Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist (PT) conducts specialized tests and measures related to a patient's strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and other physical and functional conditions. The PT scores and interprets findings and uses the information to develop an appropriate plan of care. The PT evaluates the patient's mental, emotional, and physical status as it relates to the impairment and the physician's or other authorized provider's medical diagnosis/referral, as applicable.

The PT provides patient-centered physical therapy services within the PT's education, training, current competence, professional scope, organizational policies, and approved clinical privileges. Services may be provided in clinic, home, school, job-site, or other community settings within the Tribe's service area when authorized.

The position supports Karuk Tribe Health & Human Services' commitment to patient safety, culturally responsive care, quality improvement, compliance, and continuous readiness for applicable Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program requirements, Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) requirements, Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) accreditation standards, Tribal requirements, and other applicable laws and contractual requirements.

1.Maintains an appropriate physical therapy patient caseload and provides services across applicable treatmentmodalities.

2.Performs appropriate physical therapy evaluations, functional assessments, measurements, and reassessments.

3.Develops individualized treatment plans and goals based on evaluation findings, patient needs, functionallimitations, diagnosis/referral, and applicable professional standards.

4.Coordinates treatment plans with the primary care provider and other members of the interdisciplinary careteam, as clinically appropriate.

5.Provides physical therapy interventions within approved clinical privileges and demonstrated competency.

6. Monitors patient response to treatment and modifies the plan of care within professional scope and approved privileges.

7. Provides patient and family education regarding exercises, mobility, safety, prevention, home programs, and other appropriate topics.

8. Maintains and participates in an effective referral system and communicates with referring providers as appropriate.

9. Provides community education and outreach at approved events and sessions.

10. Provides services in clinics, homes, schools, job sites, and other community locations when authorized and clinically appropriate.

11. Maintains a positive interdepartmental work environment that promotes teamwork, respect, cultural responsiveness, and patient satisfaction.

12. Participates in Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement (ACQI) activities and support compliance with applicable AAAHC standards.

13. Participates in HRSA Health Center Program quality, compliance, and performance activities applicable to the position.

14. Participates in FTCA-related risk management and patient safety activities applicable to the position.

15. Maintains required professional credentials, licensure, certifications, and clinical privileges.

16. Protects patient privacy and complies with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability act (HIPAA), confidentiality, information security, and records-management requirements.

17. Completes documentation accurately and timely in the electronic health record.

18. Participates in chart review, peer review, Focused Professional Practice Evaluations (FPPE), Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE), Quality Improvement, and other professional practice evaluation activities as required.

19. Reports patient safety events, suspected abuse/neglect, infection-control concerns, compliance concerns, and other reportable matters according to applicable policy and law.

1. Must have a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy, with the degree meeting applicable professional and organizational requirements.

2. Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a clinic or ambulatory care setting, consistent with the source job description.

3. Current physical therapy license required and must be maintained throughout employment.

4. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required and must remain current.

5. Ability to use electronic patient records and extract/analyze reports.

6. Strong written and verbal communication, problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and evaluation skills.

7. Must be a self-starter, well organized, and willing to learn new skills.

8. Must possess valid driver's license, good driving record, and be insurable by the Tribe's insurance carrier.

9. Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening test.

10. Must adhere to required pre-employment background check, crim check and FBI fingerprints. Additionally, (IF applicable): Investigation of character as required by the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Act (ICPFVP). The minimum standards require an investigation that shall include: a check of fingerprint files of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and to appropriate local law enforcement agencies. The applicant must not have been found guilty of, or entered a plea of no contest or guilty plea to any felonious offenses or two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact or prostitution; crimes against persons; an offense committed against children.