Physical Therapist
Champion, Partners in Rehab•Dothan, AL
•Onsite
About The Position
The Staff Physical Therapist provides quality physical therapy services and assists with departmental operations in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) in Dothan, Alabama. This is a PRN position with afternoon and weekend hours. The therapist organizes and delivers physical therapy services as prescribed by a medical doctor or dentist, evaluates patients’ physical and functional status and potential benefit from therapy, and plans and conducts individualized treatment programs. The role also involves documenting and reporting patient responses, supervising and training supportive personnel, and maintaining a safe, clean Physical Therapy Department.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution offering training in the specialty.
- Must be licensed by the Alabama State of Physical Therapy.
- Demonstrated knowledge and manual skills necessary to provide quality patient care.
- Oral and written communication skills sufficient to understand medical terminology, communicate with staff, patients, and physicians, and prepare meaningful reports.
- Knowledge of statistics and forms needed to maintain accurate departmental and patient records.
- Understanding of basic management concepts, good problem-solving skills, and ability to supervise supportive personnel.
- Ability to perform self-evaluation and accept criticism constructively.
- Reliable and reasonable professional behavior.
- Ability to lift and carry equipment, supplies, and materials up to 50 pounds without help; heavier loads require mechanical devices or assistance from other personnel.
- Physical ability to stoop, push, pull, reach, handle, feel, and manipulate equipment and patients during treatment; ability to talk and hear, and sufficient visual acuity to observe treatment reactions and read instructions.
Nice To Haves
- One year of experience is preferred; recent graduates are encouraged to reach out for more information.
- Preference for working with people and ability to motivate them to achieve optimum performance.
Responsibilities
- Evaluate patients referred to Physical Therapy to determine their physical and functional status and potential benefit from services.
- Plan and conduct therapy programs, including appropriate exercises and use of massage, thermal agents, water, light, or electricity.
- Perform diagnostic and prognostic muscle, nerve, joint, and functional ability tests; direct and assist patients with exercises, muscle re-education, gait training, and functional training.
- Use exercise equipment, including pulleys, weights, steps, and uneven or inclined surfaces.
- Use muscle and nerve stimulators, ultrasound machines, and other therapeutic electrical equipment.
- Provide whirlpool and contrast baths and apply moist heat and cold packs.
- Teach patients to care for and use wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches, walkers, prosthetic devices, and orthopedic devices.
- Instruct patients in posture control and therapeutic procedures to continue independently.
- Adapt physical therapy techniques for patients who cannot understand verbal commands or voluntarily perform therapeutic exercises.
- Observe, record, and report patients’ conditions, 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.
