Physical Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:  Implements, with minimal supervision, high quality physical therapy services for patients, caregivers and facilities in accordance with the principles and practices of physical therapy and with Facility policies and procedures.  Evaluates patients, develops initial and ongoing treatment plans, develops discharge plans, supervises assistants and aides, contributes to case management and provides quality patient care.  Maintains positive level of interaction with facilities and clients.  Enhances and expands client relations with facilities and their staff.  Adheres to applicable state regulations concerning physical therapy.  Refers patients for treatment to other disciplines as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

1.           Graduate of American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) accredited school of physical therapy.

2.           Valid state license.

3.           Valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

1.           Ability to lift patients (capable of easily lifting 50 pounds of dead weight alone).

2.           Ability to walk, bend, stand, and reach constantly during a workday.

3.           Visual, auditory and speaking skills sufficient to evaluate, diagnose, communicate, and monitor patient needs, and to maintain accurate records, recognize people and provide and understand written, verbal and gestural communications.

4.           Ability to push wheeled equipment throughout the facility and in the community.

5.           Fine motor skills for legible and accurate writing and computer generation of reports, charting, scheduling, daily correspondence, and presentations.

6.           Fine motor skills for effective and efficient handling of diagnostic or therapeutic equipment.

7.           Ability to participate in sustained activity for many hours in duration in accordance with state labor laws.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.           Optimize physical abilities of patients in facilities by performing the following activities:  screening of all residents; evaluating and treating all patients who could benefit from intervention as referred by a state approved referral source; complying with Minimum Data Set (MDS) procedures and effective care planning; appropriately documenting progress toward identified objectives; and communicating patient status and needs to the patient, the patient’s family, the staff, and other professionals as appropriate.

2.           Serves as a consultant to therapy and facility staff and provide clinical supervision within and across the organization.

3.           May provide assistance and consultation to Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) and Rehab Aides in skilled tasks during group and individual treatment in a manner that promotes appropriate utilization of resources and facilitate continued developments of clinical skills in accordance with State Practice Acts, Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA), and Facility policy.

4.           Build a strong rehabilitation practice by performing the following activities:  establishing and maintaining courteous and helpful interaction patterns with staff, patients, and families which reflect sensitivity to individual needs and a problem solving approach; actively integrating therapy’s role into facility and interdisciplinary treatment team; contributing to facility patient care, utilization review, case management, administrative staff/department head, and family conference activities/communications ; establishing and maintaining a good working relationship with other health care professionals and colleagues in the community; making appropriate referrals to other members of the rehabilitation team, developing and implementing new programs/techniques to enhance rehabilitation services; adhering to established facility policies and procedures related to environmental safety, orderliness, risk management, infection control and emergency situations; adhering to the requirements of the patient’s Bill of Rights.

5.           Continue professional development by:  expanding and enhancing clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities; maintaining valid state license; obtaining membership and participating in professional and community organizations; maintaining awareness of issues related to the profession and the health care environment.

6.           Maintaining administration requirements by:  submitting billing, payroll and expense documentation in an accurate and timely manner, assisting in collection of statistics and updating records; informing appropriate staff and managers of patient progress and facility issues; and contributing to facility rehab goals and plans.

7.           Understand managed care/Prospective Payment System (PPS) billing and treatment guidelines. 

8.           Must embrace the team concept and interdisciplinary care.

9.           Maintain confidentiality of Facility, facility and patient information.

10.       Ability to travel between facilities efficiently during scheduled hours.

11.       Ability to work varying hours, including weekends and holiday

12.        Practices and adheres to Infection control policies

13.       Performs other duties or special projects as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

1.           Leadership skills to effectively direct and supervise the activities of assistants and aides in delivering quality care to patients, including coaching and teaching skills.

2.           Communication skills sufficient to effectively refer patients to other disciplines.

3.           Ability to work effectively as a team member.

4.           Organizational, time management and planning skills.

5.           Communication skills for accurate, concise, and organized oral and written presentations of information to patients and staff.

6.           Listening, reading and comprehension skills for analyzing reports, charts and correspondence.

7.           Effective clinical problem solving skills (i.e. identify and prioritize issues in responsive manner, develop sound and innovative action plans, execute action plans on timely basis, ensure appropriate results, etc.)

8.           Computer skills for effective management reporting including documentation, billing, payroll and expense reporting and statistical reporting of patient progress.

Work Environment:

·        Settings: Skilled Nursing Facility

·        Work Hours: Full-time, Part-time

Job Classification:

·        Hourly

Notice Requirement: