Physical Therapist

General Purpose

The Physical Therapist (PT) is responsible for evaluating residents and developing individualized treatment plans to improve or restore mobility, reduce pain, and enhance physical function. The PT collaborates with interdisciplinary healthcare team members in a skilled nursing setting to maximize residents' independence, safety, and quality of life.

Responsibilities

Assessment & Care Planning
• Conduct comprehensive physical therapy evaluations upon admission and as needed.
• Develop and implement personalized treatment plans based on assessment results, physician orders, and resident goals.
• Establish measurable short- and long-term therapy goals in coordination with the interdisciplinary team.

Therapeutic Intervention
• Provide direct physical therapy services, including therapeutic exercises, gait training, balance activities, and pain management techniques.
• Recommend and train residents on the use of assistive devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, and braces.
• Modify treatment plans based on resident progress, response, and functional outcomes.

Supervision & Oversight
• Supervise and delegate responsibilities to Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs), ensuring treatment is delivered according to care plans.
• Provide instruction and support to therapy aides, nursing staff, and family members as appropriate.

Documentation & Compliance
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including evaluations, daily treatment notes, progress reports, and discharge summaries.
• Ensure compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, PDPM, and other payer requirements.
• Maintain resident confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations.

Collaboration & Communication
• Participate in care conferences, interdisciplinary team meetings, and discharge planning.
• Educate residents and caregivers on home exercises, safety precautions, and mobility strategies.
• Communicate effectively with nursing staff, physicians, and other team members regarding resident care and treatment outcomes.

Qualifications
• Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current, unrestricted state licensure as a Physical Therapist.
• Experience in skilled nursing, post-acute, or rehabilitation settings preferred.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and payer regulations, including Medicare, Medicaid, and PDPM.
• Strong assessment, clinical reasoning, and therapeutic skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with residents, families, and care teams.
• Ability to develop and implement individualized treatment plans effectively.
• Competence in supervising therapy assistants and supporting team development.
• Commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Facility-based work in a skilled nursing or post-acute care setting.
• Requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, and assisting residents during therapy sessions.
• Ability to manage multiple residents and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Exposure to resident care-related environmental conditions, including infection control protocols.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds at a time.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Direct patient-facing work in resident rooms, therapy gyms, and common areas
• Frequent interaction with residents, families, and interdisciplinary staff in a collaborative care setting
• Occasional exposure to bodily fluids or medical materials while assisting patients
• Work may involve standing, walking, bending, lifting, or guiding patients during therapy sessions
• Environment requires adherence to safety, infection control, and proper use of therapy equipment

Disclaimer

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.