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.

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.