Clinical Specialist Fellowship

Job Summary

Under indirect supervision the clinical specialist staff fellow designs treatment programs and acts as a resource and mentor to students and staff in their area of clinical specialty. The clinical specialist provides direct patient care and educational opportunities for staff and students both internally and throughout the region. The clinical specialist II is a resource to both staff and management in area of expertise. Twenty of the forty hour work week will be worked in the Kaiser Permanente PT Fellowship program. The additional 20 hours will be worked in the main PT department or satellite MOBs. The resident work study may include the treatment of all types of patients including but not limited to- neurology, pediatrics, womens health, lymphedema, vestibular conditions and the treatment of patients in the in-patient arena. The workday may include weekends and holidays.

Essential Responsibilities

• Able to design physical therapy treatment programs in the specialty area that are medically prescribed in a manner that is competent and efficient including-evaluating of patients.
• Designs and provides in-service education programs and instruction to staff and students with their medical center and for other Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers.
• Acts as a resource and mentor to students and department staff in areas of clinical expertise.
• Attend scheduled instructional classes related to their specialty content area, and meet all requirements for completion of their educational program.
• Reporting non compliance, and adhering to applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, accreditation and licenser requirements (if applicable), and Kaiser Permanentes policies and procedures.
• Representative Responsibilities.
• Insure cleanliness of assigned area and proper functioning of patient care equipment by following department equipment maintenance policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates professional competence in assessing patients condition at the onset and through all phases of the physical therapy program:
• Routinely obtain accurate and complete history through clinical observation and interaction with the patient.
• Routinely perform appropriate examinations, using specialized evaluation procedures.
• Consistently interpret evaluation findings correctly to determine nature and degree of dysfunction.
• Routinely take usual and special precautions relative to the age, medical history and condition of the patient and the type of treatment being given.
• Consistently establish measurable treatment goals and develop appropriate treatment plans to achieve those goals.
• Regularly reassess clinical signs and symptoms to determine effectiveness of treatment, progress toward goals, and the need for modification of treatment and/or goals.
• Routinely consult with the referring physician regarding treatment request which are contraindicated relative to the patients physical condition or medical history.
• Delegate appropriately to support personnel.
• Demonstrate skill in the performance of physical therapy skills relative to musculoskeletal and neurological assessment and treatment procedures including:
• Testing and treatment of spine and extremities using accessory and physiological joint motions.
• Clinical testing to determine muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, coordination, range of motion, and other sensory motor skills.
• Clinical analysis and treatment of postural, gait, and ADL disorders.
• Administration of modalities and other physical agents.
• Administrations of exercise programs/development of patient care programs.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturation process in the delivery of services to patients of the age group served.
• Is able to assess data reflective of the patients status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patients requirements relative to his or her age specific needs and to provide care in accordance with departmental policy.
• Documents clinical activities in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner following department policies and procedures.
• Establish and maintain courteous, cooperative relations with the public, patients, families, staff, physicians, and other personnel.
• Develop and implement special classes or clinics for patient populations within area of expertise in conjunction with other members of the rehabilitation department and outside personnel as appropriate.