Physical Therapist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Per Diem Physical Therapist – Home Health

Position Title: Physical Therapist (PT) – Per Diem Contractor
Department: Clinical Services
Reports To: Director of Clinical Services / Clinical Supervisor
Employment Status: Per Diem Independent Contractor
Service Setting: Patient Homes / Home Health
Schedule: As Needed

POSITION SUMMARY

The Per Diem Physical Therapist provides skilled physical therapy services to patients in their homes, with primary responsibility for completing initial physical therapy evaluations. The Physical Therapist assesses each patient's functional status, mobility, strength, balance, safety, rehabilitation potential, and therapy needs and develops an appropriate plan of care in accordance with physician/provider orders, applicable regulations, professional standards, and agency policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Physical Therapist will:

• Perform comprehensive initial physical therapy evaluations in the patient's home.
• Review the patient's medical history, diagnoses, medications, physician/provider orders, precautions, and relevant clinical information.
• Assess functional mobility, gait, transfers, balance, strength, range of motion, endurance, pain, coordination, and other factors affecting the patient's ability to function safely at home.
• Evaluate the patient's home environment for safety concerns, fall risks, accessibility issues, and need for assistive devices or durable medical equipment.
• Determine the patient's rehabilitation potential and need for skilled physical therapy services.
• Establish measurable, patient-centered short-term and long-term therapy goals.
• Develop an individualized physical therapy plan of care based on evaluation findings and patient needs.
• Recommend the appropriate frequency and duration of physical therapy services when indicated.
• Provide patient and caregiver education regarding safety, fall prevention, mobility, transfers, use of assistive devices, and home exercise recommendations as appropriate.
• Identify changes in condition or clinical concerns and communicate findings promptly to the appropriate agency clinical staff and physician/provider when required.
• Coordinate care and communicate effectively with nurses, therapists, physicians/providers, caregivers, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team.
• Make appropriate recommendations for additional therapy, equipment, referrals, or other services based on evaluation findings.
• Complete all evaluation documentation accurately, thoroughly, and within agency-required timeframes.
• Ensure documentation supports medical necessity and the need for skilled physical therapy services.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
• Follow infection-control procedures, patient-safety requirements, and agency policies during all home visits.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, unsafe conditions, incidents, and other reportable concerns according to agency policy and applicable law.
• Maintain professional conduct and appropriate boundaries with patients, families, caregivers, and agency personnel.
• Perform other physical therapy responsibilities within the scope of professional practice and the contractor agreement, as assigned.

DOCUMENTATION RESPONSIBILITIES

The Physical Therapist is responsible for timely and accurate completion of required clinical documentation, including:

• Initial PT evaluation
• Functional and mobility assessment
• Fall-risk and safety assessment
• Therapy goals
• Physical therapy plan of care
• Treatment recommendations
• Equipment and assistive-device recommendations
• Patient/caregiver education
• Communication and care-coordination notes
• Other documentation required by the agency, payer, or applicable regulations

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program.
• Current and unrestricted Physical Therapist license in the state where services are provided.
• Meets all applicable home health and payer qualification requirements.
• Current CPR/BLS certification when required by the agency.
• Current professional liability insurance appropriate for an independent contractor.
• Ability to perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations independently in a home setting.
• Knowledge of rehabilitation principles, functional assessment, fall prevention, assistive devices, and home safety.
• Strong clinical judgment, communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while effectively coordinating with the interdisciplinary care team.
• Home health experience preferred.

TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS

The Physical Therapist must have reliable transportation and be able to travel to patient homes within the agency's service area. A valid driver's license and automobile insurance must be maintained when driving is required for patient visits.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position may require the ability to:

• Stand, walk, bend, reach, and kneel during patient evaluations.
• Assist with or assess patient transfers, ambulation, and mobility.
• Demonstrate exercises and safe use of assistive devices.
• Carry necessary clinical supplies or equipment.
• Perform duties safely in a variety of residential environments.

CONTRACTOR / PER DIEM STATUS

This position is performed on a per diem, as-needed basis. Patient evaluation assignments are offered based on agency needs, patient location, and contractor availability. Compensation, scheduling, documentation requirements, and other terms are governed by the applicable independent contractor agreement.

The contractor is responsible for maintaining all licenses, certifications, insurance, and other credentials required to perform physical therapy services.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The Physical Therapist is expected to:

• Accept only assignments that can be completed safely and within required timeframes.
• Arrive for scheduled patient visits promptly.
• Complete evaluations and required documentation within agency-established deadlines.
• Communicate significant findings and changes in patient condition promptly.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and professional clinical records.
• Provide services consistent with professional standards and the patient's plan of care.
• Maintain patient privacy, dignity, safety, and confidentiality at all times.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand the duties and responsibilities of the Per Diem Physical Therapist – Home Health position. I understand that this job description provides a general description of responsibilities and does not necessarily include every duty that may be required.

Physical Therapist Name: __________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________________

Date: ______________________

Agency Representative: ___________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________________

Date: ______________________