Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist (PT) is responsible for evaluating, planning, and implementing individualized physical therapy programs for residents in a long-term care and skilled nursing facility. The PT works to improve residents’ mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and overall functional independence while promoting safety and quality of life. The Physical Therapist collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to ensure residents receive appropriate rehabilitative care in accordance with physician orders, regulatory standards, and facility policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluate residents to determine physical therapy needs, functional limitations, and rehabilitation potential.

• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on physician orders and resident goals.

• Provide therapeutic interventions including exercises, gait training, balance training, strengthening, and mobility training.

• Perform initial evaluations, re-evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries in accordance with facility policies and regulatory guidelines.

• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other interdisciplinary team members to coordinate resident care.

• Educate residents, families, and caregivers on therapeutic exercises, mobility techniques, and safety strategies.

• Monitor resident progress and modify treatment plans as needed to achieve optimal outcomes.

• Ensure timely and accurate documentation in the medical record.

• Participate in care plan meetings and interdisciplinary team conferences.

• Ensure compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, and other payer guidelines related to therapy services.

• Maintain infection control standards and follow all facility safety protocols.

• Supervise Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) and rehabilitation aides as applicable.

• Participate in quality improvement activities and facility programs as assigned.

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program.

• Current license as a Physical Therapist in the state of employment.

• Previous experience in a long-term care or skilled nursing facility preferred but not required.

• Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and rehabilitation regulations in skilled nursing settings.

• Strong clinical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams.