Physical Therapist

The Arc Erie County New York has been supporting children and adults with disabilities, and their families in achieving their desired quality of life by creating opportunities through comprehensive services for over 65 years.

The Arc Erie County is currently seeking a Physical Therapist (PT) for our Education Programs and A16 Clinics.  Why Achieve with The Arc Erie County?  Becoming a Physical Therapist (PT) for us means:

• Advocating and working towards assisting the people we support
• Evaluating, clinically assessing, treating & consulting w/ other professionals
• Completing necessary paperwork in keeping with requirement for all regulating bodies
• Implementing treatment by administering and/or supervising therapy procedures

Successful completion of a Physical Therapist program recognized by the Accreditation Commission in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) plus current licensure w/in NYS is needed for this position.

This position is Full-Time (40 hrs).  No evenings, no weekends, and no holidays!  Along with a great Benefits (medical, dental & vision insurance) package, generous PTO, and excellent work-life balance, we offer a positive and diverse work environment with on-the-job training and room for advancement!

The rate of pay is $32.00-$36.00 per hour based on experience.

See our full Job Description listed below

Job Description

Position Summary:

To provide physical therapy services within the parameters of the NY State Office of the Professions) to the people we support by  evaluating, clinically assessing, treating, consulting with other professionals and/or supports, and completing the necessary paperwork in keeping with requirements of the Physical Therapy Practice Act, New York State Office of the Professions, Policies and Procedures of the agency, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities OPWDD, Medicaid, Medicare, insurance companies,  municipalities, Department of Health, school districts, and other regulating bodies as necessary.

The Physical Therapist should advocate and work toward assisting the people we support by restoring, maintaining, and/or promoting optical physical function in relation to musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems through person centered planning, by facilitating the plans, goals, and positive supports necessary to assist the person in progressing towards the person’s desired outcomes.

Reporting Relationship:

Receives direct supervision from the Coordinator of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Associate Director of Related Services and/or Associate Director of Clinical Services Provides guidance and instruction to support staff and volunteers regarding Physical Therapy techniques and/or equipment. Provides supervision and guidance to fieldwork students/interns and/or Physical Therapists with Limited Permits and/or Physical Therapy Assistants as assigned.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Screens and evaluates people in terms of physical motor skills, motor planning, strength, musculoskeletal impairments, and functional activities as related to the scope of practice for physical therapy.
• Follows agency procedures for obtaining, maintaining, and renewing prescriptions for physical therapy services as applicable.
• Develop functional age-appropriate goals and outcomes/objectives for incorporation into the person’s plan (IEP, ITP, etc.) to meet the unique physical therapy related needs of the people we support.
• Implement treatment by administering and/or supervising therapy procedures involving selected activities, treatment, and therapeutic/adaptive equipment as needed, to fulfill specific, person centered, goals and objectives.
• Completes the necessary documentation such as; assessments, evaluations, screening, plans (IEPs, ITPs, etc.), progress notes related to person specific progress on designated goals, session documentation, equipment protocols, and letters of medical necessity for therapeutic equipment and needs as necessary.
• Trains staff/caregivers to carry out physical therapy programs (orthopedic protocols, equipment protocols, etc.) and other related activities to further benefit the person for maximum carry over.
• Serves as a consultant to staff and team members addressing questions relating to motor development and adaptive equipment, as needed.
• Maintains accurate, truthful, and complete records as required by laws and agency policy including, but not limited to the New York State Education Department (SED), The Physical Therapy Practice Act, New York State Office of the Professions, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Medicaid, Medicare, insurance companies, municipalities, Department of Health, school districts, and other regulating bodies as necessary.
• Prepares and maintains work setting, equipment, and supplies in accordance with health and safety requirements and agency policies.
• Plans and maintains a schedule for therapy according to assigned workload.
• Keeps current within the scope of practice of Physical Therapy including, but not limited to; being informed of the current educational and therapeutic trends in this practice area as well as with current research in proven appropriate methods and practice.
• Attends and participates in conferences, treatment/team meetings, and other meetings as needed.
• Immediately reports, all accidents or incidents of staff, or the people we support, and complete required documentation as directed by the agency’s policies and procedures.
• Provides supervisory oversight for a Physical Therapist who may be on a limited permit or a Physical Therapy Assistant in accordance with the regulations of the New York State Office of Professions.
• Maintains and protects confidential or other sensitive information such as Personal Health Information (PHI) and Personally Identifiable Information as defined in the agency’s policies and procedures.
• Maintains the necessary credentials (valid License to practice) from the New York State Office of Professions and other credentialing bodies (NPI enumeration, Medicaid provider number, etc.) as necessary.
• Will work at various sites throughout the agency depending on need.

Performs other related duties as required by supervisor.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

Successful completion of a Physical Therapist program recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) PLUS current licensure within NY State.

Essential Job Functions:

• Physical demands and Exposure Risk outlined on attached form (A)
• Mental Requirements:

The ability to read, write legibly, write with proper grammar, analyze, memorize, process information, be perceptive/comprehensive, show good judgment, take initiative, have good math skills, demonstrate decision making skills, plan and prioritize to meet deadlines, as well as follow  both written and oral directions.  Adhere to and administer agency’s policies, procedures, rules and regulations.  The willingness to accept and perform duties and responsibilities not ordinarily associated with the position in cases of emergency or when unusual/unpredictable circumstances arise.

• Human Relations Skills:

The ability to professionally communicate and interact with people in a positive manner, demonstrate the ability to be a leader, and serve as an appropriate role model to staff members. The ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with others.  Receive supervision and instruction in a positive manner.  The ability to demonstrate sensitivity and concern for the confidentiality, welfare, and rights of the people we support and their families while exhibiting the characteristics of understanding, patience, and tact. Maintain a professional attitude and appearance at all times.

• Equipment Operation:

The ability to safely utilize/operate typical household appliances, cleaners, and chemicals. The ability to operate office equipment, such as, but not limited to, computer, copier/printer, phone, fax machine, etc. The ability to maintain and adjust therapeutic equipment as needed.

Agency Principles:

• All staff members will assure and demonstrate the promotion of fundamental rights and protections for the people that we support. These include practices that treat people with dignity and respect at all times, ensure safety, best possible health/well-being and provide the person with continuity and personal security through the use of natural supports, positive relationships and opportunities for integration in the community. Staff members should also advocate and work toward assisting the people we support through person-centered planning to achieve the personal outcome goals that they have chosen by facilitating the plans and positive supports necessary to assist the person in progressing toward each outcome.
• Demonstrates the agency values of integrity, respect, responsibility, trust, teamwork, positive attitude, learning and honesty in working with students (persons), families, colleagues and members of our community.
• Good attendance is vital for the efficient and effective operation of quality programming and is an essential job function of this position
• In the event of a weather, health or other emergency, staff may be REDEPLOYED as needed to provide necessary staffing coverage.  This may include a redeployment/temporary reassignment to another physical location or line of business, i.e. Clinicians may be redeployed to temporarily work in an IRA, a school location or Day Hab site.  This may be a remote or in person assignment and will be determined based on the needs of the individuals we serve.

This position is EXEMPT from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standard Act.

The Arc Erie County New York retains the right to change this job description at any time.

I have received and reviewed the above job description and essential physical demand form.  

I can perform the assigned job duties. I agree to the job responsibilities therein. 

 ______WITHOUT reasonable accommodations.

_______WITH reasonable accommodations. 

If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please explain:

__________________________________________________                                ___________________________

Signature                                                                                                                               Date

“The Arc Erie County New York is an Equal Opportunity

The Arc Erie County New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and strong advocate of workforce diversity. Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran.