Physical Therapist - PT

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Physical Therapist (PT) Home Health & HospiceJob Title

Physical Therapist (PT) Licensed
Home Health and Hospice Services

Position Summary

The Physical Therapist (PT) is responsible for evaluating, planning, and implementing physical therapy services for patients receiving home health and hospice care. The PT works collaboratively with physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other interdisciplinary team members to help patients achieve optimal functional independence, mobility, comfort, safety, and quality of life. The PT provides skilled physical therapy services in accordance with physician orders, agency policies, state regulations, and Medicare Conditions of Participation.

Essential Job Duties and ResponsibilitiesHome Health Services

• Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations and assessments of patients in their homes.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on patient needs, physician orders, and clinical findings.
• Establish measurable goals to improve mobility, strength, balance, endurance, functional independence, and safety.
• Provide skilled therapeutic exercises, gait training, transfer training, balance activities, and neuromuscular re-education.
• Assess and recommend durable medical equipment (DME), assistive devices, and adaptive equipment.
• Educate patients, caregivers, and family members regarding disease processes, fall prevention, home exercise programs, and safety techniques.
• Evaluate home environments and recommend modifications to improve patient safety.
• Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans as appropriate.
• Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and care planning meetings.
• Coordinate care with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Supervise Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) as permitted by state regulations and agency policy.

Hospice Services

• Evaluate hospice patients for physical therapy needs related to mobility, comfort, pain management, and safety.
• Develop treatment plans focused on maximizing comfort, maintaining functional abilities, and enhancing quality of life.
• Provide interventions that assist patients in maintaining mobility and independence for as long as possible.
• Educate caregivers on safe patient handling, transfers, positioning, mobility assistance, and fall prevention.
• Recommend equipment and adaptive devices to improve patient comfort and safety.
• Assist in pain management strategies through therapeutic positioning and physical therapy interventions.
• Collaborate with the hospice interdisciplinary team to support patient-centered end-of-life care.
• Provide emotional support and education to patients and families regarding physical function changes associated with disease progression.
• Participate in hospice team meetings and care coordination activities.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Conduct patient assessments and reassessments according to agency policy.
• Establish and update individualized care plans.
• Document all patient visits, evaluations, reassessments, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Identify patient rehabilitation potential and functional limitations.
• Monitor patient response to therapy interventions.
• Communicate significant clinical findings to physicians and interdisciplinary team members.
• Ensure compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, state, and accreditation standards.
• Follow infection control, patient safety, and emergency preparedness protocols.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

Education Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• Degree in Physical Therapy (DPT preferred; Master's or Bachelor's degree acceptable if licensed according to state requirements).

Licensure and Certification Requirements

• Current, unrestricted Physical Therapist (PT) license in the state of employment.
• Current CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.
• Current automobile insurance as required by state law.
• Reliable transportation for patient visits.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

• Minimum one (1) year of clinical experience as a Physical Therapist preferred.
• Knowledge of home health and hospice regulations and standards.
• Ability to perform comprehensive patient assessments.
• Strong clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a flexible schedule.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
• Ability to travel to patient homes within assigned service areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in Home Health, Hospice, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing Facility, or Acute Care settings.
• Experience with OASIS documentation.
• Knowledge of Medicare Conditions of Participation.
• Bilingual skills preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and lift during patient care activities.
• Ability to transfer and assist patients safely.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to travel frequently between patient homes.
• Visual and hearing acuity sufficient to perform patient assessments and provide treatment.

Working Conditions

• Patient homes, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, nursing homes, and hospice residences.
• Frequent local travel required.
• Exposure to varying home environments and conditions.
• May require occasional evening, weekend, or holiday visits based on patient needs.

Reports To Director of Nursing (DON), Clinical Manager, Rehabilitation Director, or Administrator

FLSA Status Exempt

Equal Opportunity StatementThe Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.