Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

POSITION SUMMARY: The Physical Therapist contracted or employed through the agency is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for occupational therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in agency policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Assumes responsibility for the ongoing interdisciplinary assessment and development of the individualized plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s).
• Provides services that are ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care.
• Provides patient, caregiver, and family counseling.
• Communicates with the physician who is responsible for the home health plan of care and other health care practitioners (as appropriate) related to the current home health plan of care.
• Provides physical therapy services to patients according to a written physician's plan of care. This may include, but will not be limited to:
  • Assessing and evaluating therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status, and participation in the development of the total plan of care. Evaluates home environment.
  • Assesses for muscle strength, mobility, gait, ROM-potential for rehab.
  • Directing physical therapy treatment.
  • Instructing patients and families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances.
  • Determining priority needs for physical therapy
  • Reporting to physician patient's reaction to treatment or changes in condition.
  • Initiates physical therapy program and instructs other personnel and/or family/caregiver members 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.
• Maintains appropriate clinical records, clinical notes, and reports to the physician any changes in the patient's condition. Submits these records in accordance with agency policy.
• Participates and contributes to the agency's quality assessment and performance improvement program and in-service trainings, case conferences, and other meetings as required by agency policy to ensure coordinated and comprehensive plans of care for the patients of the agency.
• Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refers as appropriate.
• Instructs patient's family/caregiver and other agency health care personnel in patient's treatment regime when indicated and appropriate.
• Supervises Certified Physical Therapy Assistants according to agency policy and state regulations.
• When therapy is the only skilled service, instructs, supervises and evaluates home health aide care every two (2) weeks.

• Consistently maintain productivity standards as established by the agency.
  • Serve as a role model of our core values and mission, and unwavering adherence to agency policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and all other established policies, procedures and standards of care.
  • Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by the employee of this job. The employee may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION:

• Current, unencumbered, active license to practice as a Physical Therapist in the state where services are rendered; must maintain applicable state licensure requirements at hire, and for the entire duration of employment.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience required; preferably with one (1) year in a home health treatment setting
• Current and nationally accredited CPR certification.
• Knowledge of computer and electronic medical records systems (EMR).
• Enthusiasm, passion for working with people, and an internal drive to improve the lives of individuals in our care.
• Utilize de-escalation skills as needed, to maintain personal safety while also ensuring safety for the patients, and other individuals in the home.
• Utilize therapeutic communication skills and maintain professional boundaries with patients and their families.
• Must understand and adhere to the ethical standards of the respective licensure governing board.
• Must have a valid driver's license, current automobile insurance, and a safe driving record.
• Must consistently demonstrate autonomy, organization, efficient time management, confidence, flexibility and cooperation in performing job responsibilities.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Excellent critical thinking skills and organizational abilities.
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively interface with all staff
• Comfortable analyzing information and dealing with complexity
• Quickly and effectively identify and resolve problematic situations
• Able to handle confidential material in a reliable manner
• Ability to perform several tasks concurrently with ease and professionalism
• Ability to effectively prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position is in a home health treatment setting; the job is performed in the patient's home, or an office environment.
• Requires heavy use of electronic equipment for documentation purposes.
• Must have the reasonable ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, grasp, feel, reach, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk, see, hear, and drive. Must be reasonably capable of lifting up to fifty (50) pounds frequently.
• Must be able to safely operate a vehicle; frequent travel within the service area may be required.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have read this job description and fully understand the requirements and notices set forth therein. I hereby accept the position and agree to perform the identified essential functions in a safe manner and in accordance with the Company's established policies and procedures. I agree to request guidance from my supervisor if I am unsure of how to interpret any policy.

I further understand that my employment is at-will and thereby understand that my employment may be terminated at-will either by the Company or myself, and that such termination can be made with or without notice.

This position consistently supports and promotes compliance with the Code of Conduct by maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of information, protecting the assets of the agency, acting with ethics and integrity, reporting non-compliance, and adhering to applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, accreditation and licensure requirements (if applicable), and all policies and procedures.

The employer for this position is stated in the job posting. The Pennant Group, Inc. is a holding company of independent operating subsidiaries that provide healthcare services through home health and hospice agencies and senior living communities located throughout the US. Each of these businesses is operated by a separate, independent operating subsidiary that has its own management, employees and assets. More information about The Pennant Group, Inc. is available at