Aquatic Physical Therapist

Spire Orthopedic Partners•Middletown, CT

About The Position

The Physical Therapist conducts physical therapy evaluations and conducts prescribed physical therapy programs to assist patient participation in tasks to restore, reinforce, and enhance physical performance and facilitate learning of skills essential for adaptation of an altered lifestyle. The Aquatic Physical Therapist (PT) is responsible for working with other health professionals in achieving goals related to meeting the individual’s maximum functional abilities through PT following a life altering illness or disability. The Aquatic PT will create and implement innovative aquatic based programs designed to promote our client’s best self through their recovery journey.

Requirements

Must have a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited DPT program.
Valid Connecticut state Physical Therapy license or eligibility to become licensed in CT.
Ability to multitask and work well under pressure.
Strong interpersonal, customer service and organizational skills required.
Able to swim and perform therapy-based activities in a pool.
Medium work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor constitutes a maximum lift of 21-50 pounds on occasion and/or a maximum lift of 11-25 pounds on a frequent basis.

Nice To Haves

Physical Therapy with Orthopedic Focus: 1-2 years a plus.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of a licensed physician, the therapist develops and implements patient treatment consistent with the objectives of the interdisciplinary treatment plan by performing comprehensive assessments, establishing realistic and measurable shortand long-term goals, and initiating appropriate actions based upon evaluation findings.
The therapist implements appropriate treatment techniques to maximize patient function, promote healing and adjustment of disability. Treatment techniques include but are not limited to exercises, heat, water, light, electricity, massage, joint mobilization, gait and functional training, wound dressing, sharp debridement, use of orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
Adapts conventional therapy techniques to meet the needs of patients. Adaptations are based on the patients’ and families’ physical and cognitive capabilities, intelligence level, interests, and discharge plans.
Provides patient care in a safe and therapeutic environment by maintaining the privacy of patients and families.
Provides education to the patients and family members from admission to discharge by providing individualized instructions to maximize function.
In a timely manner, documents patients’ evaluation progress, interim assessments, and discharge summaries with updated goals. Updates, modifies, and prioritizes goals based on evaluations and re-evaluation of findings.
Independently plans and arranges for patient discharges through communication with the interdisciplinary team, discharges patients with appropriated home programs, durable medical equipment, and referrals to other health care professionals.
Demonstrates competency and knowledge of current standards of practice within the profession.
Recognizes limitations and makes appropriate referrals to other therapists or health care professionals.
Performs administrative duties such as scheduling of patients, charges, and patient documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
Participates in staff and intern orientation/training.
Engages in continuous quality improvement activities to evaluate compliance to standards, policies and procedures, and identifies strategies to improve patient care.