Physical Therapist - Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica, CA

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Evaluate patients within twenty four (24) hours, or 1 business day of physician referral. If unable to complete evaluation in 24 hours, documentation in medical record clearly defines cause for delay.
  • Develop effective treatment plan and obtain approval for services from referring physician.
  • Treat patients per the physician treatment plan.
  • Assist nursing department with training of Restorative Aides.
  • Supervise Physical Therapy Assistants in direct patient care and patient related activities, following state practice act.
  • Communicate with supervisor and other health team members regarding patient progress, problem and plans.
  • Participate in Patient Care Conferences, Utilization Review meetings and Rehabilitation Conferences as needed.
  • Participate in in services training program for other staff in the facility.
  • Record evaluations, daily treatment notes, weekly progress notes, recertification documentation, per PT Board State Practice Act and governmental and third party payer requirements.
  • Record treatment changes per policy and procedures.
  • Instruct patient's families or nursing staff in maintenance program and caregiver training in preparation for discharge from therapy services.
  • Participate in discharge planning.
  • Recommend and facilitate the ordering of necessary durable medical equipment for patients to facilitate independence in mobility; i.e., braces, walkers, canes, elevated toilet seats and grab bars.
  • Report any problems with department equipment so that it is maintained in good working order.
  • Ability to relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with patients/residents, families, staff and professional colleagues.
  • Supervises PT assistants, aides and students.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Proficient in computer skills such as inputting data into programs such as Casamba and Point Click Care.
  • Ability to read technical procedures. Ability to read and comprehend policy and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, coworkers and families.
  • Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
  • Ability to solve practical problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Physical Demands

The essential functions of this position require the following physical abilities:

  • Standing and /or walking very frequently.
  • Sitting occasionally.
  • Reaching with hands and arms frequently, pushing/pulling very frequently.
  • Talking and /or hearing very frequently.
  • Tasting and /or smelling very frequently.
  • Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and or excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or excess of 20 pounds of force constant to move objects.
  • Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling occasionally.
  • Close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception in vision: ability to adjust focus.

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy, prefer graduates of Masters or Doctorate Program in Physical Therapy
  • Licensed as a Physical Therapist in the state - Must maintain a license in good standing at all time with the state board.
  • Employee must meet continue education requirements per state practices.