Working with a wide range of residents injuries and age groups. The Physical Therapist is ongoing with residents in the facility to create a Plan of Treatment consisting of the appropriate exercises, procedures and techniques required to promote effective, safe recovery. The PT are responsible for coordinating with any healthcare professionals that are working with their residents and referring residents to specialists when appropriate.

Responsibilities for Physical Therapist

• Perform initial and ongoing physical therapy evaluations according to APTA standards of practice as well as state standards.
• Develop Plan of Treatment for each patient based on initial and ongoing

evaluations including short- and long-term goals, collaboration demands of other staff members, and required patient and caregiver involvement.

• Implement Plan of Treatment on a consistent schedule and adjust this schedule and plan according to patient progress.
• Document patient progress according to approved medical documentation and facility documentation procedures.
• Evaluate mobility, strength, and current level of patient function, while setting goals to improve in these areas that are scaled to patient abilities and realistically attainable.
• Report patient progress to patient, patient caregivers and loved ones, facility staff and healthcare professionals involved in ongoing treatment/care of patients.
• Develop a plan for patients following completion of their Plan of Treatment with appropriate in-home care services.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge through attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, etc.
• Assist other facility staff members as needed to provide care and create a clean, orderly, and effective environment for rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Qualifications for Physical Therapist:

• Proven record of matching patient needs to treatment plans and proven record of implementing these plans safely and effectively.
• Strong experience administering a wide range of physical therapy techniques not limited to giving massages; applying physical agents; initiating traction; utilizing hydrotherapy tanks and whirlpool baths, ultraviolet / infrared lamps, and ultrasound machines.
• Experience assisting and directing treatments given by aides, technicians, and assistants.
• Knowledge of responsible use of facility equipment, best practices for equipment use and preventative maintenance procedures.
• Experience with recommending assistive equipment to patients and outpatient or home health follow-up programs.
• Experience with a wide range of patient age groups and injuries.
• Knowledge of Occupational Therapy and an understanding of when these techniques can benefit patients.
• A strong sense of empathy, a compassionate outlook on PT and the ability to motivate patients into pushing their limits in a responsible, safe way.
• Other duties as assigned.
• One year of experience (preferred) providing physical therapy to residents in a fully equipped PT facility and who has the following qualifications:
  • BS or master’s degree in Physical Therapy from a physical therapy program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association
  • Current Physical Therapy license for state of operation.
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (with AED)
  • Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading periodicals, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
  • Enhances physical therapy reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests and exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.