Description 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.