Physical Therapist

General Purpose

The Staff Physical Therapist evaluates and treats residents, communicates with families, physicians and other health team members, and maintains documentation of services in the medical records. Conducts in-services and training for facility staff on an ongoing basis.

Essential Duties

• Evaluate residents to determine physical therapy needs, functional limitations, and rehabilitation potential in accordance with physician orders and facility policies.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans to improve mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and functional independence.
• Assist nursing department with training of Restorative Aides.
• Supervise Physical Therapy Assistants in direct resident care and resident related activities, following state practice act.
• Communicate regularly with physicians, nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members, residents, and families regarding progress, goals, and discharge planning.
• Participates in Resident Care c onferences, Utilization Review meetings, and Rehabilitation meetings as needed.
• Provides in-services on training programs for other staff in the facility as needed.
• Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
• Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection control, safety, and equipment maintenance protocols.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, and fall prevention strategies.
• Recommend and facilitate the ordering of necessary durable medical equipment for residents to facilitate independence in mobility; i.e., splints, walkers, canes, elevated toilet seats, and grab bars.
• Must maintain confidentiality of residents' information as well as company information.
• Report any problems with department equipment so that it is maintained in good working order.
• Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
• Ability to relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents/residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.

Supervisory Requirements

Supervises PT assistants (PTA), aides, and students.

Qualification

Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy, prefer graduates of Masters or Doctorate Program in Physical Therapy. Proficient in computer skills such as inputting data into programs for Net Health and Point Click Care.

Language Skills

Ability to read technical procedures. Ability to read and comprehend policy and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, coworkers and families.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Licensed as a Physical Therapist in the state. Employee must meet continuing education requirements per state practices. Must maintain a license in good standing at all time with the state board. Determine additional certification as appropriate per facility. CPR certification, if required by licensure.

Physical Demands

The essential functions of this position require the ability to stand and walk frequently and sit occasionally, as well as occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed to provide resident care and operate equipment. The position requires the ability to reach, push, pull, lift, and manipulate objects and equipment, with exertion that may occasionally exceed 100 pounds, frequently exceed 50 pounds, or constantly exceed 20 pounds to safely move residents or equipment. Effective communication, including talking and hearing, is required to interact with residents, families, and the healthcare team. The ability to perceive and respond to environmental cues, including tactile, auditory, and visual information, is essential for safe and effective resident care. Other essential functions include assisting, supporting, and transporting residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.