Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist -Job Description

Classification Non-Exempt

Reports to

Director of Rehab

Date Last Updated 4/16/2021

Summary/Objective In keeping with our organization's goal of improving the lives of the residents we serve; the Physical Therapist assesses the need for, develops and delivers physical therapy programs to facilitate rehabilitation. The Physical Therapist identifies the need for and makes referral(s) to other disciplines to address the comprehensive needs of residents.

Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of rehab services, adherence to an established plan of care, department and resident's schedule, and timely documentation of services.
• Screens, examines and evaluates patients/residents, including history, systems review and application of appropriate tests and measures, synthesis information and interprets examination findings in order to establish a diagnosis, identify impairments, determine the predicted level of improvement and the time acquired to achieve it.
• Supervision of Physical Therapy Assistants, temporary licensees, student, and support personnel in accordance with state licensure requirements and professional standards.
• Screens, evaluates, develops, organizes, and implements resident care programs through the utilization of selected physical therapy techniques.
• Applies selected muscle, nerve, and joint, and functional ability tests to assist physicians and other health personnel in determining treatment diagnosis, prognosis, and resident progress.
• Evaluates, fits, and adjusts prosthetic and/or orthotic devises and recommends modifications to orthotics or prosthetics.
• Participates in conferences, consultations, Facility Care Plan meetings, as needed, and educational programs designed to improve resident care and staff performance as directed by the Director of Rehabilitation.
• Instructs resident, family, and/or caregivers in physical therapy recommendations to be continued upon patient/resident discharge.
• Consults with physicians concerning goals and treatment plans and monitors the presence of any contradictions to treatment.
• Consults with other members of the rehabilitation team to select the most appropriate therapeutic regimen consistent with the needs and capabilities of each resident.
• Adhering to regulatory guidelines ensures all physical therapy documentation/treatment conforms to documentation/billing policies and procedures and meets requirements for third party payer documentation and reimbursement.
• Assists in the assurance that the physical surroundings and equipment are sanitary, orderly, and free from conditions that may cause safety hazards.
• Demonstrates compliance with the protection of resident health information and company sensitive information including compliance with company policies and procedures, applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Maintains the comfort, privacy and dignity of residents and interacts with them in a manner that displays warmth, respect and promotes a caring environment.
• Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with residents, visitors, families, peers, and supervisors.
• Attend and participate in departmental meetings and in-services.

Supervisory Responsibility This position may supervise Physical Therapist Assistant(s).

Work Environment This job operates in a health care setting. This role requires regular walking to various locations around the facility. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

This role may also come into contact with residents who may have contagious illnesses.

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Mobility, walking, standing, reaching, bending, lifting up to 50 pounds, fine hand coordination, ability to read and write, the ability to understand and follow written, oral instructions and directions, ability to travel. Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work This position is part of a health care facility that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

Travel On occasions may need to travel to and from various locations in and around the surrounding community.

Required Education and Experience
• Must have a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy plus 5 years of progressively responsible or Master's degree in Physical Therapy or Master's degree in a Physical Therapy related field in addition to a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy.
• Must have a valid Physical Therapy license in the state(s) of practice.
• Prior experience in long-term care is preferred.
• Ability to work flexible work hours to support state and federal resident care requirements.
• Must be capable of maintaining regular attendance.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications
• Computer skills to perform job duties.
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality regarding resident and company propriety information.
• Must have the ability to relate professionally and positively and work cooperatively with residents, families, government regulators, and other employees at all levels.

Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.