Physical Therapist

Job Category: Physical Therapist, Therapist Industry: Home Health, Therapy Employee Type: Full Time Minimum Qualifications Registered as a Physical Therapist with the Board of Registration in the state of practice. Graduated from an accredited school of physical therapy approved by the American Physical Therapy Association. Licensed by the State, if applicable. Community/home health experience is preferred. Has two years of appropriate experience as a Physical Therapist. Good oral and written communication skills; good organizational skills. Knowledge of appropriate skills for communicating with individual ages of those served. Ability to supervise and direct professional personnel. Ability to deal tactfully with the community. Summary of Job Responsibilities The qualified therapist assists the physician in evaluating level of function, helps develop the plan of care (revising it as necessary), prepares clinical and progress notes, advises and consults with the family/caregiver and other agency personnel; and participates in in-service programs (COP §484.32). The physical therapist plans, organizes, and coordinates Physical Therapy services to Agency patients/clients. Functions as a member of the health care team with expertise in Physical Therapy. Responsibilities and Duties Provides skilled physical therapy services to patients/clients according to a written physician's plan of care. Accepts only clients referred by the Branch Supervisor or designee. Assists the physician in assessing the client's level of functioning by applying appropriate tests and in the development and revision of the plan of care. Evaluates home environment. Assesses for muscle strength, mobility, gait, ROM—potential for rehab. Directs physical therapy treatment. Instructs patients/clients and/or families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances. Determines priority needs for physical therapy. Takes vital signs of blood pressure, pulse ox rates, respirations, and pulse for patients/clients as assigned. Reports to appropriate Case Manager the patient's/client'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/client, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the physical therapy program for the patient/client by participating in care coordination activities. Treats patients/clients to relieve pain, develop and restore function and maintain maximum performance using appropriate physical therapy treatments, modalities and procedures as stated in the physical therapy plan of care. Instructs and advises clients, family and other health team personnel including, when appropriate, home health aides in certain phases of physical therapy in which they may assist the client; also instructs all the above in the use of prosthetic and orthotic devices and durable medical equipment, if appropriate. Observes, records and reports to the physician and/or Branch Supervisor/RN Case Manager the client's reaction to treatment and any change in the client's condition. Documentation reflects communication. May supervise homemaker/home health aides at least every 14 days, may teach aide in duties of client care as needed, may assess client's need for unskilled care and may revise plan of care as appropriate. Communicates Plan of Care changes to client and Branch Supervisor/RN Case Manager as often as necessary. Teaches PTA in duties, procedures directly related to the physical therapy plan of care as needed, assesses patient’s/client’s need for unskilled care and revises plan of care as appropriate. Communicates Plan of Care changes to patient/client and branch supervisor/RN case manager as often as necessary. Communicates changes in Plan of Care to PTA as appropriate. Identifies patient/client and/or family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refers to RN Case Manager as necessary. Prepares and submits a clinical progress summary based on the attainment of goals directed by Agency policy. Develops, prepares and maintains individualized client care progress records with accuracy, timeliness and according to policies. Submits accurate documentation. Provides physical therapy consultation to home families/caregivers when indicated. Cooperates, consults with appropriate staff, and provides in-service education programs for agency personnel when requested. Coordinates the total plan of care and maintains continuity of client care by liaison with other health professionals. Participates in Patient/Client Care Conferences. Initiates Patient/Client Care Conferences for complex and/or multidisciplinary clients whenever needed or helpful to ensure good coordination of care. Plans for patient/client discharge from services. Responsible for following all policies and procedures of the Agency, regarding service delivery, documentation, and care coordination. Responsible for keeping current in therapy trends and knowledge. Participates in In-service programs. Participates in Quality Improvement program of the agency. Can verbalize own responsibilities and activities. In ACHC Accredited offices, supervises PTA at least every 30 days. The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those stated in this description. Working Conditions Community and home environment Exposure to infectious diseases In and out of automobile. This position has been designated Class I Field clinical staff (see Infection/Exposure Control Plan). Employees performing Class I Field clinical staff duties may be involved in potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials. All Class I Field clinical staff employees will be offered Hepatitis B vaccination at no expense to the employee. Physical Requirements Visual/hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication. Ability to perform tasks involving physical activity, which may include heavy lifting/moving and extensive bending and standing. Ability to deal effectively with stress. Continuing Education Requirements Must meet the required continuing education hours for state licensure as applicable. Agency personnel are expected to participate in appropriate continuing education as may be requested and/or required by their immediate supervisor. In addition, agency personnel are expected to accept personal responsibility for other educational activities to enhance job related skills and abilities. All agency personnel must attend mandatory educational programs. Our agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. #J-18808-Ljbffr