Physical Therapist

Key Responsibilities
Provide skilled Physical Therapy services on an intermittent basis to patients in their homes in accordance with physician orders.

Additionally, the Home Health Physical Therapist will:

• Provide initial and on-going comprehensive assessments of the patient’s needs including Outcome and Assessment information Set (OASIS) assessments.
• Establish a treatment plan in consultation with the physician and revises it with the approval of the physician as necessary.
• Assist in development and implementation of the interdisciplinary patient care plan as it pertains to Physical Therapy.
• Assist the physician in evaluating patients by applying diagnostic and prognostic muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests.

• Treat patients to relieve pain, develop or restore functional and maintain maximum performance, using physical means, such as exercise, massage, heat, water, light and electricity.
• Consult and familiarize staff regarding the established plan.
• Teach, supervise, and counsel the family and patient in the physical therapy program.
• Instruct patient in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, canes, and prosthetic and orthotic devices.
• Provide the equipment required to carry out the plan.

• Arrange for out-patient service for procedures which cannot be given at home.
• Record on a timely basis all evaluation data, treatments, and patient’s response to therapy intervention. Also, records quality assurance data.
• Prepare an assessment of the patient’s condition and periodic evaluations and summaries.
• Record and report to the physician the patient’s reaction to treatment and/or any changes in the patient’s condition.

• Communicate with the physician at least every 30 days or whenever changes occur regarding the patient’s status and obtains additional orders, if necessary.
• Communicate with other team members (including Home Health Aides) and, when appropriate, instructs them in certain phases of physical therapy that they may use while working with the patient.
• Write clinical/progress notes on the date of the visit and incorporates same in the patient’s record within 14 days.
• Participate in case conferences, physical therapy staff meetings, agency activities and in-service programs as necessary.

• Participate with staff, patients, and physicians in discharge planning activities and completes a Physical Therapy Discharge Summary.
• Obtain a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition.
• Evaluate the patient, the patient’s significant other(s) and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required, what assistance will be available from the family in caring for the patient, and what other Agency and community services will be required.
• Assure that the physician’s orders are appropriate and discusses necessary changes.
• The ability to drive and the ability to access patients’ homes which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible are required.

• Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the patient’s condition and to perform patient care.
• On occasions, may be required to bend, stoop, reach and move patient weight up to 250 pounds, lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in English.
• Help optimize the capital structure and support strategic initiatives.
• Maintains the agency’s mission, philosophy, and core values.

• Ensures compliance with agency policies and procedures regarding operations/processes, including but not limited to those regarding patient care, patient complaints, incidents, safety and emergency management.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures regarding infection prevention, control, standard precautions, and infection identification reporting.
• The clinical record shall contain notes for each service provided. A clinical note will be completed for each visit made to a patient’s home (including private residence, assisted living facility, group homes or skilled nursing facility) within 48 hours of the visit.
• Always maintains patient confidentiality, including all HIPAA regulations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise Physical Therapy Assistants and Paraprofessional as per agency policy.
• Supervise the home health aide every two (2) weeks when physical therapy is the only professional discipline involved in the patient’s care and supervises the Physical Therapy Assistant at least monthly.

Professional Experience/Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of home health physical therapy experience.
• Licensed as a Physical Therapist in the state of employment
• DPT Preferred

Regulatory Requirements

• Licensed or registered in the State of employment
• Must pass a criminal background check & MVR check.
• Completed health statement acknowledging ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Valid state driver’s license and provide proof of current automobile insurance.

• Current CPR card; On-line CPR certification accepted; Hands-on CPR certification preferred.
• TB testing per agency policy; (1 or 2 step TB skin test within 12 months of hire & annual TB symptom screening thereafter).