Home Health Physical Therapist

Job Title/Position: Physical Therapist

Reports to: Clinical Director/Rehab Director

Position Summary: The physical therapist contracted or employed through the Organization is responsible for providing physical therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the Personnel Services Agreement

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Care:

Provides physical therapy services to patients according to a written physician’s plan of care. They may include, but will not be limited to:

1. Assessing and evaluating therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status, and participation in the
2. development of the total plan of care.
3. Assesses for muscle strength, mobility, gait, ROM-potential for rehab.
4. Directing physical therapy treatment.
5. Instructing patients and families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances.
6. Determining priority needs for physical therapy.
7. Reporting to physician (or other authorized licensed independent practitioner) patient’s reaction to treatment or changes in condition.
8. 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 conference.
9. May train patient in the use of prosthetic device.
10. Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refers as necessary.
11. Prepares and submits clinical and progress summaries based on the attainment of goals.
12. Participates in discharge planning of patient.
13. Prepares and submits a clinical progress summary based on the attainment of goals as directed by Organization policy.
14. Provides physical therapy consultation to home families/caregivers when indicated.

Communication:

1. Provides inservice education programs for nursing organization personnel as needed.
2. Participates in peer consultation process.

Additional Duties:

1. Supervises Physical Therapy Assistants according to organization policy and state regulations.
2. Instructs, supervises and evaluates home health aide care provided every two (2) weeks when therapy is the only skilled service

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1. Possesses a degree from a baccalaureate or masters program in physical therapy approved by an accredited organization.

2. Licensed to practice as physical therapist within the State, if applicable.

3. Two years of appropriate experience as a physical therapist. Community/home health experienced preferred.

SKILLS REQUIRED

1. Demonstrates good verbal and written communication and organization skills.

2. Possesses and maintains current CPR certification.

3. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is

in good working order.

4. Pull, push and or lift 15-20 pounds on a daily basis. Pull / push 125-200 pounds on a regular basis. Pulls/push 200 or more pounds on a regular basis

·       Sits, stands stoops, squats, walks, and moves intermittently during work hours.

·       Drives in own car to and from patients’ home. Work in patient(s) homes as well as agency office.

·       Ability to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.