Physical Therapist Clinical Specialist, Ambulatory

Physical Therapist

Independently provides physical therapy services to assigned specialty patient populations, e.g. orthopedic or wound disorders. Majority of patient caseload consists of patient population related to specialty certification. Using advanced clinical practice knowledge, responsible for assessing, planning, organizing, and participating in rehabilitative programs that improve patient mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury. Demonstrates expert-level competencies and skills and possesses at least one pre-approved specialty certification in one of the many physical therapy fields. In addition, provides in-services, continuing education, training & competency resources, orients/trains/mentors assigned staff, contributes to performance improvement initiatives, provides student clinical experience and other assigned organizational priorities as approved by supervisor. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures to ensure privacy and safety while delivering optimal patient care.

Job Accountabilities:

• Responsible for planning, developing, preparing, and implementing individually designed physical treatment programs for specialty patient populations to maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, or prevent physical dysfunction in patients. May perform these functions without a physician order (direct access) unless required by the health plan.
• Completes and documents patient evaluations and tests per established standards and regulatory requirements.
• Based on the data, identified problems, and diagnosis from the exam, independently develops and updates the patient's Plan of Care (POC).
• Assesses and provides/progresses treatment for patients per plan of care per their discretion and established standards.
• Makes episode of care and discharge decisions independently.
• Completes all documentation related to charge capture per established standards.
• Coordinates patient care effectively and efficiently with other care provider and support team members.
• Ensures compliance with other department and organization requirements and responsibilities.
• Uses independent judgment planning and organizing schedule.
• Provides clinical supervision to assistants and/or aides.
• Participates in clinical teaching, including the clinical instruction of physical therapy students, residents and other staff.

Completes three accountabilities below per year pre-approved by supervisor:

• Provides department evidence-based practice in-service, community continuing education activity or event.
• Provides training and competency resources within scope of clinical specialty.
• Orients, trains, and mentors new or assigned therapists, assistants, residents and or aides.
• Contributes to performance improvement initiative or project.
• Student clinical experience of at least six weeks.
• Other organizational priority activities as requested and approved by supervisor.

Clerical:

• Under own discretion, prepares and completes accurate documentation related to patient, including all therapy performed in medical and departmental records per standards as required.
• May perform general clerical tasks, such as answering phones; updating patient appointments; or retrieving, entering, and revising patient Electronic Health Records (EHR).

Safety:

• Participates in quality improvement processes and interdisciplinary projects.
• Maintains a clean, neat, and safe working environment, including cleaning and disinfecting equipment after each use.
• Inspects and uses equipment per manufacturers' guidelines recording data and reporting malfunctions per policy.

Compliance:

• Maintains strictest confidence of all patients Protected Health Information (PHI) and protects all PHI from accidental, intentional, or inappropriate disclosure.
• Prepares, administers, and documents services in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Compliant with other department and organization requirements and responsibilities.
• Retains certification and completes mandated continuing education requirements to meet facility and regulatory agencies accreditation and licensure requirements.

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited physical therapy school.

Certification & Licensure:

• PT-Physical Therapist
• BLS-Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider
• Must possess one of the following:
• CHT-Certified Hand Therapist Hand Therapy Certification Commission
• OR ABPTS-American Board of Physical Therapy Specialist Certification American Board of Physical Therapy
• OR CBIS-Certified Brain Injury Specialist Brain Injury Association of America
• OR PRPC-Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certified Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute (H&W)
• OR PORI-Certified Oncology Therapist & Certified Oncology Specialist by Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute
• OR LANA-Certified Lymphedema Therapist by the Lymphology Association of North America
• OR AOTA-Advanced Practice Certification - Board Certification in Gerontology, Mental Health, Pediatrics, or Physical Rehabilitation
• OR CWS-Certified Wound Specialist for PT, OT by the American Board of Wound Management
• OR COMT-Certified Orthopedic Musculoskeletal Therapist by the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy
• OR Fellowship Programs accredited by the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
• OR CCIP-1 and CCIP-2-Physical Therapist Credentialed Clinical Instructor by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• OR IBCLC-International Board -Certified Lactation Consultant by the International Board -Certified Lactation Consultant Commission or Duke/Emory University, University of Pitt Vestibular Rehabilitation Competency Based Course & Certification
• OR ATP - Assistive Technology Professional Certification by RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America)

Department-Specific Certification & Licensure:

• Department: Home Health, DL-Valid Drivers License Class C

Typical Experience:

• 5 years inclusive of experience required for specific specialty certification

Skills and Knowledge:

• Collaborates with key stakeholders in developing solutions.
• Critical thinking, complex problem solving, decisive judgment and ability to work independently.
• Knowledge and application of professional practice and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work in demanding work environment, organize multiple priorities completing work duties within expected timelines and requirements.
• Computer and required technology proficiency/competencies.
• Demonstrates effective and efficient professional communication (verbal & written) skills as well as interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, teamwork/collaboration, customer service and community relations abilities.
• Able to retain and apply new knowledge & skills.
• Keeps abreast of professional practice development and advancement.
• Clinical specialty area depth knowledge and skill level demonstrated by certification & specialty practice competencies.
• Ability to teach/educate others, public speaking.
• Ability to assess competencies.
• Ability to develop training materials and competency assessments.

Ability to extract evidence-based practice information and apply to clinical practice and training materials.

Complex problem solver within and outside of department. Analyzes data/information from multiple sources.

Collaborates with key stakeholders in developing solutions.

Job Shift: Day/Evening

Schedule: Full Time

Days of the Week: Monday - Friday

Weekend Requirements: As Needed

Benefits: Yes

Unions: No

Position Status: Exempt

Weekly Hours: 32.5

Employee Status: Regular

Pay Range is $70.32 to $87.89 / hour

The salary range for this role may vary above or below the posted range as determined by location. This range has not been adjusted for any specific geographic differential applicable by area where the position may be filled. Compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate's experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Base pay is just one piece of the total rewards program offered by Sutter Health. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.