Physical Therapy Care Manager

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the department manager, the care manager of the therapy services department will utilize a collaborative process to assess, plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate the options and services required to meet an individual’s health needs, using communication and available resources to promote quality and cost-effective outcomes. The care manager helps identify appropriate providers and services through the continuum of services within the Therapy Department and among other ancillary teams while ensuring that available resources are being used in a timely and cost-effective manner in order to obtain value for both the client and the reimbursement source. Specific responsibilities and skills include but are not limited to:

•            possesses sound clinical judgment in assisting toward therapeutic outcomes for patients

•            engages in patient care needs assessment, understanding patient care goals as voiced by the patient, making the patient a major part of his or her treatment and recovery

•            provides advocacy as needed to ensure patient knows and understands his or her rights

•            helps the patient become independent by meeting care goals and measuring those goals against patient healthcare outcomes

•            documents and communicates care planning needs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and wound care to other staff within the Therapy Department

•            helps to secure timely documentation in the patient medical record from members of the Therapy Department

•            collaborates with team members within the organization and outside sites in the coordination of orthopedic field clinics to offer specialty care onsite at YKHC

•            assists in the procuring and logging of therapy-related durable medical equipment (DME)

•            Position includes 50% direct patient care and 50% care coordination

Position Qualifications:

Minimum Education

               Preferred Master’s degree from an Accredited program in Physical or Occupational Therapy.

Minimum Experience   2-4 years prior experience in physical or occupational therapy. At least 1 year at YKHC in Bethel.

Minimum Job Specific Time Commitment           40 hours per week

License, Certification, Registration

               Must be licensed in good standing in Alaska as a Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy Assistant or Occupational Therapist

Equipment/Tools           Office machines (i.e. computer, copier, fax, telephone, Microsoft Office)

Specialized Knowledge and Skills

               1. Working knowledge of terminology specific to physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, wound care, and orthopedics strongly desired.

2. Ability to care manage for a predominantly outpatient care environment.

3. Ability to delegate tasks to other team members when appropriate.

4. Knowledge of community and health resources available in the region and at the local /village level preferred.

5. Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal skills with ability to interact with providers and team members from various settings.

6. Sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, gender; beliefs, and behaviors.

7. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with excellent critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities

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