Physical Therapist Per Diem

Seeking a licensed and compassionate Physical Therapist to provide individualized therapy services on a per diem basis. This role involves evaluating, planning, and implementing treatment plans to help residents improve mobility and achieve functional goals across all levels of care. Ideal candidates are team-oriented, flexible with scheduling, and passionate about working with older adults in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment.

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Physical Therapist will carry out an individualized program of physical therapy including assessment, treatment, planning, implementation, education, and communication to maximize a resident’s progress toward achieving functional goals. The Physical Therapist will also maintain a positive working relationship with other health professionals and ancillary staff.

Essential Functions/Duties:

• Provides direct patient care, evaluates functional needs and outcomes, and consults with other specialists.
• Reviews patients’ functional needs and adjusts care plans to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Designs and implements a plan of care for patients based on a thorough assessment of potential development.
• Conducts therapy practice within defined standards of care.
• Directs the assistance of support staff to achieve patients’ functional goals.
• Educate residents and families on therapeutic techniques and home programs.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and patient support groups.
• Maintain compliance with safety and professional standards.
• Participate in and complete all required ongoing training, including monthly online and in-person training, annual skills competencies education, and role-specific certifications, to ensure continued competence and adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Supervises and collaborates with Physical Therapy Assistant and students in patient care.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge and skills to care for the physical and developmental needs of the population age groups that will be receiving services.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Customer service-oriented approach.
• Empathy, patience, and a passion for working with older adults.
• Excellent organization, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

Core Values:

1. AMBASSADOR: Represents The Highlands at Wyomissing® in a positive light with integrity. Takes pride in our community.
2. COMMITMENT: Dedicated, adaptable, tolerant, dependable, focused, and passionate. Often does more than is required. Reports to work as scheduled and timely.
3. COMPASSIONATE: Is empathetic, mindful, and kind.
4. INNOVATIVE: Is curious. Identifies new methods and efficiencies.
5. RESULTS-DRIVEN: Has a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and completing work. Exerts unusual effort over time to achieve a goal. Maintains commitment to goals in the face of obstacles and frustrations.
6. TEAM ORIENTED: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals.

The Highlands’ Traditions (Customer Service Expectations):

1. SAFETY: Practices safe behaviors to ensure the safety of all.
2. KINDNESS: Projects a positive image and energy. Courteous and respectful to all. Goes above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
3. SHOW: Takes pride in self-appearance. Stays in “character” and performs the “role in the show.” Ensures work area is show-ready.
4. EFFICIENCY: Performs role with consistency and efficiency. Uses time and resources wisely.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• This position requires the ability to work during nonstandard hours including evenings (depending on shift assigned), weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather.

Hours and Benefits:

• Position is a per-diem position with no guaranteed hours or guaranteed shift assignment.
• Position is not benefits eligible.
• Position requires at least one summer and one winter holiday.
• Position is required to work across all levels of care on The Highlands at Wyomissing^®

Travel

• May involve occasional travel within the facility or between buildings to deliver therapy services.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Graduate of an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) approved physical therapy program.
• At least one year of experience as a physical therapy aide (Required)
• Current Physical Therapist license in the state of Pennsylvania (Required)
• At least one year of experience (Preferred)
• CPR/BLS certification (Required)
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License with acceptable Motor Vehicle Record Check
• Completion of the Highlands Hearthstone Ambassador training within 30 days of employment (Required)

Work Authorization/Security Clearances:

• Medical Screening
• Criminal History Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Only required if you have not lived in PA for the last 2 years)
• Immigration and naturalization (I-9) Clearance
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and acceptable MVR (if operating company vehicle)

Physical Requirements and Physical Demands:

• Duties require extensive standing and walking.
• Requires lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients.
• Duties require frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit for extended periods of time throughout the workday.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, and assist with resident transfers or repositioning as needed.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate therapy equipment and tools, document electronically, and assist with splinting or adaptive device fabrication.
• Visual and auditory acuity to observe residents, assess treatment effectiveness, and respond to verbal cues and alarms.
• Physical stamina to manage a moderate to high caseload in a fast-paced environment.

Safety Hazards and Physical Environment:

• Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, and bodily fluids due to resident contact.
• Risk of musculoskeletal strain or injury when assisting with patient mobility or handling equipment.
• Possible exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals or materials used in therapy treatment areas.
• Need for vigilance in preventing falls, trips, or other injuries in therapy and resident care areas.

• Work is performed primarily in a senior living community setting, including assisted living, memory care, and/or skilled nursing units.
• Exposure to various environmental conditions, including noise, fluctuating temperatures, and strong odors commonly associated with healthcare settings.
• Interaction with older adults experiencing physical and cognitive impairments, requiring empathy, patience, and adaptability.

• Use of standard rehabilitation and medical equipment (e.g., therapy mats, wheelchairs, lifts, resistance bands, splinting materials).