Director of Therapy

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 inservices by employee’s anniversary date.
4. Acts appropriately under the direction of the Administrator and acts as an active member of the interdisciplinary team.
5. Communicates and observes the Corporate Compliance Program effectively and complies with Code of Conduct when performing work functions.

Administrative Responsibilities:

1. Coordinates the operations of the Rehabilitation Department to meet the residents’ needs as well as the company’s fiscal requirements and maintains compliance with federal and state regulations.
2. Coordinates the assignment of rehabilitation residents and other rehabilitation responsibilities to staff therapists and therapy contractors in an appropriate manner.
3. Hires and terminates department employees according to facility policies with input from the Administrator.
4. Orients, trains, supervises, evaluates, and counsels rehabilitation department employees to achieve and maintain a high standard of care.
5. Ensures compliance in therapy department with appropriate policies and procedures for the department and facility.
6. Monitors rehabilitation revenue and controls expenses in order to meet budgetary objectives.
7. Sets goals and objectives for the department and implements activities to accomplish them.
8. Supervises therapy student programs, if necessary.

Resident Care Responsibilities:

1. Screens, evaluates, and treats residents as per Care Plan. Ensures that residents who are admitted for treatment receive the required therapy services and that the service delivery is documented appropriately.
2. Develops and maintains a medical records system that:

a) Is accurate and concise.

b) Meets governmental and third party payor requirements.

c) Minimizes duplication.

d) Reflects a clear picture of the residents’ problems, the therapist’s intervention, and the resident outcome.

1. Develops and maintains an administrative recordkeeping system that provides an accurate record of the number of treatments given and charges incurred.

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 non-judgmental, supportive and calm manner.
3. Addresses family satisfaction issues immediately and assists in resolving the matter, if necessary, in a professional manner.
4. Is aware of Resident Abuse Reporting Law.
5. Participates as assigned in the orientation of new staff and demonstrates a positive, helpful and enthusiastic attitude.

. 6. Communicates and coordinates the rehabilitation department functions with other departments in a constructive manner that helps build team rapport and effectiveness.

1. Communicates with the Administrator, the Director of Nursing, and rehabilitation therapists regarding department programs, goals, objectives, problems and successes.
2. Communicates with physicians regarding resident problems, progress, and department programs.
3. Communicates to the public and to medical personnel outside the facility regarding the therapy services.
4. Actively participates in:

(a) Community awareness activities.

(b) Facility inservice training programs.

(c) Resident care conferences.

(d) Medicare/Rehabilitation Utilization meetings.

(e) Marketing meetings.

(f) Department Head meetings.

(g) Inquiry/admission process.

(h) Area rehabilitation enhancement meetings.

(i) Facility Quality Assurance meetings.

Role Responsibilities-Safety:

1. Provides inservices 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 (i.e. fire extinguisher).
6. Understands and can demonstrate knowledge of role in Fire and Disaster drills.
7. Demonstrates ability to identify and respond appropriately to potential behavioral outbursts.
8. Uses facility equipment safely.
9. Recognizes, removes, and/or reports potential hazards.

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.

Role Responsibilities-Resident Dignity:

1. Addresses residents in a respectful manner.
2. Discusses confidential resident information in appropriate areas only.
3. Documents residents’ goals as part of the therapy treatment plan.