Physical Therapist Clinical Specialist, Ambulatory

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Organization:

PAMF-Palo Alto Medical Foundation PAD

Position Overview:

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 Description:

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

REHABILITATION SERVICES:

• 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.
• Ensure compliance with other department and organization requirements and responsibilities.
• Uses independent judgement 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.
• Orient, train, and mentor 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 regulator