Physical Therapist (Hippotherapy) - New Heights

At St. Tammany Health System, delivering world-class healthcare close to home is our goal. That means we are committed to attracting and retaining the very best professionals for every position in our health system.
We believe the pristine beauty of St. Tammany Parish adds to our attractive compensation package. The health system is nestled in the heart of Covington on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. It is a peaceful, scenic, community-oriented area with an abundance of amenities to suit every taste.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
*Available Shifts*
Full Time - Part Time - Per Diem
JOB SUMMARY:
The Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physical Therapist (PT) evaluates patient's needs, creates a treatment plan based on each client's evaluation, maintains physician prescriptions and client medical information, gives treatment to patients in a clinic setting and in an arena setting using the horse as a treatment tool. Maintains the American Hippotherapy Association's Standards while keeping each client's safety a priority.
Hippotherapy is a physical and/or occupational therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement as part of an integrated intervention program to achieve functional outcomes.
Conduct Hippotherapy riding sessions as assigned by the Program Director. This includes arriving prior to the scheduled session to help coordinate volunteer activities; planning sessions; teaching sessions; and, post-session documentation as required.
Must be a licensed OT/PT able to practice in the state of Louisiana.
WORKING CONDITIONS:

• OT/PT will work in a clinic setting, indoor arena, and outdoor arena setting.
• Each treatment session includes 30-45 minutes of walking around, and there will be many treatment sessions back to back. The OT/PT should be comfortable working outside and walking for long periods of time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy from an APTA or AOTA accredited institution required.

• Strong communication skills - verbal and written
• Basic computer skills and the ability to communicate via email with attachments and encryptions
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Ability to complete treatment documentation quickly and thoroughly
• Ability to work as part of a team - including a PATH instructor and volunteer session assistants
• Ability to work independently and self-motivated
• Horse experience preferred / Comfort / Confident around horses a plus
• Team player, attention to details, and accountable

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Certification (PATH): Therapist must obtain PATH certification within 12 months from date of hire if not already currently certified.
American Hippotherapy Association Certification (AHA): Therapist must obtain AHA certification within 12 months from date of hire if not already currently certified.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST LICENSURE/CERTIFICATIONS: Active or temporary Physical Therapist license from the Louisiana State Board of Physical Therapy required. Temporary license holders must obtain active license within 90 days of hire. Current BLS certification through any International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) provided courses such as but not limited to: Ochsner Health System, American Heart Association, and American Red Cross. The ILCOR course must include a manikin check off.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST LICENSURE/CERTIFICATIONS:
Occupational Therapist license or permit from the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners required. Permit holders must obtain license within 90 days of hire. Current BLS certification through any International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) provided courses such as but not limited to: Ochsner Health System, American Heart Association, and American Red Cross. The ILCOR course must include a manikin check off. NBCOT Certification required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must possess good physical health. Some requirements include but are not limited to standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time. Lifting at least 50 pounds is required. Must be able to work in an outside environment that is frequently wet and/or humid.
Physical Effort required:
Constant (67% - 100%) - talking, hearing, seeing
Frequently (34%-66%) - reaching, handling/feeling
Occasionally (1%-33%) - lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, climbing (stairs, ladders, etc.), balancing, stooping, crouching
EMPLOYMENT
Each St. Tammany Health System staff member is expected to conduct himself or herself according to our mission, vision and values. Please take time to review those expectations, which can be found by clicking here, before applying for employment. If you feel you are unable to demonstrate those characteristics, we respectfully request that you do not proceed with the application process.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
St. Tammany Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. Tammany Health System is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.