Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides direct patient care, evaluates functional needs and outcomes, and consults with other specialists. Reviews patients functional needs and adjusts care plans to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Designs and implements a plan of care for patients based on a thorough assessment of potential development and incorporates participation by significant others whenever it seems appropriate.
• Conducts therapy practice within defined standards of care.
• Directs the assistance of support staff to achieve patients functional goals.
• Communicates effectively with other professional and support staff to achieve positive patient outcomes.
• Practices hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality improvement program, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
• Documents evaluations, treatment goals, and plans. Regularly updates documentation and maintains prescriptions and signatures.
• Enhances professional growth and development of self and others through participation in educational programs, in-service meetings, and workshops. Keeps up to date on professional literature.
• Provides direction and leadership to staff and acts as a resource to promote physical therapy in the community.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge and skills to care for the physical and developmental needs of the population age groups that will be receiving services.
• Ability to remain calm in emergency or crisis situations.

Education and Experience:

• Graduate of an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) approved physical therapy program.
• At least one year of experience as a physical therapy aide.
• Current license from the state Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.

Physical Requirements:

• Duties require extensive standing and walking.
• Requires lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients.
• Duties require frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching.