Physical Therapist

UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP

21382 (NE H SEIU 1199NW UWMC Northwest Professional)
23013 (NE H NI SEIU 1199NW UWMC Northwest Professional)

BASIC FUNCTION

Perform professional physical therapy services. Perform assessments, plan, and administer physical therapy. Determine and evaluate treatment goals and patient progress.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Single class – no series. Under general direction, independently assess and treat patient caseload which includes planning, administering, and evaluating physical therapy patients. Participate in program development and quality improvement initiatives May precept part-time students.

TYPICAL WORK

Perform evaluations of patients with moderate and complex diagnoses; review charts, choose appropriate evaluation measures and develop treatment plans independently;

Confer with, and carry out physician’s recommendations regarding patient treatment and progress; discuss and recommend interventions based on own evaluation;

Assess patient status; plan and implement treatment programs which could include the use of physical agents, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and therapeutic activity;

Administer physical therapy to patients through use of physical, chemical, and other properties of heat, light, water, electricity, scientific massage, therapeutic exercise, and therapeutic activity;

Instruct patients or caregivers in exercise and activity which are to be continued after returning home;

Consult with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and others regarding physical therapy program;

Write initial evaluations, progress notes, discharge summaries, and home programs;

Instruct other team members in patient-specific therapy techniques;

Ensure billing is completed and submitted. Meet department productivity index;

Orient new and rotating therapists to the general workflow of the floor and sites, as well as the patient population and caseload;

Participate in evidence-based treatment review;

Communicate orally or in writing to advanced practice providers, staff, patients and their families, administrative team and outside entities;

Mentor and oversee medical assistants, student assistants (work study), and volunteers; regularly supervise and collaborate with physical therapy assistants to manage and share less complicated caseload;

Oversee part-time students either as Clinical Instructor (CI) or as adjunct CI;

Participate in program development and quality improvement initiatives;

May direct the work of others; and

Performs other duties as required;

May supervise or direct the work of others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized school of physical therapy, or completion of a Physical Therapy program and one year relevant experience.

Equivalent education/experience.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT

Current Washington State license to practice as a Physical Therapist.

CLASS SPECIFICATION HISTORY

2-12-2024: Class spec written