Physical Therapist - Home Health

Job Summary

The job description and criteria based job performance evaluation emphasizes the criteria expected in the performance of the Physical Therapist. The Home Health Physical Therapist is responsible for providing a full range of physical therapy services including; assessment, treatment planning and therapeutic interventions in an interdisciplinary environment consistent with the position’s qualifications, professional practices and ethical standards. The incumbent shall also demonstrate accountability for and contribution to program development, quality improvement, and problem solving and productivity enhancement in a flexible interdisciplinary fashion.

Supervises the Following Positions

Positions: Physical Therapy Assistant and Home Health Aids

Physical Requirements

• The ability to perform the duties and responsibility of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
• The ability to consistently lift, push or pull loads of up to fifty (50) pounds. (Unless nursing 50)
• Sufficient strength, mobility and stamina to make frequent location and position changes, assist with patient care, and perform other physical activities of average difficulty.
• Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the requirements will still be considered fully qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodations.
• May be exposed to infectious or contagious disease.
• May have to handle emergency situations.
• May be subject to irregular hours.
• May be required to wear protective equipment such as eye protection, face protection, masks, sterile/nonsterile gloves, isolation gowns.
• May be exposed to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents.
• Physical activities include continuous sitting, and occasional walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling and twisting.
• Activity Conditions (Occasionally, Frequently, Continuously):
  • Sitting- Occasionally
  • Walking- Continuously
  • Standing- Continuously
  • Bending-Frequently
  • Squatting- Frequently
  • Climbing-Occasionally
  • Kneeling-Occasionally
  • Twisting-Occasionally

Visual and Hearing Requirements

• Must be able to see with corrective eye wear.
• Must be able to hear clearly with assistance

Working Conditions

Primarily Works in a well-lighted and air-conditioned environment with period of heavy workload and stress. This role may include working in less-than-ideal home conditions, which can include exposure to extreme temperatures and environments that may not meet typical cleanliness standards such as clutter, unkept surfaces, and homes with pets. Works in various conditions.

Performance: Essential Functions

Decision Making: Ability to make decisions and takes appropriate action based on the information they have. Recognizes own limitations and consults with the supervisor, manager, or team member when appropriate.

Time Management: Works efficiently and manages duties to ensure that tasks are completed with accuracy and within the scheduled shift or reasonable amount of time.

Quality & Quantity: Demonstrates accurate, knowledge and skill to carry out job duties. Follows departmental work policies and procedures. Speed and consistency of output and time utilization of job duties.

Computer Knowledge & Electronic Equipment Use: Demonstrates ability to consistently utilize electronic equipment and online computer programs to perform job duties, including electronic documentation, and order entry.

Resource Utilization: Consistently utilizes and maintains supplies and equipment to minimize lost charges and unnecessary equipment repair-replacement.

Confidentiality: Adheres to established policies on privacy and security requirements for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as applicable by Shannon Policy.

Performance: Position Specific Essential Functions

• Performs treatments as prescribed by the physician to patients ranging in age from infants to geriatric, provides therapy to include muscle strengthening and stretching, application of heat and cold massage, perceptual-sensory stimulation, use of developmental patterns, gait training, ADL training, use of adaptive and other equipment and management of orthotic and prosthetic devises.
• Makes initial and periodic evaluation of patient's physical therapy and rehabilitation needs.
• Formulates appropriate treatment plans including short and long term goals for rehabilitation, evaluating progress or lack of progress in achieving these goals.
• Prepares written documentation as required by profession and the department.
• Instructs patients and caregivers in activities to be carried out between treatments, using clearly written, concise instructions to reinforce verbal instructions when appropriate.
• Communicates regularly with nurses who are responsible for and coordinate care. Communicates in writing and or verbally with referring physicians to obtain and give pertinent information on patient’s progress and plan of care.
• Maintains department policies, procedures, objectives and quality improvement programs, safety environmental and infection control; assists with maintenance of departmental supplies and equipment; participates in departmental program development.
• Completes physician’s plan of treatment and progress notes and other paper work necessary for reimbursement by fiscal intermediaries in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Required
  • High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
  • Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT)
    • After 2015, a Doctorate of Physical Therapy is required

Experience: N/A

Certification/Licensure:

• Required
  • Licensed Physical Therapist
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
    • Must be obtained within ninety (90) days of hire
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Auto Liability Insurance
  • Reliable Transportation