Physical Therapist

Encore Rehabilitation•Jasper, AL

17d

About The Position

The Staff Physical Therapist organizes and provides quality physical therapy services and assists with departmental operations. The therapist evaluates referred patients, determines their physical and functional status and potential benefit from therapy, and plans and conducts individualized treatment programs. Treatments may use exercise, massage, thermal agents, water, light, electricity, therapeutic equipment, and functional training. The therapist observes and documents patient condition and responses, provides instructions for ongoing care, supervises and trains supportive personnel, and helps maintain a safe, clean department. The role is authorized to perform physical therapy procedures prescribed by a medical doctor and works with patients of all ages, from neonates to geriatrics.

Requirements

A minimum of a B.S. degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution offering training in the specialty.
Must be licensed by the Board of Physical Therapy in the applicable state.
Demonstrate the knowledge and manual skills necessary to provide quality patient care.
Be able to motivate patients to achieve optimum performance.
Have oral and written communication skills sufficient to understand medical terminology, communicate with staff, patients, and physicians, and prepare meaningful reports.
Know the statistics and forms required to maintain accurate departmental and patient records.
Understand basic management concepts, have problem-solving skills, and be able to supervise supportive personnel.
Perform self-evaluation and accept criticism constructively.
Demonstrate reliable and reasonable professional behavior.
Be able to work with individuals of all ages, from neonates to geriatrics.
Meet the physical demands of lifting and carrying equipment, supplies, and materials up to 50 pounds without assistance; heavier loads require mechanical devices or other personnel.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience is desirable but not necessary when the educational requirements are met.

Responsibilities

Evaluate referred patients to determine their current physical and functional status and assess their potential benefit from physical therapy.
Plan and conduct therapy programs, which may include exercise, massage, thermal agents, water, light, and electricity.
Apply diagnostic and prognostic muscle, nerve, joint, and functional ability tests.
Direct and assist patients with active and passive exercises, muscle re-education, gait training, and functional training.
Use therapeutic exercise equipment, including pulleys, weights, steps, and uneven or inclined surfaces.
Use muscle and nerve stimulators, ultrasound machines, and other therapeutic electrical machines.
Provide whirlpool and contrast baths and apply moist heat and cold packs.
Instruct patients in the care and use of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches, walkers, and prosthetic and orthopedic devices.
Teach posture control and therapeutic procedures for patients to continue.
Adapt physical therapy techniques for patients unable to understand verbal commands or voluntarily perform a therapeutic exercise regimen.
Observe, record, and report patients’ condition, reactions, and responses.
Direct and supervise supportive personnel and conduct or participate in training Physical Therapy Technicians and Physical Therapist Assistants.
Maintain a safe, clean Physical Therapy Department.
Perform related duties as assigned.