Responsible for evaluation, planning, directing and administering physical therapy treatment plan of care prescribed by a licensed physician. Administers prescription and plan of care as prescribed by a referring physician in an effort to restore function and prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. The staff therapist coordinates, delegates and supervises responsibilities assigned to supportive staff (RCNA, PTS, PTLA, etc.) The staff therapist participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in OPI activities. Provides input in formulating budget, assists in evaluating department performance versus budget controls and takes appropriate action to remain in budget guidelines. Ensures that patient charges are accurate and entered on a timely basis. Participates in all infection control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety and fire safety programs. Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas: - As SVH team members, we hold each other and ourselves accountable to our Standards of Excellence in everything we do. - Responsible for direction of the Physical Therapy Department certified staff, including Physical Therapy Assistants and Physical Therapy Aides and Restorative CNAs. - Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, recommends change to physician as needed. - Ability to perform an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and the general patient population. - Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate physician contact for intervention. - Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. - Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate. - Demonstrates knowledge of physical therapy modalities. - Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families. - Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety. - Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care. - Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff and administrative team. - Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed. - Timely completion of regular and probationary performance evaluations for each staff member. - Timely review and revisions to departmental policies and procedures. - Maintains records pertinent to personnel and operation of the department. - Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations. - Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments. - Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities. - Documentation meets current standards and policies. - Assists with orientation and in-service training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs.