Seeking a licensed and compassionate Physical Therapist to provide individualized therapy services on a per diem basis. This role involves evaluating, planning, and implementing treatment plans to help residents improve mobility and achieve functional goals across all levels of care. Ideal candidates are team-oriented, flexible with scheduling, and passionate about working with older adults in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment.
Summary of Responsibilities:
The Physical Therapist will carry out an individualized program of physical therapy including assessment, treatment, planning, implementation, education, and communication to maximize a resident's progress toward achieving functional goals. The Physical Therapist will also maintain a positive working relationship with other health professionals and ancillary staff.
Essential Functions/Duties:
- 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.
- Conducts therapy practice within defined standards of care.
- Directs the assistance of support staff to achieve patients' functional goals.
- Educate residents and families on therapeutic techniques and home programs.
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and patient support groups.
- Maintain compliance with safety and professional standards.
- Participate in and complete all required ongoing training, including monthly online and in-person training, annual skills competencies education, and role-specific certifications, to ensure continued competence and adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.
Supervisory Responsibility:
- Supervises and collaborates with Physical Therapy Assistant and students in patient care.
Required Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge and skills to care for the physical and developmental needs of the population age groups that will be receiving services.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Customer service-oriented approach.
- Empathy, patience, and a passion for working with older adults.
- Excellent organization, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.
Core Values:
- AMBASSADOR: Represents The Highlands at Wyomissing in a positive light with integrity. Takes pride in our community.
- COMMITMENT: Dedicated, adaptable, tolerant, dependable, focused, and passionate. Often does more than is required. Reports to work as scheduled and timely.
- COMPASSIONATE: Is empathetic, mindful, and kind.
- INNOVATIVE: Is curious. Identifies new methods and efficiencies.
- RESULTS-DRIVEN: Has a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and completing work. Exerts unusual effort over time to achieve a goal. Maintains commitment to goals in the face of obstacles and frustrations.
- TEAM ORIENTED: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals.
The Highlands' Traditions (Customer Service Expectations):
- SAFETY: Practices safe behaviors to ensure the safety of all.
- KINDNESS: Projects a positive image and energy. Courteous and respectful to all. Goes above and beyond to exceed customer expectations.
- SHOW: Takes pride in self-appearance. Stays in "character" and performs the "role in the show." Ensures work area is show-ready.
- EFFICIENCY: Performs role with consistency and efficiency. Uses time and resources wisely.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
- This position requires the ability to work during nonstandard hours including evenings (depending on shift assigned), weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather.
Hours and Benefits:
- Position is a per-diem position with no guaranteed hours or guaranteed shift assignment.
- Position is not benefits eligible.
- Position requires at least one summer and one winter holiday.
- Position is required to work across all levels of care on The Highlands at Wyomissing
Travel
- May involve occasional travel within the facility or between buildings to deliver therapy services.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Graduate of an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) approved physical therapy program.
- At least one year of experience as a physical therapy aide (Required)
- Current Physical Therapist license in the state of Pennsylvania (Required)
- At least one year of experience (Preferred)
- CPR/BLS certification (Required)
- Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License with acceptable Motor Vehicle Record Check
- Completion of the Highlands Hearthstone Ambassador training within 30 days of employment (Required)
Work Authorization/Security Clearances:
- Medical Screening
- Criminal History Clearance
- FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Only required if you have not lived in PA for the last 2 years)
- Immigration and naturalization (I-9) Clearance
- Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and acceptable MVR (if operating company vehicle)
Physical Requirements and Physical Demands:
- Duties require extensive standing and walking.
- Requires lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients.
- Duties require frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit for extended periods of time throughout the workday.
- Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, and assist with resident transfers or repositioning as needed.
- Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate therapy equipment and tools, document electronically, and assist with splinting or adaptive device fabrication.
- Visual and auditory acuity to observe residents, assess treatment effectiveness, and respond to verbal cues and alarms.
- Physical stamina to manage a moderate to high caseload in a fast-paced environment.
Safety Hazards and Physical Environment:
- Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, and bodily fluids due to resident contact.
- Risk of musculoskeletal strain or injury when assisting with patient mobility or handling equipment.
- Possible exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals or materials used in therapy treatment areas.
- Need for vigilance in preventing falls, trips, or other injuries in therapy and resident care areas.
- Work is performed primarily in a senior living community setting, including assisted living, memory care, and/or skilled nursing units.
- Exposure to various environmental conditions, including noise, fluctuating temperatures, and strong odors commonly associated with healthcare settings.
- Interaction with older adults experiencing physical and cognitive impairments, requiring empathy, patience, and adaptability.
- Use of standard rehabilitation and medical equipment (e.g., therapy mats, wheelchairs, lifts, resistance bands, splinting materials).