Per-Diem Physical Therapist - Niagara Rehabilitation & Nursing Center

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Director of Rehabilitation the Staff Physical Therapist provides physical therapy to the residents and supervises the Physical Therapy Assistant(s) and Physical Therapy Aide(s).

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

A. Job Knowledge and Role Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of age specific developmental factors specific to adult and geriatric residents (i.e. physical, cognitive, and socialization factors) in planning delivery of care.

2. Demonstrates knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to care for and treat residents with the following needs: orthopedics, neuro diseases and infectious diseases, if applicable.

3. Attends all mandatory in-services by employee’s anniversary date.

4. Acts appropriately under the direction of the Director of Physical Therapy or Rehabilitation Director and acts as an active member of the interdisciplinary team.

5. Supervises Physical Therapy Assistant(s) and Physical Therapy Aide(s) in direct resident care and resident related activities.

6. Records clinical documentation according to accepted regulatory, facility and professional guidelines.

7. Establishes and instructs caregivers in resident specific maintenance programs.

8. Records daily treatment charges according to facility policies.

9. Secures necessary durable medical equipment and adaptive equipment for residents to facilitate independence, if approved by the Administrator.

10. Acts as a clinical preceptor, if necessary, for affiliated Physical Therapy or Physical Therapy Assistant schools.

11. Complies with state regulations and national standards as they apply to the practice of Physical Therapy.

12. Provides weekly documentation for all residents on an active therapy program.

13. Demonstrates knowledge of and complies with the Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program when performing work functions.

B. Resident Care Responsibilities:

1. Screens, evaluates, and treats residents in accordance with comprehensive care planning.

2. Evaluates residents within two working days of physician referral.

3. Treats residents according to a treatment plan approved by the attending physician.

4. Communicates with supervisor and other interdisciplinary team members regarding resident progress, problems and plans.

5. Participates, as necessary, in resident care conferences and weekly Medicare/ Rehabilitation Utilization meetings.

6. Participates in discharge planning.

C. Role Responsibilities-Interpersonal Skills:

1. Is aware of, and adheres to, Resident’s Bill of Rights and Confidentiality of Resident Information.

2. Interacts with residents, family members, co-workers, clinical and ancillary staff in a non-judgmental, supportive and calm manner.

3. Addresses resident or family satisfaction issues immediately and assists in resolving the matter, if necessary, or reports it to the Supervisor in a professional manner.

4. Is aware of Resident Abuse Reporting Law.

5. Participates as assigned in the orientation of new staff, and interdisciplinary meetings, and demonstrates a positive, helpful and enthusiastic attitude.

D. Role Responsibilities-Safety:

1. Provides in-services to residents, families and employees regarding proper positioning and transfer techniques of residents.

2. Assists with restraint reduction programs where appropriate.

3. Demonstrates knowledge and application of general first aid procedures.

4. Ensures that all therapy equipment has current safety inspection stickers on them, and if not, notifies appropriate personnel to obtain safety inspection.

5. Demonstrates ability to locate emergency equipment in facility.

6. Understands and demonstrates knowledge of, role in Fire and Disaster drills.

7. Demonstrates ability to identify/respond appropriately to potential behavioral outbursts.

8. Uses facility equipment safely.

9. Recognizes, removes, and/or reports potential hazards.

E. Role Responsibilities-Infection Control:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of, and implementation, of Universal Precautions.

2. Follows facility policies in treatment of open wounds.

3. Handles and disposes of clean and soiled linen, when appropriate.

F. Role Responsibilities-Resident Dignity:

1. Addresses residents in a respectful manner.

2. Discusses confidential resident information in appropriate areas only.

3. Documents resident’s goals as part of the therapy treatment plan.

G. Other Duties as Assigned by the Director of Physical Therapy or Rehabilitation Director.