Physical Therapist | Full-Time | Inpatient Rehab

The Physical Therapist (PT) at Serenity Oaks IRF evaluates, diagnoses, and provides evidence-based physical therapy interventions to rehabilitation inpatients, enabling each patient to achieve maximum functional mobility and independence. The PT develops individualized plans of care, implements therapeutic exercise programs, and contributes to the IDT process to support coordinated, person-centered rehabilitation. This role requires active collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, supervision of PTAs and rehab aides, and accurate completion of all required therapy documentation including FIM scoring.

2. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations including mobility, strength, ROM, balance, transfer ability, and functional status assessment.
• Establish measurable, patient-centered therapy goals and develop individualized PT plans of care.
• Administer therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, therapeutic activities, gait training, and manual therapy as indicated.
• Complete and document FIM motor scores within required timeframes in collaboration with the IDT.
• Supervise and direct PTAs and rehab aides in the delivery of physical therapy services within their scope of practice.
• Participate actively in weekly IDT meetings; communicate PT findings, goal progress, and discharge recommendations.
• Provide patient and family education on home exercise programs, assistive device use, fall prevention, and community reintegration.
• Recommend and fit assistive and adaptive equipment including orthotics, prosthetics, and mobility aids.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of evaluations, daily notes, progress notes, and discharge summaries in the EHR.
• Assist with or co-complete the IRF-PAI in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Program Director and attending physician.
• Coordinate with nursing on transfer techniques, positioning, and equipment needs for safe patient handling.
• Participate in QAPI activities and contribute to therapy department quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain continuing education and competency in evidence-based rehabilitation practice.
• Adhere to APTA standards of practice, Code of Ethics, and Louisiana Physical Therapy Practice Act.

3. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Required: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE-accredited institution.
• Preferred: One (1) or more years of physical therapy experience in an inpatient rehabilitation or acute care setting.
• Preferred: IRF, neurological, or orthopedic rehabilitation experience strongly preferred.

4. LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION & REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

• Required: Current, unrestricted Physical Therapist license issued by the Louisiana Physical Therapy Board (LAPTB).
• Required: Current BLS/CPR certification (AHA or Red Cross).
• Preferred: Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS) or Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (OCS) — APTA ABPTS.
• Required: Louisiana PT license must be verified through LAPTB prior to and throughout employment.

5. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Expert clinical knowledge in physical therapy evaluation and treatment for stroke, TBI, SCI, hip fracture, joint replacement, and medically complex patients.
• Proficiency in FIM motor scoring and IRF-PAI documentation requirements.
• Knowledge of therapeutic exercise prescription, neuromuscular facilitation, and gait training techniques.
• Ability to supervise and direct PTAs within Louisiana scope of practice guidelines.
• Proficiency with EHR documentation in an inpatient rehabilitation setting.
• Strong IDT communication skills including verbal and written reporting of patient progress.
• Knowledge of assistive and adaptive equipment prescription and fitting.
• Understanding of CMS IRF 60% Rule admissions criteria and medical necessity requirements.
• Commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered physical therapy practice.
• Knowledge of patient and family education techniques for functional recovery and home preparation.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Inpatient Rehab Hospital: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Physical Therapy License in the state of Louisiana (Required)

Work Location: In person