Fundamental job duties, responsibilities and essential functions for the Physical Therapist – Entry Clinician level include:

1. Clinical Decision Making

Evaluates and re-evaluates patients/clients using knowledge of the principles and methods of patient/client assessment and on-going reassessment to develop and modify treatment plans. Knowledge tends to be compartmentalized into categories that are specific to the patient’s/client’s diagnosis.

• Takes a patient history and relies on other resources to guide patient/client assessment and reassessment
• Assesses patient/client factors that impact treatment plan and outcome
• Uses subjective and objective tests and measures to conduct patient/client assessment and re-assessment
• Administers tests and measures accurately, following standardized criteria if applicable. Is aware of the need to modify tests and measures based on patient/client needs.
• Recognizes and incorporates precautions and contraindications for treatment
• Classifies patients/clients by their primary medical diagnosis and primary impairments
• Makes predictions about patient/client outcomes, especially in regards to primary impairments
• Establishes goals that reflect anticipated outcomes
• Based on assessment and on-going reassessment, develops a treatment plan by selecting and modifying appropriate interventions
• Selects and modifies interventions. Interventions address the patient/client diagnosis and primary impairments.
• Is aware of the profession’s Code of Ethics, which provides the foundation for ethical reasoning.
• Is accountable and takes responsibility to identify and meet the discipline-specific needs of the patient/client. Relies primarily on feedback from others to consider alternate strategies that are not typical or straightforward, especially as these strategies relate to the patient’s/client’s diagnosis.

2. Performance Skills

Provides interventions to patients/clients that are safe, effective and in compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

• Demonstrates competency in treatment skills by completing institutional and program-specific competencies and consistently meets annual requirements
• Practices competently in accordance with professional practice standards and expectations
• Has and continues to develop visual, tactile, and auditory skills to aid with patient/client assessment/reassessment and intervention
• Provides therapeutic interventions that are safe and effective, which address the patient’s diagnosis and primary impairments
• Includes the patient/client and their family in education and is aware of learning barriers that impact patient/client understanding. Often relies on others and other resources to address learning barriers.
• Interventions take into account behavioral, cognitive, and perceptual dysfunction and appropriate referrals to specialists are made, if needed, often with the assistance of other staff.
• Progresses treatment interventions
• Knowledgeable in state regulations and practice act regarding use of clinical staff and recognizes tasks that can be delegated to other clinical personnel

3. Interpersonal Abilities

Demonstrates respectful interactions with patients/clients, colleagues and others.

• Provides accurate information based on the discipline-specific needs of the patient/client to the health care team
• Is aware of cultural differences that may impact patient/client relationship
• Establishes and maintains rapport with patients
• Works cooperatively with co-workers demonstrating respect and trust
• Seeks guidance from co-workers in certain circumstances to assist with meeting patient/client needs
• Is open to feedback from supervisor and colleagues and works towards improving areas of weakness

4. Professional Behaviors

Acts professionally to all individuals and in all situations. Is aware of and is beginning to participate in organizational initiatives to improve patient care, practice and institutional performance.

• Is aware of major initiatives to improve organizational performance
• Contributes to the operational effectiveness of the team/department
• Is aware of committee activity that pertains to their area of clinical practice and/or larger departmental initiatives
• Written communication includes all required elements and meets all regulatory and hospital standards
• Aware of timeline expectations with patient care and administrative tasks
• Is aware of and works towards meeting productivity expectations
• Is aware of UWHC’s and the professional organization’s role in promoting the profession
• Written communication meets all hospital and regulatory standards
• Communication is accurate and recognizes the need to adapt communication based on the situation
• Recognizes the need to listen actively and to be mindful of non-verbal cues from patient/client, others and self

5. Administration/Education/Outreach/Research

Actively involved in mentoring and participates in at least two activities that extend beyond patient care, including administration, education, outreach, and research as defined in the Practice Model Continuum (pdf) for the Entry Clinician across all themes and sub themes.

• Seeks broad-based information to incorporate evidence based practice into clinical decision making
• Accesses clinically pertinent information from research journals
• Demonstrates a commitment to continued learning
• Participates in the mentoring process as a mentee
• Shares knowledge on new techniques and trends with team members
• Participates in at least two activities that extend beyond patient care, including administration, education, outreach, and research as defined in the Practice Model Continuum (pdf) for the Entry Clinician across all themes and sub themes.