Physical Therapist Home Health

St. Luke’s is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke’s are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay for health care.

The Physical Therapist Home Health works collaboratively with other members of the interdisciplinary team to assure delivery of the high quality physical therapy services in accordance with physician’s orders and with the agency’s programs and policies. Services are provided in the patient’s place of residence.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs initial evaluation to identify functional deficits, establishes Plan of Treatment in consultation with the physician including short and long-term goals.
• Treats patients to relieve pain, develop or restore functions, and maintain maximum performance using physical means, such as therapeutic exercises, massage, dry and moist heat.
• Directs and aids patients in active and passive exercises, muscle reeducation, gait, and functional training, activities of daily living including transfer activities and prosthetic training.
• Makes use of Physical Therapy modalities such as but not limited to, low voltage generators and ultrasonic machines, heat and cold.
• Arranges for the provision of outpatient therapy services for procedures unable to be completed in the home.
• Observes, records and reports patient’s response to treatment and any changes in patient’s condition to physician.
• Communicates with the Rehab Program Manager, Patient Care Manager, Clinical Coordinator and appropriate staff in order to plan total patient and family care. Confers with other disciplines as appropriate in planning rehabilitation for the patient.
• Records reflect the family oriented approach. Documentation is timely, accurate, legible and in compliance with agency policy and directives. Records made clear the goals and plans made with the patient and/or family.
• Evaluates and documents the effectiveness and outcomes of care on an ongoing basis and makes revisions as needed.
• Plans discharge as appropriate.
• Supervises Physical Therapy Assistants as required by regulation.
• Instructs other health team personnel when appropriate, in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with the patient includes patient and family members.
• Instructs patient in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, walkers, canes, and prosthetic and orthotic devices. Facilitates provision of equipment as needed.
• Provides orientation and supervision in Physical Therapy skills in home care to P.T. students from any accredited physical therapy program.
• Provides orientation to new orientees related to physical therapy scope of practice.
• Participates in patient-centered unit meetings.
• Uses own transportation to provide care at patient’s residence: Must have and maintain valid PA or NJ Driver’s License; Must have and maintain a good driving record accepted by the Network insurance carrier; Must have and maintain motor vehicle insurance with the minimum requirements established by PA or NJ; Must obey and adhere to all motor vehicle regulations and laws while operating vehicle; Must perform routine maintenance on vehicle.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to sit for up to ninety minutes at a time. Be able to tolerate standing for thirty to forty-five minutes consecutively. Must be able to use hands/fingers to manipulate dials on machines. Must have the ability to lift/move patients up to 300 lbs., push/pull patients weighing up to 300 lbs. Must have the ability to frequently stoop/bend, squat, crouch, kneel and reach above shoulder level. Must be capable of tactile sensation as it relates to feeling for muscle spasms, texture and skin temperature. Must have the ability to hear as it relates to normal conversation and ability to hear call bells. Must be capable of seeing as it relates to general vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision.

EDUCATION:

A graduate of a program approved by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association in collaboration with the American P.T. Association or its equivalent and by the State required.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

One or two years experience under a qualified registered Physical Therapy Supervisor preferred. CPR certification required.

St. Luke’s University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.