EXEMPT __X__ 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION:  PHYSICAL THERAPIST

SUPERVISOR:  Medical Director

SALARY: Step Range:  40 ($92,553) - 55 ($144,195); Full Benefits

CLASSIFICATION:  Exempt, Regular, 0.5 FTE – 1.0 FTE (part-time or full-time)

LOCATION:  Klamath Tribal Health & Family Services

330 Chiloquin Blvd 6000 New Way

Chiloquin, OR 97624 Klamath Falls, OR 97601

BACKGROUND:  P.L. 101-630 Level

POSITION OBJECTIVES

The Physical Therapist position is designed to provide quality physical therapy evaluation and treatment to Klamath Tribal Health & Family Services (KTHFS) patients of all ages presenting with a wide variety of diagnostic conditions requiring rehabilitative services. The Physical Therapist restores function, improves mobility, relieves pain, and prevents or limits permanent physical disability in patients recovering from injury, illness, or surgery.

The Physical Therapist serves as a rehabilitation resource within the KTHFS interdisciplinary care team, providing professional consultation to medical staff and coordinating patient care with providers, nursing, behavioral health, nutrition, and health education programs. The Physical Therapist plans and carries out a full range of physical therapy treatments, documents patient care in the electronic health record, and contributes to strategies that improve the health and well-being of individuals and the community.

The Physical Therapist provides direct patient care in clinics and, when appropriate, in alternate job sites and other community locations within the Klamath Tribes’ Service Area, serving individuals eligible for services provided by Klamath Tribal Health & Family Services.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide quality physical therapy evaluation and treatment to inpatients and outpatients of all ages with a wide variety of diagnostic conditions requiring rehabilitative services, in alignment with Klamath Tribal Health and Family Services’ (KTHFS) strategic plan.

2. Consistently model appropriate behaviors, attitudes and skills that support the C.L.E.A.R. and H.E.A.R.T. customer-service standards to build positive relationships with patients and KTHFS employees.

3. Plan and carry out a full range of physical therapy treatments, including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, gait and balance training, functional mobility training, and modalities as clinically indicated.

4. Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations; determine objectives and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that helps the patient and/or family meet their own therapy goals for improved functional mobility at home, work, and leisure.

5. Document all direct patient care encounters in the electronic health record in a timely, accurate, and complete manner. Maintain all records in compliance with the Privacy Act, HIPAA, and Tribal program policies.

6. Provide expert professional consultation to KTHFS medical staff, nursing, behavioral health, nutrition, health education, and other departments on rehabilitation, injury prevention, chronic pain management, and safe physical activity across the lifespan.

7. Coordinate with the interdisciplinary care team, including primary care providers, the Registered Dietitian, Exercise and Fitness Program Supervisor, and Health Education Team, to support patients with diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions who may benefit from physical therapy or medically supervised activity.

8. Educate patients, families, and caregivers on home exercise programs, safe body mechanics, fall prevention, use of assistive devices, and self-management strategies to promote long-term functional independence.

9. Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of rehabilitation and referral resources throughout Klamath County and the Klamath Tribes’ Service Area, and coordinate referrals for services beyond the scope of the KTHFS Physical Therapy program.

10. Ensure the safe, sanitary, and effective operation of the physical therapy treatment area and equipment; monitor supply levels and submit requests for equipment and supplies as needed.

11. Participate in quality assurance and program improvement activities, including collection of data to identify community needs, monitoring patient outcomes, and evaluating the rehabilitation needs of the population served.

12. Participate in health fairs, community events, and outreach activities; set up booths and exhibits and provide health education materials related to physical therapy, injury prevention, and safe physical activity.

13. Compile and submit monthly and other reports as required. Contribute to grant reporting and program evaluation activities as requested.

14. Obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges at KTHFS, including all licensure, certification, and continuing education requirements.

15. The incumbent will be called upon to accomplish other tasks within their scope of work.

16. Like all employees of the Klamath Tribes, the incumbent will be called upon to accomplish other tasks that may not be directly related to this position, but are integral to the Klamath Tribes’ broader functions, including but not limited to, assisting during Tribal sponsored cultural, traditional, or community events that enable the successful operation of programs and practices of The Klamath Tribes as aligned with The Klamath Tribes’ Mission Statement. Some of these tasks may be scheduled outside of regular work hours, if necessary.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Work is performed under the general direction of the Medical Director. This position requires sound clinical judgment, strong organizational skills, time management experience, and the ability to work independently with minimum direct supervision.

The supervisor outlines the overall program objectives and priorities, time limits, and financial resources available. The employee plans and schedules recurring work, handles routine clinical problems, and completes work using their own initiative. The Physical Therapist exercises professional knowledge and clinical judgment in interpreting guidelines and their applicability to individual patients. Work is reviewed from an overall standpoint in terms of meeting objectives, effectiveness, patient outcomes, and compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

Clinical Physical Therapy

• Knowledge of physical therapy principles, techniques, and evidence-based practice, including examination, evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention across musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/pulmonary, and integumentary systems.

• Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, and pathology as applied to physical therapy practice.

• Skill in performing comprehensive physical therapy evaluations and developing individualized, goal-directed treatment plans for patients of all ages.

• Ability to provide the full range of physical therapy techniques in order to optimize functional outcomes and rehabilitation potential.

• Knowledge of social, cultural, and economic factors that influence individual and family health, and ability to incorporate these factors into treatment planning.

• Knowledge of principles of clinical consultation and skill in obtaining information from patients, families, and providers to coordinate appropriate rehabilitative care.

Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to present ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

• Ability to work effectively with peers, individuals, and groups.

• Ability to work effectively as a team member of an interdisciplinary care team.

• Empathetic manner to work with patients who may have multiple and complex needs.

• Ability to display a non-judgmental attitude.

• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during work.

Organizational Skills

• Ability to establish priorities, manage time, and adhere to deadlines.

• Ability to be punctual to appointments, meetings, and scheduled treatment sessions.

• Ability to perform administrative tasks related to patient documentation and clinical records.

• Ability to plan and organize work effectively and independently.

Communication Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in an oral format with patients, families, and colleagues.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in a written format, including clinical documentation.

• Ability to operate computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions, including electronic health record entry, retrieval of data, and preparation of reports.

• Ability to apply principles learned to new situations.

• Ability to learn and teach new skills.

• Ability to conduct public presentations and patient education sessions.

Strict Confidentiality

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of medical records and adhere to the standards for health record-keeping, HIPAA, and Privacy Act requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION

Minimum Qualifications: Failure to comply with minimum position requirements may result in termination of employment.

• REQUIRED to possess a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a physical therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), or an equivalent professional accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained. (Must submit copy of diploma or transcripts with application.)

• REQUIRED to have 3 or more years of direct work experience as a Physical Therapist

• REQUIRED to have completed all clinical requirements prescribed by the physical therapy program.

• REQUIRED to possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physical Therapist , or the ability to obtain Oregon licensure prior to start date. (Must submit copy of license with application or upon issuance.)

• REQUIRED to have passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).

• REQUIRED to possess a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross, or the ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.

• REQUIRED to be proficient in operating computer systems, data entry programs, electronic health records, Microsoft Outlook email, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) programs.

• REQUIRED to work a flexible schedule, as necessary, to maximize patient access and program participation. Position may include occasional evening or weekend hours based on program needs.

• REQUIRED to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges at KTHFS, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from employment.

• REQUIRED to submit to a background and character investigation, as per Tribal policy. Following hire, must immediately report to Human Resources any citation, arrest, or conviction for a misdemeanor or felony crime.

• REQUIRED to submit to annual TB skin testing and adhere to KTHFS staff immunization policy in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control immunization recommendations for healthcare workers.

• REQUIRED to accept the responsibility of a mandatory reporter in accordance with the Klamath Tribes Juvenile Ordinance Title 2, Chapter 15.64 and General Council Resolution #2005-003. All Tribal staff are considered mandatory reporters.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior clinical experience in an outpatient orthopedic, community health, tribal health, or Indian Health Service setting.

• Experience providing physical therapy services to patients with diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, or other chronic conditions common in the population served.

• Experience documenting patient encounters in an Electronic Health Record (EHR).

• Experience working with Tribal Communities in health promotion, disease prevention, and rehabilitation programs supporting Native Americans is preferred.

• Additional certifications relevant to physical therapy practice (e.g., Orthopedic Clinical Specialist [OCS], Geriatric Clinical Specialist [GCS], certified manual therapy or dry needling credentials).