Physical Therapist Per Diem

Physical Therapist

Seeking a licensed and compassionate Physical Therapist to provide individualized therapy services on a per diem basis. This role involves evaluating, planning, and implementing treatment plans to help residents improve mobility and achieve functional goals across all levels of care. Ideal candidates are team-oriented, flexible with scheduling, and passionate about working with older adults in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Physical Therapist will carry out an individualized program of physical therapy including assessment, treatment, planning, implementation, education, and communication to maximize a resident's progress toward achieving functional goals. The Physical Therapist will also maintain a positive working relationship with other health professionals and ancillary staff.

Essential Functions/Duties:

• Provides direct patient care, evaluates functional needs and outcomes, and consults with other specialists.
• Reviews patients' functional needs and adjusts care plans to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Designs and implements a plan of care for patients based on a thorough assessment of potential development.
• Conducts therapy practice within defined standards of care.
• Directs the assistance of support staff to achieve patients' functional goals.
• Educate residents and families on therapeutic techniques and home programs.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and patient support groups.
• Maintain compliance with safety and professional standards.
• Participate in and complete all required ongoing training, including monthly online and in-person training, annual skills competencies education, and role-specific certifications, to ensure continued competence and adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Supervises and collaborates with Physical Therapy Assistant and students in patient care.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge and skills to care for the physical and developmental needs of the population age groups that will be receiving services.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Customer service-oriented approach.
• Empathy, patience, and a passion for working with older adults.
• Excellent organization, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

Core Values:

1. AMBASSADOR: Represents The Highlands at Wyomissing® in a positive light with integrity. Takes pride in our community.
2. COMMITMENT: Dedicated, adaptable, tolerant, dependable, focused, and passionate. Often does more than is required. Reports to work as scheduled and timely.
3. COMPASSIONATE: Is empathetic, mindful, and kind.
4. INNOVATIVE: Is curious. Identifies new methods and efficiencies.
5. RESULTS-DRIVEN: Has a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and completing work. Exerts unusual effort over time to achieve a goal. Maintains commitment to goals in the face of obstacles and frustrations.
6. TEAM ORIENTED: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals.

The Highlands' Traditions (Customer Service Expectations):

1. SAFETY: Practices safe behaviors to ensure the safety of all.
2. KINDNESS: Projects a positive image and energy. Courteous and respectful to all. Goes above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
3. SHOW: Takes pride in self-appearance. Stays in "character" and performs the "role in the show." Ensures work area is show-ready.
4. EFFICIENCY: Performs role with consistency and efficiency. Uses time and resources wisely.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• This position requires the ability to work during nonstandard hours including evenings (depending on shift assigned), weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather.

Hours and Benefits:

• Position is a per-diem position with no guaranteed hours or guaranteed shift assignment.
• Position is not benefits eligible.
• Position requires at least one summer and one winter holiday.
• Position is required to work across all levels of care on The Highlands at Wyomissing®

Travel:

• May involve occasional travel within the facility or between buildings to deliver therapy services.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Graduate of an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) approved physical therapy program.
• At least one year of experience as a physical therapy aide (Required)
• Current Physical Therapist license in the state of Pennsylvania (Required)
• At least one year of experience (Preferred)
• CPR/BLS certification (Required)
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License with acceptable Motor Vehicle Record Check
• Completion of the Highlands Hearthstone Ambassador training within 30 days of employment (Required)

Work Authorization/Security Clearances:

• Medical Screening
• Criminal History Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Only required if you have not lived in PA for the last 2 years)
• Immigration and naturalization (I-9) Clearance
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and acceptable MVR (if operating company vehicle)

Physical Requirements and Physical Demands:

• Duties require extensive standing and walking.
• Requires lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients.
• Duties require frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit for extended periods of time throughout the workday.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, and assist with resident transfers or repositioning as needed.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate therapy equipment and tools, document electronically, and assist with splinting or adaptive device fabrication.
• Visual and auditory acuity to observe residents, assess treatment effectiveness, and respond to verbal cues and alarms.
• Physical stamina to manage a moderate to high caseload in a fast-paced environment.

Safety Hazards and Physical Environment:

• Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, and bodily fluids due to resident contact.
• Risk of musculoskeletal strain or injury when assisting with patient mobility or handling equipment.
• Possible exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals or materials used in therapy treatment areas.
• Need for vigilance in preventing falls, trips, or other injuries in therapy and resident care areas.
• Work is performed primarily in a senior living community setting, including assisted living, memory care, and/or skilled nursing units.
• Exposure to various environmental conditions, including noise, fluctuating temperatures, and strong odors commonly associated with healthcare settings.
• Interaction with older adults experiencing physical and cognitive impairments, requiring empathy, patience, and adaptability.
• Use of standard rehabilitation and medical equipment (e.g., therapy mats, wheelchairs, lifts, resistance bands, splinting materials).

Qualifications

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Physical Therapy License

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.