Physical Therapist II

Western Massachusetts Hospital, part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist II to play an essential role in the rehabilitation of patients aged 15 years and older. This position offers the opportunity to utilize your expertise in evaluating, developing, and implementing personalized treatment plans for individuals with chronic neurological diseases, respiratory illnesses, mental health conditions, and other medical issues. As a key member of our team, you will provide direct patient care, educate patients and their families on supportive devices, and ensure effective delivery of services through collaboration with nursing and rehabilitation staff.

As a Physical Therapist, you will also take on leadership responsibilities by supervising and guiding Physical Therapy Assistants and Rehabilitation Aides. Your role will include maintaining quality assurance mechanisms, participating in interdisciplinary meetings, and contributing to quality improvement activities. This position not only allows you to make a significant impact on patients' lives but also offers professional growth through continuous learning and collaboration in a supportive environment. Join us in our mission to deliver exceptional physical therapy services and enhance the quality of life for our patients.

Please note: This position is 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday, with flexibility to meet program needs.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Conduct comprehensive screenings and evaluations for adult patients with chronic neurological diseases, respiratory illnesses, mental health conditions, and other medical issues.

• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on diagnostic tests, interviews, observations, and examinations.

• Administer prescribed physical therapy treatments and interventions for adult patients.

• Provide education and training to patients, families, and caregivers on the use of supportive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, orthotics, and pressure-relieving devices.

• Demonstrate competency in the safe and effective application of therapeutic modalities and procedures.

• Educate nursing, rehabilitation, and recreation staff to ensure the effective delivery of services.

• Supervise and provide functional guidance to Physical Therapy Assistants and Rehabilitation Aides, including reviewing and approving treatment plans.

• Develop and maintain quality assurance mechanisms to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings and committees to coordinate professional services.

• Maintain accurate treatment records, assess patients' wheelchair needs, train new personnel, and ensure compliance with state and federal privacy laws.

Required Qualifications:

• Proficient knowledge of physical therapy principles, practices, treatment techniques, and procedures.

• Expertise in using and adjusting orthopedic appliances, prosthetic devices, and physical therapy equipment.

• Strong understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and orthopedics as applied to physical therapy.

• Familiarity with physical therapy terminology and general report writing methods.

• Ability to analyze physical therapy data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to motivate clients.

• Strong interpersonal skills to establish rapport and maintain harmonious working relationships.

• Ability to handle stressful and emergency situations with sound judgment and a calm demeanor.

• Capability to conduct training and instruction in physical therapy and provide clear written instructions.

• Proficient in preparing general reports, maintaining accurate records, and following established procedures.

• CPR certification preferred.

DPH Mission Statement:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high-quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. According to comparative analyses, Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states, but we still face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious diseases, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

More information can be found at: www.mass.gov/DPH

About Western MA Hospital:

The Western Massachusetts Hospital is the only public hospital operating in the western region of Massachusetts with a mission to serve as a medical safety net for many uninsured and under-insured citizens residing in the region. Western Massachusetts Hospital provides both acute and chronic hospital care to patients with a variety of chronic diseases and complicated medical conditions, such as:

• Cardiac and pulmonary disease, ventilator dependent patients

• Chronic neurological disorders

• Dementia with major behavioral issues

• End stage terminal illnesses of various diagnoses

Consider joining our dynamic team of health care professionals in a work environment that provides high staff to patient ratio and delivers high quality care to all patients on all units. Enjoy the opportunity to provide quality services in a long-term care setting where familiar faces are the norm rather than the exception.

More information: https://www.mass.gov/locations/western-massachusetts-hospital

About the Department of Public Health:

The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.

DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.

Learn more about nursing opportunities at DPH https://www.mass.gov/info-details/nursing-roles-at-dph

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For questions, please contact Human Resources at 413-784-9339.

Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as a physical therapist.

Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Physical Therapist license issued by the Massachusetts Division of Licensure Board of Allied Health Professionals in accordance with Chapter 667 of the Acts of 1982.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.