Physical Therapist - Full Time

Hackensack Meridian Health•Neptune Township, NJ

13d

About The Position

The 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 role involves assessing residents’ needs, establishing measurable functional goals, providing individualized treatment, monitoring progress, and participating in discharge planning. The therapist maintains a safe treatment environment, uses appropriate body mechanics and treatment techniques, provides and documents patient and caregiver education, and coordinates with residents, families, and other health care professionals. The position also includes evaluating and arranging appropriate durable medical equipment and prosthetic or orthotic devices, ensuring proper fit and use, and completing evaluations, progress notes, reassessments, and discharge summaries in accordance with departmental policies.

Requirements

Graduate of an APTA-accredited program or equivalent.
Physical Therapist license.
AHA Basic Health Care Life Support HCP Certification.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficient computer skills, which may include Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.
Ability to stand, walk, and/or move around continuously.
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 lbs. or more without the aid of physical devices.
Dexterity and eye-hand coordination to hold, position, manipulate, type, and perform data entry.
Visual ability to monitor instruments and computers, distinguish characters and 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 a high level of service to residents, families, and visitors.
Deliver scheduled treatments using appropriate techniques and skills while maintaining a safe environment and proper body mechanics.
Establish discharge planning at the initial evaluation and update it throughout treatment; complete timely discharge summaries with goal achievement, functional status, and recommendations.
Assess residents’ need for durable medical equipment, coordinate proper wheelchair fitting with appropriate professionals, and educate residents and families on equipment use and care.
Prepare progress notes, reassessments, and discharge summaries in accordance with departmental policies; monitor progress, update short-term goals, and modify treatment plans as appropriate.
Complete re-evaluations promptly and update goals and treatment plans according to departmental policy.
Build rapport and mutual respect with residents, patients, caregivers, and team members to support goal achievement.
Provide and document education for residents, patients, and caregivers based on identified learning needs.
Gather the information needed to evaluate resident needs, including testing and consultation with other health care professionals as appropriate, and complete evaluations within required time frames.
Develop and implement individualized treatment programs based on established goals and identified needs.
Complete patient treatments within the department’s acceptable productivity range and document them on the daily charge sheet.
Use appropriate judgment when ordering and measuring prosthetic or orthotic devices; assess fit and function, arrange adjustments as needed, establish a wearing schedule with the resident and relevant personnel, and provide education about proper use and signs of malfunction.
Formulate objective, functionally based short- and long-term goals using evaluation findings and measurable time frames.
Administer evaluations in a manner appropriate to each resident’s disability and needs.
Provide appropriate assistive or adaptive devices and durable medical equipment to support functional independence, ensure their clinical appropriateness and proper use, and educate residents and families about safety.
Handle special projects, rush assignments, and other duties as assigned in a timely manner.
Adhere to HMH organizational competencies and standards of behavior.