POSITION SUMMARY

Provides physical therapy services to residents by assisting in the assessment, treatment, program planning and implementation, related documentation and communication.   Functions under supervision of the physical therapist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

1. Provides physical therapy services to residents under the direct supervision of a physical therapist.

1. Assists physical therapist in the evaluation process in the areas of self-care, homemaking, functional mobility and coordination.  Assists in the evaluation of other areas as directed.

1. Identifies indications for and assists in evaluations at appropriate intervals under the direction of the physical therapist.

1. Assists the physical therapist in identifying a problem list, short-term goals, long-term goals and treatment plan.

1. Conducts both individual and group treatment as assigned by the physical therapist and outlined in the treatment plan that includes, but is not limited to, areas of muscle strength, coordination, mobility, sensory awareness, sitting and standing, transfer training, balance activities, gait training, range of motion activities and modalities.

1. Assists in the selection of physical therapy techniques/media and in the sequence of activities, adapts techniques/media as indicated by resident performance and following consultation with the physical therapist.  No major modification to the treatment plan is made without prior consultation with the physical therapist.

1. Monitors resident’s response to intervention and consults with physical therapist if modification is indicated.

1. Assists in establishing and modifying individual resident schedules in conjunction with the physical therapist and other team members.

1. Adheres to department and resident schedule and modifies as appropriate for treatment regimen.

1. Maintains acceptable resident care ratios as determined by the physical therapist.

1. Provides/recommends/fabricates adaptive devices or other equipment; trains resident, family and appropriate staff in the use or application of the above.

1. Participates in resident, family and staff education.

1. Confers formally and informally with other team members in coordinating the total rehabilitation program of the resident.

1. Adheres to Physical Therapy Department procedures regarding documentation of physical therapy services.

1. Provides treatment in accordance with established standards of practice, department procedures and productivity standards.

1. Records billable treatment times according to Physical Therapy Department procedures and submits weekly/monthly statistics to regional office.

1. Maintains safe and clean work area and adheres to facility/company safety standards.

1. Complies with all infection control, Universal Precautions and OSHA standards for the healthcare professional.

1. Consistently demonstrates sound judgment in the evaluation, planning, implementation and follow-up or resident therapy programs.

1. Maintains positive relationships and rapport with coworkers, residents, family members and facility personnel.

1. Reports to work on time and adheres to schedule maintaining acceptable patient ratios and work efficiency during assigned shift. 

1. Assumes responsibility for ongoing continuing education and professional development.

1. Assists with and participates in quality assurance program as required.

1. Adheres to established confidentiality standards per Clinical Authorization access as defined in the HIPAA policy and procedure manual.

1. Projects a positive and professional image at all times.

1. Performs other duties as assigned.

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1. Associate Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.

1. Current state licensure or license-eligible in states where applicable.

1. Regular attendance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical requirements for this position are classified as medium under the Department of Labor classification.  The employee must be capable of exerting 20-50 pounds of force occasionally (less than 1/3 of the time), and/or 10-20 pounds of force frequently (1/2 of the time), and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly (2/3 of the time) to move objects, equipment and/or residents.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend or crouch; use hands to manipulate tools, equipment or controls; reach with hands and arms, balance, lift and perform medium to maximum transfer assists with residents.  The employee is required to have visual and hearing acuity sufficient enough to assess resident safety and ability.  This position is classified as a Category 1 for the purpose of exposure determination under the OSHA Regulations regarding the Standard on Occupational Exposure to Blood borne Pathogens (29CFR 1910.1030).  Category 1 is defined as all procedures or job-related tasks that involve an inherent risk for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues, or a potential for spills and/or splashes of blood or body fluids.  The use of protective equipment and measures is required for every employee engaged in Category 1 tasks.