Hospice Massage Therapist

The Massage Therapist is a part of the interdisciplinary group and possesses the basic knowledge of hospice care and the benefits of massage therapy for hospice patients. The Massage Therapist is licensed and a graduate from a credentialed school of massage therapy. The Massage Therapist is responsible for contacting referred patients, scheduling visits, developing a plan of care and providing massage therapy while addressing the comfort needs of the patient and in accordance with the plan of care.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care

• 1. Monitors patient outcomes for massage therapy services.
• 2. Coordinates care for all care settings; i.e. skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and home settings.
• 3. Provides massage therapy for the agency population and clients upon referral and according to the patient’s individualized plan of care.
• 4. Works as part of the Interdisciplinary Group to determine therapeutic objectives and goals.
• 5. Provides input to appropriate staff regarding massage therapy.
• 6. Accurately documents administered massage therapy within the agency’s chosen electronic medical record, timely.
• 7. Follows established safety and infection control policies and procedures and participates in all required in-services and training.

Communication

• 1. Assists in building the massage therapy program, providing services to all patients in need.
• 2. Assists the marketing team in educating the community on the program and therapeutic benefits.
• 3. Communicates effectively with clients, including patients, families and communities, recognizing their age, cultural diversity, needs, abilities and physical conditions and limitations.
• 4. Attends and participates in hospice interdisciplinary group meetings.
• 5. Completes, maintains and submits accurate, relevant and timely visit notes, collaboration notes and any other applicable documentation in the medical record.
• 6. Educates patients, families, caregivers and/or communities as to therapeutic massage therapy purpose, in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team to meet the total needs of patients.
• 7. Provides and maintains a safe environment for the patient.
• 8. Establishes, builds and nurtures relationships with staff and community referral sources to facilitate program growth.

Additional Duties

• 1. Maintains knowledge of and compliance with current Medicare/Medicaid, state/federal rules and regulations for hospice services, as applicable.
• 2. Ensures compliance with the Medicare conditions of participation and other state regulations which govern the provision of healthcare, as applicable.
• 3. Complies with all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements in accordance with federal, state and organizational policies.
• 4. Assumes responsibility for personal growth. Develops, maintains and upgrades professional knowledge and practice skills through attendance at seminars, conferences and participation in continuing education and in-service classes, as applicable.
• 5. Fulfills the obligation of requested and/or accepted assignments.
• 6. Provides general guidance to volunteer massage therapists, as applicable.
• 7. Provides education and instruction to employees, volunteers and caregivers.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• 1. Graduate of a credentialed school of Massage Therapy.
• 2. Licensed in the state of Ohio as a Licensed Massage Therapist.
• 3. Minimum of one-year experience in massage therapy in a health care setting.
• 4. Completion of an Oncology Massage Therapy Certification Program is a plus, or ability to obtain.
• 5. Excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills and problem solving skills.
• 6. Demonstrated team building capability.
• 7. Ability to function autonomously with integrity, making independent decisions and with exceptional communication skills.
• 8. Ability to perform physical activities that require prolonged or considerable use of arms and legs and movement of the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling of materials.
• 9. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order.