Physical Therapy

PACS

About The Position

The Physical Therapist evaluates patients within 24 hours or one business day of physician referral. If an evaluation cannot be completed within that timeframe, the reason for the delay must be documented in the medical record. The therapist develops an effective treatment plan, obtains approval from the referring physician, and treats patients according to the physician-approved plan. The role includes supervising Physical Therapy Assistants, aides, and students; assisting nursing staff with training Restorative Aides; communicating patient progress and plans with supervisors and other healthcare team members; and participating in care conferences, utilization review meetings, rehabilitation conferences, staff in-service training, and discharge planning. The therapist documents evaluations, treatments, progress, recertifications, and treatment changes in accordance with applicable practice acts, policies, and payer requirements. They also train patients’ families and nursing staff in maintenance programs and caregiver responsibilities, recommend and facilitate durable medical equipment orders to support mobility and independence, and report equipment problems. The position requires the ability to relate positively and effectively with patients or residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues. The work environment typically has low to moderate noise levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties may be reassigned or changed, and the job description is not a complete list of all responsibilities or required skills.

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.
Proficient with computer skills, including entering data into programs such as Casamba and Point Click Care.
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 fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent standing or walking, reaching, pushing or pulling, and talking or hearing; occasional sitting and climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and exerting specified levels of force to move objects.
Ability to use close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception and adjust visual focus.

Nice To Haves

Graduate of a Master’s or Doctorate program in Physical Therapy.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patients within 24 hours or one business day of physician referral, documenting the reason for any delay.
Develop treatment plans and obtain approval for services from the referring physician.
Treat patients according to the physician’s treatment plan.
Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
Supervise Physical Therapy Assistants in direct patient care and patient-related activities in accordance with the state practice act.
Supervise PT assistants, aides, and students.
Communicate with the supervisor and other health team members regarding patient progress, problems, and plans.
Participate in Patient Care Conferences, Utilization Review meetings, and Rehabilitation Conferences as needed.
Participate in in-service training for other facility staff.
Record evaluations, daily treatment notes, weekly progress notes, recertification documentation, and treatment changes in accordance with applicable practice acts, policies, and payer requirements.
Instruct patients’ families or nursing staff in maintenance programs and caregiver training in preparation for discharge from therapy services.
Participate in discharge planning.
Recommend and facilitate orders for durable medical equipment to support patients’ mobility and independence.
Report department equipment problems so equipment can be maintained in good working order.
Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with patients or residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.