Physical Therapist - Permanent

Physical Therapist – Client Rehabilitation Services

Shift: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Monday to Friday)

Position Summary

The Physical Therapist provides outpatient rehabilitation services primarily in an in-home setting for the older adult population. The in-home setting may include a patient's private residence or a patient's room in an independent living facility. Client Rehabilitation Services allows the Physical Therapist to evaluate and treat patients in the most functional environment — the patient's home.

The Physical Therapist:

• Assesses patient needs
• Develops and delivers physical therapy programs to facilitate rehabilitation
• Identifies the need for referrals to other disciplines to address comprehensive patient needs

The therapist implements individualized therapy programs designed to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance. Additionally, the Physical Therapist:

• Educates and trains patients and caregivers
• Promotes independence and productivity
• Works to diminish or correct pathology
• Directs activities to promote and maintain health

This position offers a flexible schedule and work environment across various settings.

Responsibilities / Accountabilities

1. Supervise Physical Therapy Assistants, temporary licensees, students, and support personnel according to state licensure requirements and professional standards.
2. Maintain adherence to department and patient treatment schedules, timely clinical documentation, billing documentation requirements, and work-related meetings.
3. Attend and contribute to patient care meetings, staffing conferences, and other related meetings.
4. Make referrals to other disciplines and agencies to address comprehensive patient needs.
5. Consult with members of the rehabilitation team to determine the most appropriate therapeutic regimen.
6. Adapt treatment programs and plans of care according to individual patient needs.
7. Promote a safe environment and eliminate fire and safety hazards.
8. Order supplies and equipment as necessary.
9. Clean, maintain, and report equipment that requires repair.
10. Ensure patients and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate environment that respects individual needs and rights.

Clinical Responsibilities

The Physical Therapist:

• Screens, examines, and evaluates patients
• Reviews patient history and systems
• Applies appropriate tests and measures
• Interprets examination findings
• Establishes diagnosis and identifies impairments
• Determines expected level of improvement and timeframe
• Identifies precautions and contraindications
• Develops treatment goals in collaboration with patients and caregivers
• Implements and documents the treatment plan

Therapy Services May Include

Therapeutic Exercise

• Aerobic conditioning
• Balance and coordination training
• Agility training
• Body mechanics and posture stabilization
• Flexibility exercises
• Gait and locomotion training
• Neuromotor development training
• Relaxation training
• Strength, power, and endurance training

Additional Interventions

• Functional training
• Manual therapy
• Airway clearance techniques
• Integumentary repair and protection
• Electrotherapeutic and mechanical modalities
• Health and wellness programs
• Chronic disease management education
• Fall risk assessment and prevention
• Home and community case management

Additional Duties

1. Design, fabricate, fit, and apply adaptive devices, including orthotics and prosthetics.
2. Train patients in the use of adaptive devices.
3. Select activities suited to the individual's physical ability, mental capacity, and interests.
4. Instruct patients in skills required for safe mobility and participation in functional activities.
5. Monitor patient progress, attitudes, and behaviors related to rehabilitation potential.
6. Perform routine re-examinations to modify or progress treatment plans.
7. Incorporate health and wellness programming into patient treatment plans.
8. Perform home and community mobility assessments and provide safety recommendations.
9. Perform other related duties as required.

Educational / Vocational Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following:

1. Valid Physical Therapy license in the state of practice (or proof of license eligibility)
2. Master's degree in Physical Therapy

OR

1. Master's degree in a Physical Therapy-related field plus a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy

OR

1. Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy with five years of progressively responsible PT experience

Additional Requirements:

• Foreign PT degrees must be evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. Physical Therapy degree
• Must possess a valid driver's license or reliable transportation to travel to patient residences

Job Skills

• Strong organizational skills
• Effective time management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Compliance Requirements

Employees must:

1. Follow all legal requirements, policies, and procedures, including Compliance and Ethics Program, Code of Conduct, Federal False Claims Act, HIPAA regulations.
2. Participate in required orientation and training programs.
3. Report any suspected non-compliance to supervisors or through the appropriate compliance channels.
4. Cooperate with monitoring, audits, and investigations.
5. Participate in quality assurance and process improvement initiatives when requested.

Essential Job Functions

Physical Demands

Activities Required

• Reaching (overhead)
• Handling
• Fingering
• Feeling
• Talking / Hearing
• Seeing
• Fine manipulation

Posture Requirements

• Standing: 67–100%
• Walking: 67–100%
• Sitting: 34–66%

Weight Handling

• Pulling: 50 lbs
• Lifting: 50 lbs
• Carrying: 50 lbs
• Pushing: 50 lbs

Movements

• Climbing stairs
• Balancing
• Stooping
• Kneeling
• Crouching
• Crawling
• Twisting

Work Environment

Work Location

• Inside: 90%
• Outside: 10%

Environmental Conditions May Include

• Noise or vibration
• Mechanical hazards
• Electrical hazards
• Dust, fumes, or odors
• Moving machinery
• Driving vehicles
• Uneven ground

Protective Equipment (occasionally required)

• Gowns
• Gloves
• Masks

Work Situations

• Measurable performance standards
• Frequent interaction with people
• Repetitive tasks
• Working under stress
• Problem solving
• Following instructions
• Decision making and evaluation