Physical Therapist

JOB SUMMARY

Plans and implements prescribed physical therapy programs, based on diagnosis and objective assessment, designed to aid patients in reaching their maximum functional ability, highest level of independence, or a reduced level of pain, injury, or disability. Will implement physical therapy and services to patients located in their home or third party facility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Other duties may be assigned.)

• Upon physician referral, applies diagnostic muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests and evaluations to adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, providing a written plan of treatment for each patient.
• Administers heat, cold, whirlpool, mechanical, and electrical modalities to aid in the reduction of pain, and to maximize strength, range of motion and functional abilities.
• Treat patients through the use of therapeutic exercise to promote muscle reeducation, strengthening, flexibility, and range of motion.
• Provide mobility and gait training instruction, directing patients in the use of wheelchairs, ambulation aids, orthotics, and prosthetics.
• Documents evaluations, treatment plans, and progress, maintaining all patient records.
• Communicate with physicians, family / caregiver, facility staff regarding progress or status changes as a result of treatment.
• Direct and supervises aides and assistants in the performance of their duties.
• Provide education and instruction to patients, their families, facility staff, and to the community as required, to promote rehabilitation, injury prevention, wellness, and fitness.
• Assist in promoting and maintaining a high level of quality patient care.
• Assist in the performance of administrative and clerical functions as required.
• Use appropriate developmental register in verbal and written evaluation, treatment, and education.
• Recognize appropriate modality/media contraindication according to physical and developmental factors.
• Develops referral/discharge plan consistent with patient and family needs, utilizing appropriate age/development related community resources.
• Maintains current clinical knowledge related to age groups and diagnoses treated.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Works in well-lighted/ventilated areas, as well as throughout the facility.
• Subject to frequent interruptions.
• Subject to emotionally upset residents, family members, etc.
• May be subject to falls, burns, and odors throughout the workday.
• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions etc including exposure to the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.
• Involved with residents, staff and visitors under all conditions and circumstances.

Requirements

PHYSICAL EFFORT/REQUIREMENTS

Physical Category: Sedentary to heavy

Physical Demands

• Standing: Frequently
• Sitting: Occasionally
• Walking: Frequently
• Lifting: Occasionally, may exceed 50 pounds
• Carrying: Occasionally, may exceed 50 pounds
• Push/Pull: Frequently
• Bend/Squat: Frequently
• Twist Rotate: Frequently
• Manual Dexterity: Frequently
• Kneel: Occasionally
• Reaching: Frequently
• Environment: Inside and outside (traveling required). May be exposed to hazards, i.e. fumes, dust, gases, odors, blood, and body fluids.

REQUIREMENTS, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES

• Have an active and cleared license as a physical therapist in the State of Florida.
• Must have a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degree from an accredited school of physical therapy.
• Must have previous experience in long-term care; knowledge of federal and state long-term care regulations; and knowledge of Medicare regulations and reimbursement requirements.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and stabilize patients during exercise sessions.
• Must have ability to problem-solve with patients, family members, and other members of the health care team.
• Must be able to analyze information gathered from the patient and other sources and plan appropriate and effective treatment programs.
• Must be able to operate all physical therapy modality equipment, whirlpools, continuous passive motion devices, traction equipment, and exercise equipment in the area of job assignment.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, and emotionally upset people.
• Assume the responsibility for maintaining professional competence through participation in programs/seminars/training.
• Willing to work beyond the normal working hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Ability to handle department equipment according to standard procedures.
• Must possess sight and hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, tact, and the ability to work effectively with residents, staff, and visitors.
• Report all accidents and incidents to supervisor no matter how minor they may be.
• Attends and participates in in-service classes, on-the-job programs, etc. as scheduled and directed.
• Honor the Residents’ Rights polices at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident information.
• Be expected (and required) to perform any task in a safe, sanitary and efficient manner in accordance with established procedures.
• Follow facility safety program.
• Assume accountability for data contained in the employees’ handbook.
• Any exposure to blood or body fluids that contain visible blood must be reported to supervisor on the shift in which the incident occurs.
• Be familiar with universal precautions (i.e. frequent hand washing, using gloves, etc.).
• Understand that this position contains Category II tasks that do not involve contact with blood/body fluids but could result in performing a Category I task.
• Ability to understand and use universal precautions and appropriate protective measures, which are readily available to every employee, engaged in Category I tasks.
• Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, and skills is not intended to be all-inclusive and the employer reserves the right to assign additional duties and responsibilities as necessary.