Physical Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Responsibilities

The  Physical Therapist  provides clinical physical therapy evaluation and treatment plans for program participants 55 and older, on an acute restorative or maintenance level as needed. They are responsible for integrating physical therapy treatment plans into the Plan of Care (POC) as directed by the physician orders. All participant care provided is in accordance with applicable InnovAge policies and state regulations

• Screens and evaluates participants for rehabilitation needs of acute, restorative or maintenance levels and follows the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) code of ethics in daily practice.
• Collaborates with nursing home and assisted living staff regarding the rehabilitation needs of InnovAge participants Refers participants to Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech Therapy (ST) with team approval.
• Refers participants to medical clinic when condition warrants it and documents changes in the POC.
• Communicates with staff regarding participants’ needs in areas of positioning, mobility, and safety both verbally and in writing when necessary.
• Communicates with family members and caregiver(s) in an organized and understandable fashion and ensures that recommendations are feasible for participants and their caregiver(s) to follow.
• Provides physical therapy treatment including modality treatment, therapeutic exercise, and functional mobility training. Provides written instructions and illustrations to participants and caregiver(s) as needed.
• Ensures that participant’s and/or caregiver(s) understand the DME loan program and policies and that signatures are obtained on the loan agreement.
• Provides treatment to program participants by delegating therapy plans for specific participants to the Physical Therapist Assistant and Rehab Aide according to the complexity of the participants’ needs and the nature of procedures according to the Colorado Physical Therapy Practice Act or other applicable state specific regulations
• Instructs participants and caregiver(s) in the use and maintenance of DME and methods used to enhance the mobility, safety, and functional independence of participants.
• Makes home visits/educational sessions as needed and indicated in the POC, and documents activities including participant/caregiver response in participant’s chart.
• Discusses plan of care (POC) with multidisciplinary team to integrate services with overall POC for participant.
• Actively participates as a required member of the interdisciplinary team. 
• Participates in peer review and QM activities as requested.
• Documents all procedures performed in participant’s medical chart on a timely basis, utilizing policies and procedures set forth for InnovAge Programs.
• Provides guidance to staff and team members that is consistent with both state law and company policy.
• Orders/inventories, distributes, and maintains Durable Medical Equipment (DME) for participants.
• Orients and educates contract physical therapists on InnovAge PACE systems and goals.
• Identifies defective DME and takes appropriate action to repair or replace items promptly.
• Ensures that DME loans, returns, repairs and purchases are documented in the appropriate records per department policies and on a timely basis by staff.
• Makes purchases appropriate for participants and rehab operations within established department budget and goals.
• Solicits ideas from staff for ongoing improvement in the efficient functioning of the rehab department.
• Provides remedial training of non-rehab staff, such as CNA’s and Drivers, in relation to specific participant needs.
• Participates within the interdisciplinary team in the formulation of Plans of Care for InnovAge PACE program participants, as well as in other interdisciplinary team settings that plan, coordinate and monitor the care of InnovAge PACE program participants. 

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy 
• Completion of a physical therapy program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association and the American Physical Therapy Association or other equivalent organization approved by CMS
• Active Physical Therapist license issued by state in which practicing.
• A minimum of one year experience working with the frail or elderly

PREFERRED

• 2+ years as a practicing PT 
• Master’s Degree (MSPT) or Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Bilingual a plus