Physical Therapist-Outpatient Float

Major Responsibilities

• Age-Appropriate Patient Care: Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to collaborate with the licensed physical therapist to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department’s policies and procedures.
• Patient Evaluation and Care Planning: Supports physical therapists in delivering comprehensive patient care across musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems. Reviews medical records and collaborates with input to implement treatment plans. Provides and progresses therapy based on evaluations and patient goals, ensuring treatments are functional and meet standards of practice. Promptly addresses and documents changes in condition or adverse responses. Recommends next level of care, directs support staff, and ensures quality outcomes. Treatments may include but are not limited to: education, exercise, therapeutic groups, modalities, gait, balance, coordination activities, sensory motor development, functional mobility, and transfer skills. Demonstrates knowledge of indications and contraindications to all therapeutic interventions utilized.
• Clinical Skills and Patient Care: Monitors patient’s response to treatment and notifies/updates supervisory therapist on outcomes. Identifies and addresses preferences and learning barriers.  Supports patient discharge which may include providing written home programs, patient/caregiver education, and administering equipment under the direction of evaluating/supervising therapist.
• Professional Communication: Communicates in a professional and timely manner with patients/caregivers, providers, staff, and all external customers. Responds to questions by staff. Promotes an open atmosphere of communication. Informs supervisor of issues and resolutions to potential problems. Communicates information with patients and caregivers and ensures understanding. May attend patient care meetings and participate in multi-disciplinary meetings to integrate care and coordinate schedules with other disciplines.  
• Documentation and Compliance: Completes all required documentation with appropriate co-signatures, including patient progress notes, team conference reports, discharge summaries, and patient education per policy. Complies with insurance guidelines regarding authorization and visit limitations. Responsible for meeting and maintaining site/department established productivity standards. Understands budgeted expectations. Responsible for understanding and adhering to all billing and documentation policies, procedures, and timelines.
• Environment: Shares responsibility in maintaining a clean and orderly department by cleaning up after patient treatment and ensuring all equipment is placed correctly and maintained in good working order.
• Professional Development: Pursues professional growth by participating in continuing education initiatives, department in-services, and reviewing professional literature implementing evidence-based practices into daily operations.
• Operational Improvement: Actively engages in performance improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care outcomes and overall quality of services. Demonstrates clinical responsibility by identifying opportunities for both quality and operational improvement within daily practice. Participates in process review and development, consistently bringing forward questions, concerns, and potential solutions.  Manages assigned caseload, informing site leadership of coverage needs and ability to cover; assists with coverage, based on department needs and regional needs.
• Float: Meets all requirements for Level 1 outlined in the Enterprise Float Program and applicable Human Resources policies. Must demonstrate the ability to practice competently across assigned departments and/or locations and adapt to varying clinical or operational environments based on organizational need.  

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required

• Active Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license in the state(s) of employment.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers.
• Ongoing compliance with state-mandated continuing education requirements.

Education Required

• Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.

Experience Required

• Entry-level role; prior clinical experience obtained through accredited PTA education programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Working knowledge of physical therapy principles, interventions, and patient safety standards.
• Ability to deliver age-appropriate care across diverse patient populations.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Physical Therapists and interdisciplinary teams.
• Intermediate computer skills and ability to perform basic office functions.
• Demonstrated compliance with HIPAA and patient confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to complete required competency assessments and meet site-specific clinical standards.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, squat, and move throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift:
  • Up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist
  • Up to 10 lbs. from waist to overhead
  • Carry up to 40 lbs. at waist height for reasonable distances
• Ability to push/pull up to 30 lbs. of force.
• Ability to assist with patient transfers (including sliding transfers of up to 150 lbs. with assistance).
• Repetitive use of hands, including grasping, pushing/pulling, and fine motor manipulation.
• Functional use of senses for effective communication and patient interaction.
• Ability to demonstrate exercises and therapeutic activities to patients and caregivers.
• Exposure to electrical, chemical, blood, and body fluid hazards; must be able to wear required protective equipment.
• Position may require travel between sites and exposure to road and weather conditions.
• Work environment is primarily indoors with occasional outdoor exposure.

Preferred Job Requirements

• Multi-state licensure or experience practicing across multiple clinical settings (preferred).

• Prior experience in multiple care settings or float-based roles.

• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in fast-paced or changing clinical environments.