Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist will primarily provide outpatient rehabilitation services in an in-home setting for the older adult population. The in-home setting could be a patient's private residence or in a patient's room in an independent living facility. Allows the Physical Therapist to evaluate and treat in the most functional environment which is the patient's home. The Physical Therapist assesses the need for, develops, and delivers physical therapy programs to facilitate rehabilitation. The Physical Therapist identifies the need for and makes referral(s) to other disciplines to address the comprehensive needs of patients. They implement individualized therapy programs designed to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance. In addition, the Physical Therapist instructs, educates and trains patients and caregivers in those skills and functions essential for promoting independence and productivity, in order to diminish or correct pathology. They direct activities to promote and maintain health. This position provides a flexible schedule and work environment in various settings.

As necessary or applicable, supervision of Physical Therapy Assistants, temporary licensees, students and support personnel in accordance with state licensure requirements and professional standards.

Responsible for adherence to department and patient treatment schedule, timely clinical and billing documentation requirements as well as work related meetings.

Attends and contributes to patient care, staffing conferences and other related meetings.

Makes referrals to other disciplines and agencies in order to address the comprehensive needs of the patient.

Consults with other members of the rehabilitation team to select the most appropriate therapy regimen consistent with the needs and capabilities of each patient.

Adapts program and/or plan of care according to the needs of the individual patient.

Promotes a safe environment and enforces the elimination of fire and safety hazards.

Orders supplies and equipment as necessary

Cleans, maintains, identifies, and reports the need for repair of equipment as necessary.

Puts patient service first: ensures that patients and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals' needs and rights.

Screens, examines and evaluates patients, including history, systems review, and application of appropriate tests and measures, synthesis information and interprets examination findings in order to establish a diagnosis, identify impairments, determine the predicted level of improvement and the time required to achieve it, identify precautions/contraindications and design and plan of care. Develops appropriate treatment goals and methods in collaboration with the patient and caregivers, implements the physical therapy treatment plan, and completes all related documentation and record keeping regarding these services. Services include but are not limited to application of therapeutic techniques in areas such as:

• Therapeutic exercise including aerobic capacity condoning, balance coordination, agility training, body mechanics and postural stabilization, flexibility exercises, gait and locomotion training, neuromotor development training, relaxation, strength, power, and endurance training
• Functional training
• Manual therapy
• Airway clearance techniques
• Integumentary repair and protection
• Use of electrotherapeutic, physical agent and mechanical modalities
• Health and Wellness
• Education on Chronic Disease Management
• Falls Assessment and Interventions to reduce fall risk
• Case Management in the home and community

Designs, fabricates, fits and/or applies adaptive devices, and trains patients in the use of adaptive devices included orthotics and prosthetics.

Selects appropriate activities suited to the individual's physical and mental capacity, intelligence level and interest.

Instructs patient in the skills and techniques required for participation in mobility activities and evaluates patient progress, attitudes, and behavior as related to rehabilitative potential.

Performs routine reexamination as needed/required to modify/progress plan of treatment.

Incorporates health and wellness programming into treatment plans for patients.

Performs home and community mobility assessments and provides recommendations for safe mobility in the home and community space.

Performs other related dues as required.

Specific educational/vocational requirements:

1. Must have a valid Physical Therapy license in the state(s) of practice, or proof of license eligibility; and

2. They must have a Master's degree in Physical Therapy; or

3. They must have a Master's degree in a Physical Therapy related field in addition to a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy; or

4. They must have a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy plus 5 years of progressively responsible PT experience.

5. The qualifying Physical Therapy degree earned outside of the U.S. must be evaluated to be the U.S. equivalent to a degree in Physical Therapy.

6. Must have a valid driver's license or reliable, independent transportation to and from the patients' residence.

Job skills:

1. Good organizational and time management skills.

2. Good verbal and written communication skills.