Physical Therapist - Per Diem, Variable (Van Nuys)

The Physical Therapist evaluates and performs physical therapy services and is responsible and accountable for the performance of all physical therapy duties and modalities.  He or she is responsible for assessment, goal setting, treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, and discharge planning.  Provides direct and indirect supervision of treatment rendered by physical therapy aides, assistants and students.  Provides staff, patient and family education, and initiates and updates patient care plans.  Performs other related duties as assigned or requested such as, but not limited to, stocking of supplies or cleaning and set-up of equipment.

• Assesses patients need for physical therapy services by validating physician orders, interviewing patients, performing assessments, treatment planning, and provide appropriate recommendations. Initiates and conducts therapeutic interventions, evaluates treatment efficacy, and modifies prescribed therapeutic interventions as needed.  Counsels and educates patients, families and care givers.  Participates in department and hospital wide performance improvement initiatives.
• Recommends, maintains, cleans, calibrates and adjusts equipment and instruments according to manufacturer instructions for use and hospital policy, to ensure safety, integrity and accuracy for patient use.  Follows appropriate procedures for notification and removal of non-functional/unsafe equipment.  
• Evaluates all clinical data to determine the appropriateness of physical therapy services, participates in the development of the care plan, and provides care using clinical protocols.  Ensures timely, accurate and complete patient clinical documentation to include charges and billing.  Maintains institutional compliance with professional, accrediting and regulatory standards of care.  Ensures Infection Control procedures and HIPAA compliance.  
• Empathizes with patient and patient support systems, expresses compassion and understanding for the situation and demonstrates care which is appropriate for the age, and cultural, religious, gender identity, or ethnic background.  Engages in caring behaviors, taking conscious ownership for work and takes deliberate/thoughtful actions regarding how to best carry out interactions with the patient, families, physicians, and co-workers.

Southern Cali Hospital Van Nuys

Required Qualifications:

• Current Licensure as a Physical Therapist in the State of California
• AHA Basic Life Support
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English
• Ability to work variable shifts including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to maintain flexibility and composure in a constantly changing environment
• Hospital Fire and Life Safety Card (Los Angeles City Employees only)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience as a Physical Therapist in an acute care hospital
• Bilingual skills to communicate effectively with patients and families

Pay Rate: $58/Hr

Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys Behavioral Health (also known as Southern California Hospital at Van Nuys) is a 57-bed psychiatric hospital that provides acute inpatient and outpatient mental health services on a voluntary basis to adults. As an acute inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facility, Southern California Hospital at Van Nuys provides services designed to help a patient’s psychological well-being. These services include round-the-clock nursing care, daily medical management by internists and psychiatrists, as well as daily group therapy led by social service staff and recreation therapy staff.