Physical Therapist

Title: Physical Therapist

Department: Home Care & Hospice

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Director of Patient Care Services


Summary: Responsible for providing physical therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the department Policy and Procedures.

Essential Functions:
• Has good knowledge of Agency Policies and Procedures, State and Federal Regulations related to Home Health/Hospice services, Clinical Procedures/Protocols, PT Job Description and assigned responsibilities, and acts upon all listed above requirements.
• Assumes responsibility for care of all assigned patients as Physical Therapist and coordinates patient care services with other disciplines of Healthcare team, including RN, OT, ST and MSW, as well as patient's PCP, DPCS and QA RN.
• Assesses and evaluates therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status of the patient. Assesses patient's muscle strength, mobility, gait, ROM, transfer capabilities and rehab potential.
• Evaluates home environment for safety and educates patient/family/caregivers on Fall precautions/Safety measures.
• Documents assessment findings in Evaluation Visit Form, and submits it in DeVero within 24 hours from the date of evaluation. Makes sure that all fields of evaluation are completed thoroughly and accurately according to the assessed/factual data.
• Develops initial Plan of Care in 24 hours from the date of Evaluation and discusses it with DPCS, PCP, RNCM after Evaluation visit. Office faxes Plan of Care to PCP for signature.
• Establishes HEP and provides PT treatment according to developed POC.
• Initiates physical therapy program and instructs other personnel and/or family/caregivers in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with a patient, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the physical therapy program for the patient by participating in case conferences.
• Determines priority needs for physical therapy and provides physical therapy treatment to patients according to a written individualized plan of care.
• Reports to the physician patient's reaction to treatment and documents it in clinical records.
• Refers patient to other disciplines' Evaluation (RN, OT, MSW, ST) and CHHA services as needed, requesting these referrals with MD order.
• Plans Frequencies of visits, with consideration of complexity of patient's condition and patient's treatments/education/services needed.
• Assesses patient's needs for DMEs that are required, to increase patient functional status and independence. Requests necessary DMEs with MD order. Instructs patient and family/caregivers on the safe use and care of DMEs and therapeutic appliances.
• Determines priority needs for physical therapy and directs physical therapy treatment.
• Reports patient's change in condition and requests MD order immediately, followed by documenting/faxing MD order and reporting Change in patient's condition to DPCS in 24 hours from occurrence.
• Reports to DPCS/MD ALL Falls (with or without injuries, with or without witnesses), ALL Infections and ALL ER Visits/Hospitalizations no later than 24 hours of occurrence/finding. Submits applicable written reports to DPCS in 24-hour time frame.
• Conforms and Acts upon all required by the Agency Paperwork/Reports Time Frames for submission of important Clinical Documentation, that are outlined in the Regulatory Document and signed by clinical staff.
• Completes patient-related documentation; such as routine visit Notes, Coordination/Communication Notes, etc. within 24hours of the shift worked.
• May train and educate patient in the use of prosthetic device.
• Participates in patient discharge planning.
• Prepares and submits a 30-days clinical Progress Note and Discharge summary based on the attainment of goals directed by organization policy.
• Provides physical therapy consultations/teaching to families/caregivers, as appropriate.
• Provides in service education programs for nursing personnel as needed.
• Participates in Bi-weekly Mandatory Case Conference meetings and IDT meetings, where the Professional Clinical Team discusses different aspects of Patient Care.
• Participates in Mandatory In-Services/ Department Meetings that are conducted monthly at the Agency.
• Actively participates in the quality assessment performance improvement activities.
• Participates in orientation program for Home Health and Hospice team members.
• Provides supervision of physical therapy assistants and hospice aides, as appropriate.

Qualifications:
• Possesses a degree from a baccalaureate or Masters program in physical therapy approved by an accredited organization.
• Licensed to practice as physical therapist within the state.
• Two years of appropriate experience as a physical therapist. Home health/ hospice experience is preferred.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• Possesses and maintains current CPR certification.
• Must pass health screening for TB clearance, physical examination and background check.
• Must pass a strength test for physical fitness for the job: able to lift up to 40 lbs. from floor to waist level.
• Bilingual in English and Chinese is a plus.
• Must be able to travel via personal vehicle for performance of job duties. Must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.

Self-Help for the Elderly is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmation Action Employer and we welcome diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. We participate in E-Verify.

Qualified applicants with criminal history will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

We may provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io for special assistance.