department as requested. Provides therapy consultation, presentations, and in-services to medical staff, consultants, and other interdisciplinary health care personnel and patient populations  regarding therapy services as assigned.  This may include participation with project or health promotion teams.  In order to keep current with knowledge of therapy procedures/techniques and improve clinical service staff will participate as a learner or teacher in clinical education, in-service, etc.  Continuing educational funds will be allocated for the benefit of the department.  Adheres to the regulatory and practice standards of PT set by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).   Follows all SEARHC confidentiality and quality assurance standards; participates in SEARHC SQM functions, utilizes SQM principles in all aspects of the job. Demonstrates sensitivity to cross cultural issues.

• Performs other duties or activities as assigned.

Education/Experience

• Entry level qualifying masters or doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from a accredited program or
• Graduate from an APTA approved program of Physical Therapy at the Baccalaureate level with 2 years proven work and Continuing Education experience that indicates applicant has mastered the knowledge base that would typically be taught in a master’s program.
• Broad-based clinical experience in multiple settings preferred.

License/Certification

• Licensed as a Physical Therapist.
• Current Basic Life Support certification.
• Valid Driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of musculoskeletal physiology including active/passive range of motion, gait, strength, biomechanics and mental cognition in order to administer a variety of standardized assessments, being able to select the most appropriate test for a specific client and implement treatments accordingly.
• Knowledge in various techniques for providing sound assessments, evaluations, treatment planning, and treatments for patients presenting with various diagnoses and functional deficits among the general population.
• Knowledge of various regulations and practice standards as they relate to PT including billing mechanisms (Medicaid, Medicare and third-party payers) that may be available for patient equipment and services.
• PT treatment skills: Skill to utilize, properly fit and train patients with adaptive devices.  Including but not limited to splints, braces, orthoses, seating equipment, durable medical equipment and ADL assistive device
• Skills in expressing self clearly and effectively in written and spoken communication in documentation of written reports, client progress notes, narrative summaries, as well as in training clinical and non-clinical staff; consulting with upper management, outside agencies, organizations, and subordinates; networking with other providers in the community; and proficient in public speaking.
• Demonstrates skills utilizing information technology. Proficiency with computers including multiple software applications.  Able to interface with multiple programs.  Uses technologies such as laptops, tablets and imaging devices.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, teachers, community members and non-PT service professionals, persons of any level of understanding. Including the ability to translate complex PT service diagnoses, evaluations, and therapies into simple oral and written language that others can understand.
• Must have the physical ability to deliver treatment techniques and assist patient mobility while keeping patients and self-safe.
• Must have the ability to exercise sound judgment in all aspects of employment such as patient care, workplace safety and employee relations.