Physical Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Visiting Nurse Service of Ithaca and Tompkins CountyJob DescriptionPhysical TherapistPosition Title: Physical TherapistPosition DescriptionUnder the general guidance of the Director of Rehabilitation Services, provides physical therapy services to patients of the agency, under the direction and written orders of a physician. The physical therapist (PT) works within the scope of practice as defined by the NYS Education Department for physical therapists. The PT practices his/her duties in a manner that is compliant with federal, state, local codes, rules and regulations, and law.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesEvaluates the degree of function and disability of patients unless contraindicated by his/her professional judgment or a doctor's written order.Develops a treatment plan based on patient evaluation and physician orders, designed to maximize independent, functional mobility.Performs physical therapy procedures upon the written order or referral of a licensed physician.Records on patients charts all physical therapy evaluations, re-evaluations, progress notes, consultation and discharge summaries within the time frames established by policy and procedure. Completes documentation by the end of the day on which the visit was made.Performs the Comprehensive Assessment (OASIS) at the appropriate time points, and performs aide orientations and biweekly supervisions.Assesses the need for adjunct services, if not already involved, to achieve desired patient outcomes, e.g. SLP, OT, MSW, aide, skilled nursing.Educates the patient and family in the therapy process and treatment. Participates with other personnel in the formulation of the patient's total plan of care, and confers with the clinical team.Consults with the physician on a regular basis regarding the therapy plan of care and patient progress.Develops or assists in the development of physical therapy policies and procedures.Assists in the instruction of agency staff as needed.Performs other appropriate duties as needed.Other Responsibilities:Timely and accurate documentation as evidenced by clinical record audits and the appropriate submission of required documentation.Follows infection and exposure control protocols.Meets with direct supervisor during scheduled times and attends required agency and departmental staff meetings.Responsible for keeping current in therapy practice and knowledge. Participates in in-service training programs.Actively participates in VNS's quality assurance and quality improvement programs Complies with agency policies and procedures.Follows the Code of Conduct. Undertakes special activities as assigned and other duties as appropriate.Qualifications:Graduate of an accredited program in physical therapy.Licensed and currently registered by New York State Education Department as a Physical Therapist.At least two years of supervised clinical experience.Understands the principles, techniques, and practices of physical therapy.Understands the operation and maintenance of apparatus and equipment used in physical therapy.Understands the pathological conditions and socioeconomic factors affecting a patient's disabilities. Competent clinical skills as evidenced by the successful completion of a skills checklist appropriate to the area of work, upon hire and every three years therafter.Possess a current NYS driver's license and reliable transportation to/from work assignmentsMust have some familiarity with medical data base systems. Must provide immunization record and physician's statement of health at hire and upon return to work from illness-related absence of more than 3 days. High degree of confidentiality required. Physical Requirements:Physical demands may include but are not limited to lifting, bending, standing and transferring patients (with equipment when necessary).Mental demands may include but are not limited to emotions of grief upon learning of a decline in the medical condition or the passing of a patient. Requires use of computer for a minimum of 25% of the work hours. Home Care field work involves increased risk while driving during inclement weather to and from patients home and other work assignments.Some irregular hours may occur and adjustments made to work assignment for the welfare of the patient.Increased exposure to infectious diseases; must follow established protocols.Trainings Required:Exposure ControlHIPPAEmergency PreparednessWorkplace SafetyCPR Body MechanicsAids ConfidentialityInfection ControlHome SafetySupervision Given: Home Health AidesSupervision Received: Director of Rehabilitation ServicesI certify that the information contained in this application is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification or omission of information may disqualify me from further consideration for employment or, if hired, may result in termination. In consideration for my employment, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the company, which rules may be changed, withdrawn, added, or interpreted at any time, at the company's sole option and without prior notice to me.I understand that any hiring decision is contingent upon my successful completion of all of the Company's lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks, which may include a background check, drug screen, employment references, and licensing review. If I am made a conditional offer of employment, I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks. Such checks will not be conducted until allowed under applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand if I have a criminal background, it will not automatically disqualify me from employment unless otherwise required by law. I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment checks.I also understand that the Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and has a drug and alcohol testing program consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand that after a conditional offer of employment, I must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.