PER VISIT PHYSICAL THERAPIST - COVENANT AT HOME

Physical Therapist

The role of the Physical Therapist is to provide therapy services to homebound patients who have difficulty with functional activities related to mobility. Therapy will be designed and adapted for the physically and/or mentally challenged patient to promote restoration of useful function. This individual is responsible for providing physician ordered therapy and participates in the development of the physical therapy program. He/she also teaches other health care professionals, the patient/caregiver and others how to carry out the prescribed therapy activities.

The Physical Therapist demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates patients by applying diagnostic/prognostic muscle, nerve, joint and functional abilities assessments. Discusses discharge goals during treatment and provides appropriate home program of exercises/activities prior to discharge.
• Treats patients to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain performance using physical means such as exercises, muscle re-education, gait, transfer training and prosthetic training.
• Instructs patients in care and use of equipment, such as wheelchairs, braces, crutches, canes and prosthetic/orthotic devices.
• When appropriate, instructs other team members, including PTAs, family members and/or caregivers appropriate treatment procedures and supportive activities.
• Delegates appropriate treatment functions to the PTA consistent with safe and legal physical therapy practice and predicated on the complexity and acuity of the patient's needs. Makes supervisory visits at least once a month or upon the PTA's request for a re-evaluation when a change in the treatment plan of care is needed prior to any planned discharge and in response to a change in the patient's medical status. (Refer to the PT/PTA Supervisory Policy.)
• Observes, records, and reports to the physician the patient's reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient's condition.
• Maintains interdisciplinary communication with other disciplines via written and verbal means.
• Completes team meeting reports including activities, patient's response to treatment and progress toward goals.
• Participates in inservice education, chart/peer review for quarterly audit and utilization review as requested.
• Maintains confidentiality with all information in the appropriate manner.
• Contributes to organization success targets for patient satisfaction and net operating margin by providing excellent customer service performance.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Graduate of an accredited school of physical therapy
• Possession of a current license to practice physical therapy in Michigan
• Valid Michigan driver's license
• At least one year of experience as a Physical Therapist
• Previous homecare experience preferred
• BLS certified or eligible

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Homecare knowledge preferred
• Ability to type 25 WPM
• Comfortable with basic computer programs and e-mail
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Good organizational skills
• Self-motivated

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to maintain punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards
• Constant lifting 0-10 lbs.
• Constant standing, walking, hearing, near vision, midrange vision, far vision, visual accommodation, color vision and field of vision
• Frequent lifting 11-25 lbs.
• Frequent sitting, lifting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting, reaching, handling, feeling, talking and depth perception
• Occasional 26-50 lbs.
• Occasional carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, twisting and tasting/smelling