Physical Therapist I - Temporary

Company: Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority
Location: Cherokee
Posted on: February 19, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Primary Function Serves as Physical Therapist providing quality therapy for the treatment or prevention of physical disability or disease. As a Physical Therapist, the incumbent participates in all aspects of the department including program planning, delivery of patient care, performance improvement and other duties as needed Job Description Practices the profession of Physical Therapy as a licensed Physical Therapist, requiring knowledge and application of concepts, principles and practice of evaluation, treatment and prevention of physical disability or disease. Responsible for a high degree of professional competence, skill and judgement in assessment, planning and carrying out the full range of treatment interventions, patient and family education and discharge planning for a variety of conditions and situations. Treatment objectives are complex and procedures involve application of highly specialized skills and knowledge. May be encouraged to gain advanced knowledge in evaluation and treatment of wounds, and becoming proficient with procedures based on wound etiology and best practice, requiring knowledge of advanced wound care products, and working in conjunction with department WOCNs. Develops and coordinates team approach to treat complex clinical problems. Performs case management as needed by interfacing with Primary Care team or other referral sources Participates in educational programs, which include the training of volunteers, Physical Therapy students from affiliated university programs, and in service programs for medical staff, nursing, other government agency, and the community. Maintains currency in current Physical Therapy best practices, evidence-based Physical Therapy. Maintains NC licensure standards and participates in Continuing Education which may be directed by departmental needs. Shares CE knowledge with fellow clinicians. Uses evidence-based knowledge to drive clinical decision making. Participates in quality of patient care rendered by the department, quality improvement programs, and Physical Therapy health promotion activities for hospital employees, Tribal entities and the community as needed. Provides consultation to the medical and clinical staff on matters pertaining to physical therapy and/or patient progress, using tact, diplomacy and persuasiveness in all professional communications. Represents Physical Therapy regarding general program planning for patient care services with multi-disciplinary care teams or at rounds. Develops and maintains clinical processes and procedures under the direction of the department Manager and the PT supervisor in accordance with all applicable accrediting organizations and participates in applicable accreditation inspections. Maintains clinical processes and procedures, including accurate documentation of physical therapy visits that facilitates reimbursement and meets compliance standards. Uses safe work practices that include following established policies and procedures for safety and infection control, following universal blood/body fluid precautions and reporting accidents/incidents promptly. Organizes and prioritizes work efficiently to maintain a high level of productivity without sacrificing quality. May be required to provide PT evaluation and/or treatment at Tsali Care Center May be required to provide PT evaluation and/or treatment at CIHA Satellite Clinics (SBC, CCC) May be necessary to work when administrative leave is granted if patient care would be compromised. Education/Experience Graduate of an accredited DPT program Current North Carolina state Physical Therapist license or a state that is accepted as reciprocity . Requires a minimum of 3 years to become technically proficient. Job Knowledge Anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neuro-anatomy, neuro-psychology, bio-mechanics, disease entities including causes, course of disease, symptoms and signs, treatment and prognosis. Therapeutic programs in physical therapy and how to devise them Patient evaluation procedures and how to implement comprehensive patient treatment plans. The development of various therapeutic activities and an understanding of the education processes in order to instruct physical therapy patients. How to communicate and work effectively with others under varying conditions and situations. Regulatory agencies, practices, policies, and procedures and must possess the ability to develop, assess and maintain documentation required by certifying/accrediting agencies. Privacy Act regulations and HIPPA regulations governing the confidential safeguarding and dissemination of medical information/records. Computers and how they use and store data including basic word processing skills, the use of computerized software to develop exercise programs as well as an electronic medical record. Complexity of Duties Clinically, the work involves planning and carrying out a full range of therapy treatments using a wide variety of therapeutic modalities and techniques specific to standard physical therapy practice. Additionally, it may require training in wound care evaluation and treatment skills. A complex approach to clinical decision making is required while accounting for changes in patients’ needs or status, change in the rehabilitation program, changes in coding or billing requirements, technological developments in therapy and evolution of knowledge in the broader medical fields Supervision Received The incumbent is under the direct supervision of the Physical Therapy/Wound Care Department Manager. The Supervisory Physical Therapist approves the incumbent’s schedule. The incumbent will work an 8-hour shift Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30p.m. routinely. Rotation through on-call weekend and holiday schedules as outlined in the PT policies and procedures is required. The incumbent performs all assigned duties in accordance with defined hospital regulations, policies, and procedures in order to accomplish each identified unit objective, priority, and deadline. The incumbent performs independently in carrying out each assignment, which requires individual initiative and judgment when interpreting a procedure relative to each established policy and objective. The incumbent consults with the supervisor on matters which may be in conflict with established regulations, policies, and procedures. The incumbent must be able to work independently with minimal supervisory oversight. The incumbent will be expected to attain adequate skills to be able to work alone on the weekends and holidays. Responsibility for Accuracy A high degree of accuracy is required in navigating the Electronic Health Record, interpreting medical history and other relevant information from the medical record, interpreting Physical Therapy orders, performing daily procedures, and documenting efficiently in the EHR. An understanding of Tribal eligibility criteria is also needed. Accuracy in routine communication with other healthcare providers and ancillary staff is necessary Contact with Others Has frequent contacts with coworkers, other healthcare professionals, patients, and their families, where tact, courtesy, and diplomacy are required to maintain positive relationships. Such contacts may be with other providers requiring professionalism, or may be more of an informal nature occurring in person, at routine meetings, or on the telephone. Daily work prioritizes developing relationships with patients and their families, and requires an understanding of cultural perspectives that influence each individual as well as the wider community. The development of cultural sensitivity and patient-centered care is an important aspect of success in this position. Confidential Data An above average degree of discretion is required, and adherence to HIPPAA is mandated by Federal Law. Must adhere to all hospital and tribal confidentiality policies, procedures, and guidelines. Has access to all medical records and prescribed treatment plans for patients; all of which are confidential. Must maintain complete confidentiality of all administrative, medical, and personnel records, and all other pertinent information that comes to his/her attention or knowledge. Adheres to all tribal and federal guidelines, policies, and procedures for working with confidential data. Violations of such confidentiality shall be cause for adverse action including dismissal Mental/Visual/Physical The incumbent exercises initiative and independent judgement to plan and provide patient care services. The work is considered moderately active and requires the ability to walk, sit, reach, bend, and life while assisting patients with exercises, transfers and ambulation. Prolonged standing and walking are required as well as the ability to perform manual therapy. Fine motor skills are needed for wound care and orthotic production. Job duties can be mentally/emotionally stressful at times. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. May occasionally move up to 50 pounds. Environment Involves various healthcare settings including in-patient, in-patient behavioral health, the ER and Primary Care. Involves the use of standard PPE and may involve more comprehensive protection garments depending on the situation. Customer Service Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.

Keywords: Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority, Knoxville , Physical Therapist I - Temporary, Healthcare , Cherokee, Tennessee