Sr. Level 1 Physical Therapist - Full Time

Hackensack Meridian Health•Neptune Township, NJ

About The Position

The Senior Level 1 Physical Therapist evaluates, plans, and implements goal-oriented physical therapy programs to restore function and prevent further disability resulting from trauma, disease, amputation, congenital defects, surgery, and other debilitating illness. The therapist gathers information to evaluate patient needs, establishes measurable short- and long-term goals, and delivers individualized treatment focused on functional progress and safety. The role includes documenting evaluations, re-evaluations, progress, and discharge recommendations according to departmental policies; planning for discharge from the initial evaluation onward; and assessing and providing appropriate assistive devices and durable medical equipment. The therapist educates patients and families, communicates with care team members, and maintains a safe treatment environment while meeting departmental productivity expectations. The position may also involve committee participation and other assigned projects.

Requirements

Graduate of an APTA-accredited program or equivalent.
Physical Therapist License.
BLS AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to stand, walk, and/or move continuously around the work area.
Ability to kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, or work in other unusual physical positions.
Ability to climb, including ladders, stepping stools, and/or stairs, or balance.
Ability to stretch and/or reach to retrieve or replace objects.
Ability to push, pull, lift, and/or carry heavy objects weighing 20 pounds or more without aid of physical devices.
Dexterity and eye-hand coordination for activities such as holding, positioning, manipulating, typing, and data entry.
Visual ability to monitor instruments and computers, distinguish characters, recognize colors, and observe physical characteristics.
Hearing ability to recognize sounds, sound patterns, and other auditory stimuli.
Physical ability to react and respond quickly in emergencies, including life-threatening situations.

Responsibilities

Participate on committees as requested by the supervisor.
Provide high-quality service to residents, families, and visitors.
Maintain a safe care environment and use proper body mechanics while delivering treatment.
Demonstrate and apply appropriate treatment techniques and skills, and complete scheduled treatments.
Establish discharge plans during the initial evaluation and update them throughout treatment.
Complete timely discharge summaries documenting goal achievement, functional status, and recommendations.
Assess residents’ needs for durable medical equipment and coordinate appropriate fitting, including wheelchair fitting.
Educate residents and families on the proper use and care of wheelchairs and other equipment.
Prepare progress notes, re-evaluations, reassessments, and discharge summaries in accordance with departmental policies and timelines.
Monitor resident status and progress, update short-term goals, and modify treatment plans as appropriate.
Gather evaluation information, including testing and consultations with other healthcare professionals when appropriate.
Build rapport and mutual respect with patients, caregivers, residents, families, and team members.
Provide and document patient and caregiver education in a manner suited to identified learning needs.
Develop and implement individualized treatment programs based on established goals and identified needs.
Complete treatments within the department’s acceptable productivity range and document them on daily charge sheets.
Use appropriate judgment when ordering and measuring prosthetic or orthotic devices; assess fit and function, arrange adjustments as needed, establish wearing schedules, and educate residents and families about use and signs of malfunction.
Formulate measurable, functionally based short- and long-term goals using evaluation findings.
Administer evaluations in a manner appropriate to each resident’s disability and needs.
Provide appropriate assistive and adaptive devices and durable medical equipment, ensure their clinical appropriateness and safe use, and educate residents and families.
Handle special projects, rush assignments, and other duties as assigned.
Adhere to HMH organizational competencies and standards of behavior.