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Physical Therapist - Outpatient (Per Diem)
Company : Sonoma Valley Hospital
Location : Sonoma, CA, 95476
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 31 December 2025
Overview
The Physical Therapist evaluates and treats patients primarily in the outpatient physical therapy setting. Provides accurate and timely documentation and coordinates care with other health care professionals. Effectively participates in clinical site education through in-services and clinical education of assigned students.
Responsibilities
Utilizes clinical reasoning to determine course of action within a specific context and with the ability to anticipate outcomes guided by a framework of previous experience and knowledge of best practices. Provides comprehensive clinical care to patients using a human movement system framework.
Documents prior level of function as well as identifies and documents patient’s current functional limitations that are necessary for self-maintenance, learning, work, and other similar meaningful activities. Consistently utilizes standardized functional outcome tools to identify and track functional levels and progress. Identifies short and long term goals that are measurable, functional and refer to prior level of function and include frequency, duration and certification dates.
Completes all required documentation including initial evaluation, daily progress notes, care plans, re-evaluations, discharge summaries, weekly summaries and reassessments when needed in a timely manner in compliance with department standards. Creates and documents a safe discharge plan that addresses patient's readiness, safety and equipment needs.
Effectively communicates with all members of the interprofessional medical team as well as patients and families utilizing strategies to clearly and accurately disseminate and receive information that considers situational needs and results in intended outcomes.
Quality improvement - Performs routine chart review and provides appropriate staff education in conjunction with findings. Participates in department Performance Improvement Project.
Attends staff meetings, employee forums and participates in surveys and committees as requested.
Effective participation in clinical site education through in-services and clinical education with PT students as assigned. Contributes to continuing education of other staff members by developing and delivering in-service presentations after attending a CEU based learning opportunity.
Actively participate in community outreach including participation in lectures, classes and in-services. Serves as a resource in community based education.
Qualifications
Education: Graduate from an accredited Physical Therapy programExperience: One to two years related experienceLicenses & Certifications: Current California State License, Current BLS Certification, professional association membership a plus Required Skills & Knowledge: Position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational, problem solving, and analytical skills, strong management and interpersonal skills, ability to manage priorities and workflow, flexibility and a willingness to work with constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm. Ability to understand and adhere to established policies, procedures, and protocols, Commitment to excellence and high standards. Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions, Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, Able to work collaboratively with multiple health professionals in a busy and complex environment using tact, diplomacy, and discipline, Strong charting/documentation skills, Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse population, Bilingual skills a plus
Compensation
Actual compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.Minimum:
USD $62.52Maximum:
USD $85.97Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
Sonoma, CA has a growing need for outpatient physical therapists due to its aging population and active lifestyle community. Job seekers often find moderate competition, with opportunities expanding in outpatient clinics and hospitals like Sonoma Valley Hospital, making it a promising market for per diem roles.
While the California state license is mandatory, additional certifications such as BLS and memberships in professional associations can enhance employability in Sonoma. Local clinics value therapists with bilingual skills or specialized outpatient ortho training to better serve diverse patient needs.
Outpatient physical therapists focus on treating patients who come in for scheduled visits rather than hospital stays, emphasizing functional improvement and self-maintenance. They coordinate care with other professionals and document progress extensively, unlike inpatient therapists who manage acute care environments.
Per diem physical therapists enjoy flexible work schedules, often filling in gaps or covering fluctuating patient volumes. This flexibility suits those balancing multiple jobs or personal commitments, but requires adaptability to changing priorities and a readiness to respond to short notice shifts.
Strong clinical reasoning, excellent documentation ability, and interpersonal communication are key. Outpatient settings demand adaptability to diverse patient needs and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, along with proficiency in functional outcome measurement and patient education.
Sonoma Valley Hospital provides a multidisciplinary team environment and opportunities for clinical teaching, which can enrich a per diem therapist's professional growth. The hospital's commitment to quality improvement and community outreach also adds value beyond standard outpatient care.
Physical therapists working per diem in Sonoma can expect hourly rates ranging approximately from $62.52 to $85.97, reflecting their experience, certifications, and the hospital's compensation structure, which aims to remain competitive within the California healthcare market.
Sonoma Valley Hospital offers a structured clinical environment with access to interdisciplinary teams and ongoing education, contrasting with some private clinics where therapists might work more independently. The hospital setting often provides more diverse patient cases and involvement in quality initiatives.
The hospital encourages continuing education through CEU-based learning, in-service training, and clinical education of students. Per diem therapists can engage in quality improvement projects and community outreach, enhancing their skills and professional network within the outpatient setting.
Applicants should assess their ability to manage variable schedules, strong documentation skills, and comfort working collaboratively in a fast-paced outpatient hospital environment. Familiarity with California licensing and a commitment to high standards are also essential for success in this role.