Physical Therapist

About the Role

The Staff Physical Therapist is responsible for providing quality physical therapy services and assisting in departmental operation.

Responsibilities

• Organize and render physical therapy services.
• Evaluate patients referred to Physical Therapy to determine their current physical and functional status; assess potential benefit from physical therapy services.
• Plan and conduct therapy programs for patients, including the use of exercise, massage, thermal agents, water, light, and/or electricity.
• Apply diagnostic and prognostic muscle, nerve, joint, and functional ability tests.
• Direct and aid patients in active and passive exercises, muscle re-education, and gait and functional training.
• Utilize exercise equipment such as pulleys, weights, steps, uneven, and inclined surfaces.
• Operate equipment including muscle and nerve stimulators, ultrasound machines, and other therapeutic electrical machines.
• Administer whirlpool and contrast baths, and apply moist heat and cold packs.
• Direct patients in the care and use of wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches, walkers, and prosthetic and orthopedic devices.
• Instruct patients in posture control and therapeutic procedures to continue independently.
• Adapt conventional physical therapy techniques for patients unable to comprehend verbal commands or voluntarily follow therapeutic exercises.
• Observe, record, and report patient's condition, reactions, and responses.
• Direct and supervise activities of supportive personnel, including Physical Therapy Technicians and Assistants.
• Conduct and participate in training of Physical Therapy Technicians and Assistants in techniques and objectives.
• Maintain a safe, clean Physical Therapy Department.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Physical Demands

• Lift and carry equipment, supplies, and materials up to 50 pounds independently; over 50 pounds with assistance or mechanical devices.
• Stoop, push, and pull when positioning patients or equipment.
• Reach when moving patients or equipment into position for treatment.
• Handle, feel, and manipulate equipment and patients during treatments.
• Communicate effectively through talking and hearing to instruct patients and staff.
• Visual acuity to observe reactions to treatment and read instructions.
• Work indoors.

Special Demands

• Demonstrate knowledge and manual skills for quality patient care.
• Ability to motivate patients to achieve optimum performance.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for understanding medical terminology, interacting with staff, patients, physicians, and preparing reports.
• Knowledge of statistics and forms for maintaining accurate departmental and patient records.
• Understand basic management concepts, problem-solving skills, and ability to supervise personnel.
• Perform self-evaluation and accept constructive criticism.
• Dedication to the profession through reliable and professional behavior.
• Ability to work with individuals of all ages, from neonates to geriatrics.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a B.S. degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution.
• No previous experience required upon meeting educational requirements, but experience is desirable.
• Must be licensed by the Board of Physical Therapy in the applicable State.