I.          GENERAL SUMMARY:

This position plans and implements specific treatment programs for individual patients according to the principles and practices of physical therapy.  Collaborates with interdisciplinary treatment team.

II.        PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, safety, environmental and infection control standards.

• Plans physical therapy program for each patient including exercise, massage, heat, water, light and electricity.

• Applies diagnostic and prognostic muscle, nerve, and joint and functional ability tests.

• Directs and aids patient in active and passive exercises, muscle re-education, and functional training using pulleys, weights, steps and inclined surfaces.

• Gives whirlpool and contrast baths as required; applies moist packs to reduce inflammation.

• Provides instructions in therapeutic procedures to be continued by the patient.

• Adapts conventional physical therapy techniques to meet the needs of patients unable to comprehend verbal commands or voluntarily carry out a regime of therapeutic exercises.

• Conducts or participates in training medical and nursing personnel in physical therapy techniques and objectives.

• Evaluates, records and reports on patient’s progress for review by other members of the rehabilitative team.

• Participates in educational programs and in-service meetings.

• Attends meetings as required.

• Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment

• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.

III.       JOB REQUIREMENTS:

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the needs of patients of all different age populations in order to provide care appropriately.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s Degree needed.

EXPERIENCE:

1 to 2 years

An equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

             D.  LICENSES, ETC.:

• Must be Board Certified and have appropriate license

IV.       AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

Possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span, with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process. This includes:

• Knowledge of growth and development
• Ability to interpret age specific data and response to care
• Provide age specific communication

V.         WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking

• Lifts, positions, pushes and or transfers patients

• Lifts supplies and equipment

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.