Job Abstract

San Mateo Medical Center (SMMC) is currently seeking Physical Therapists II to provide services primarily at our outpatient department at San Mateo Medical Center in San Mateo, CA.

Physical Therapists manage patients with a wide range of diagnoses, chronic and acute, and are part of a dynamic treatment team. In addition, Physical Therapists identify patient functional challenges, develop goals, and a care plan with reasonable outcomes for the individual's life/work settings. Daily opportunities to improve quality of patients’ lives are created in this assignment through the variety of illnesses/injuries seen in our patient population.

Physical Therapists work at SMMC as part of a County rehabilitation program, which provides evaluation, education and treatment interventions. The therapeutic program at SMMC is oriented toward collaboration between the inpatient and outpatient teams, providing therapy for long and/or short- term rehabilitation.

Currently, we have the following vacancies: One Regular, Full-Time vacancy and One Limited-Term, Full-Time vacancy. Both vacancies are located at San Mateo Medical Center providing physical therapy services in an outpatient rehabilitation clinic with occasional inpatient support when needed.

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of one year of work experience providing care in an outpatient setting with an interest in covering inpatient when the census justifies. Possession of a Basic Life Support Certificate from American Heart Association is strongly preferred. Ability to work weekends and/or holiday coverage when necessary is also strongly preferred. New or recent graduates with independent outpatient physical therapy work experience or internships are encouraged to apply. Mentorship is available and highly supportive.

About Us
SMMC inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation department has a talented team of 35 physical, occupational and speech therapists. We take pride in excelling within San Mateo County's public hospital and clinics, taking care of the most diverse patient populations. We treat a multitude of conditions, including neurologic and orthopedic injuries, as well as post-operative surgical conditions, where our outcomes exceed targets. Further, we foster educational and improvement opportunities, which provide best-practice care and evidence-based skills. Join our team! We are looking for a new team member who enjoys working with a large multidisciplinary team, has a growth mindset, advocates for resources, and shares in our team's celebrations and accomplishments. Our colleagues have shared that San Mateo County's commitment to work-life balance is one of the best in the industry. Come share your talents on our engaged and dynamic therapy team!

NOTE: The list created from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future, permanent, extra-help or limited term positions.

NOTE: Limited Term Employees are assigned to assignments not to exceed three years. They receive medical and dental benefits, similar to regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Under medical direction, plan and perform physical therapy for a variety of patients.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to provide comprehensive treatment to patients.
• Participate in discharge planning and refer patients to community services.
• Provide therapeutic activities to promote independence in daily living activities.
• Plan, organize and participate in physical therapy activities.
• Instruct patients in the use of therapeutic tools and equipment.
• Provide ongoing assessment and documentation of the patient's response to treatment in accordance with hospital standards.
• Determine need for department and patient-related supplies and equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of treatment areas.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.

Licensure/Certification:

• Eligibility for or registration as a Physical Therapist by the State Board of Medical Examiners. Failure to obtain this licensure within twelve months of employment may result in termination.
• Possession of a Certificate of completion for a course in Basic Life Support as approved by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; or must be obtained within six months of appointment.

• Principles and methods of physical therapy, as applicable to all types of cases found in a general hospital providing acute care or in a rehabilitative center.
• Physical and psychological problems of physically disabled, aged, gero-psychiatric and chronically ill patients.
• Use and care of therapeutic tools and equipment commonly used in physical therapy.
• Professional ethics and the fundamental laws of practice for physical therapy.

• Administer and document physical therapy treatments.
• Assess patient needs, analyze situations accurately and implement an effective plan of action.
• Adapt equipment to patient needs.
• Integrate physical therapy services with other medical and institutional programs.
• Develop new programs in response to patient/department need.
• Explain and teach physical therapy activities to patients, health care professionals and other interested persons.
• Exercise tact and good judgment in dealing with patients, staff, and the public.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Act as a consultant/trainer for educational and other staff.
• Lift or assist with lifting patients and equipment.