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.

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.

§ Treats patients through the use of therapeutic exercise to promote muscle re-education, strengthening, flexibility, and range of motion.

§ Provides 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.

§ Communicates with physicians’ patient progress or changes as a result of treatment.

§ Directs and supervises aides and assistants in the performance of their duties.

§ Provides education and instruction to patients, their families, facility staff, and to the community as required, to promote rehabilitation, injury prevention, wellness, and fitness.

§ Assists in promoting and maintaining a high level of quality patient care.

§ Assists in the performance of administrative and clerical functions as required.

§ Uses appropriate developmental register in verbal and written evaluation, treatment, and education.

§ Recognizes 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.

This position requires a screening through The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse

https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

REQUIREMENTS, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES:

§ Must be licensed 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.