Physical Therapist - Temporary

Primary Function

Serves as Physical Therapist providing quality therapy for the treatment or prevention of physical disability or disease. As a Physical Therapist, the incumbent participates in all aspects of the department including program planning, delivery of patient care, performance improvement and other duties as needed.

• Practices the profession of Physical Therapy as a licensed Physical Therapist, requiring knowledge and application of concepts, principles and practice of evaluation, treatment and prevention of physical disability or disease.
• Responsible for a high degree of professional competence, skill and judgement in assessment, planning and carrying out the full range of treatment interventions, patient and family education and discharge planning for a variety of conditions and situations. Treatment objectives are complex and procedures involve application of highly specialized skills and knowledge.
• May be encouraged to gain advanced knowledge in evaluation and treatment of wounds, and become proficient with procedures based on wound etiology and best practice, requiring knowledge of advanced wound care products, and working in conjunction with department WOCNs.
• Develops and coordinates a team approach to treat complex clinical problems; performs case management as needed by interfacing with Primary Care team or other referral sources.
• Participates in educational programs, which include the training of volunteers, Physical Therapy students from affiliated university programs, and in service programs for medical staff, nursing, other government agency, and the community.
• Maintains currency in current Physical Therapy best practices, evidence‑based Physical Therapy.
• Maintains NC licensure standards and participates in Continuing Education which may be directed by departmental needs.
• Shares CE knowledge with fellow clinicians.
• Uses evidence‑based knowledge to drive clinical decision making.
• Participates in quality of patient care rendered by the department, quality improvement programs, and Physical Therapy health promotion activities for hospital employees, Tribal entities and the community as needed.
• Provides consultation to the medical and clinical staff on matters pertaining to physical therapy and/or patient progress, using tact, diplomacy and persuasiveness in all professional communications.
• Represents Physical Therapy regarding general program planning for patient care services with multi‑disciplinary care teams or at rounds.
• Develops and maintains clinical processes and procedures under the direction of the department Manager and the PT supervisor in accordance with all applicable accrediting organizations and participates in applicable accreditation inspections.
• Maintains clinical processes and procedures, including accurate documentation of physical therapy visits that facilitates reimbursement and meets compliance standards.
• Uses safe work practices that include following established policies and procedures for safety and infection control, following universal blood/body fluid precautions and reporting accidents/incidents promptly.
• Organizes and prioritizes work efficiently to maintain a high level of productivity without sacrificing quality.
• May be required to provide PT evaluation and/or treatment at Tsali Care Center.
• May be required to provide PT evaluation and/or treatment at CIHA Satellite Clinics (SBC, CCC).
• May be necessary to work when administrative leave is granted if patient care would be compromised.

• Graduate of an accredited DPT program.
• Current North Carolina state Physical Therapist license or a state that is accepted as reciprocity.
• Requires a minimum of 3 years to become technically proficient.

• Anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neuro‑anatomy, neuro‑psychology, bio‑mechanics, disease entities including causes, course of disease, symptoms and signs, treatment and prognosis.
• Therapeutic programs in physical therapy and how to devise them.
• Patient evaluation procedures and how to implement comprehensive patient treatment plans.
• The development of various therapeutic activities and an understanding of the education processes in…