About The Position
The Staff Physical Therapist evaluates and treats residents, communicates with families, physicians, and other health team members, and documents services in medical records. The therapist also conducts ongoing in-services and training for facility staff. The role supervises PT assistants, aides, and students, and contributes to facility rehabilitation and quality-improvement activities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy.
- Licensed as a Physical Therapist in the state.
- Meet continuing education requirements under state practice rules and maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
- Proficient computer skills, including entering data into Net Health and Point Click Care programs.
- Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
- Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.
- Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
- Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
- CPR certification if required by licensure.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent standing and walking; occasional sitting and other specified movements; and lifting or exertion associated with moving residents or equipment.
- Ability to communicate effectively, perceive environmental cues, and assist, support, and transport residents using safe resident-handling practices.
Nice To Haves
- Graduate of a Master’s or Doctorate program in Physical Therapy.
- Additional certification as appropriate per facility.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate residents’ physical therapy needs, functional limitations, and rehabilitation potential in accordance with physician orders and facility policies.
- Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans to improve mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and functional independence.
- Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
- Supervise Physical Therapy Assistants in direct resident care and resident-related activities, following the state practice act.
- Communicate with physicians, nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members, residents, and families about progress, goals, and discharge planning.
- Participate in Resident Care conferences, Utilization Review meetings, and Rehabilitation meetings as needed.
- Provide in-services and training programs for facility staff as needed.
- Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation according to facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
- Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection-control, safety, and equipment-maintenance protocols.
- Educate residents, families, and caregivers about treatment goals, home exercise and maintenance programs, safety techniques, and fall prevention.
- Recommend and facilitate ordering durable medical equipment to support residents’ mobility and independence, such as splints, walkers, canes, elevated toilet seats, and grab bars.
- Maintain confidentiality of resident and company information.
- Report department equipment problems to ensure equipment remains in good working order.
- Contribute to quality assurance, performance-improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
- Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.
- Supervise PT assistants, aides, and students.
