Physical Therapist

Summary:

The physical therapist contracted or employed through the Agency is responsible or providing home physical therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the Personnel Services Agreement and ordered by the attending physician.

Essential Functions:

• Provides physical therapy services to patients according to a written physician’s plan of care and as defined in the state Physical Therapy Practice Act.  This may include, but will not be limited to:
  1. Assesses and evaluates therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status, and participation in the development of the total plan of care.   Evaluates home environment.
  2. Assesses for muscle strength, mobility, gait, ROM-potential for rehab, transfers, balance, endurance, safety, and pain.
  3. Directs physical therapy treatment.
  4. Instructs patients and families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances and devices.
  5. Reports to physician patient’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, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the physical therapy program for the patient by participating in case conferences.
• Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refers as necessary using an interdisciplinary approach.
• Documents and submits clinical notes and progress summaries based on the attainment of goals and Agency policies.
• Participates in discharge planning for patient.
• Follows general P&P of the Agency.
• Provides patient physical therapy consultation to families/caregivers when indicated for hospice.
• Supervises physical therapy assistants according to Agency policy and state regulations.
• When therapy is the only skilled service, instruct, supervises, and evaluates home health aide care every two (2) weeks.
• Attends meetings and in-service meetings as required by the Agency.
• Maintains continuing education required by the state.
• Enhances professional growth and development of self and others through participation in educational programs and workshops.  Keeps up to date on professional literature.
• Provides direction and leadership to staff and acts as a resource to promote physical therapy in the community.
• Performs other duties as required and necessary to ensure the success of the Agency.

Supervisory duties:

• Supervises physical therapy assistants.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to consistently promote, support, work, and act in a manner in support of the Mount Evans mission and values.
• Excellent customer service and patient skills.
• Basic understanding of physical therapy and medical terminology.
• Knowledge and skills to care for the physical and developmental needs of the population age groups that will be receiving services.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Must have excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Education:

• Possesses a degree from a baccalaureate or master’s program in physical therapy approved by an accredited organization.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of appropriate experience as a physical therapist.  Community/home health experience is preferred.

Additional Requirements/Licenses/Certifications:

• Licensed to practice as physical therapist within the state, if applicable.
• Possesses and maintains current CPR certification.
• Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is reliable.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable the individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is generally performed in an indoor home environment.
• Travel throughout the community to patients on an occasional basis.
• In and out of automobile.

Physical Activities:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.  Ability to stand, sit, walk, talk, reach with arms and hands, have good manual dexterity, use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone.
• Prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Requires lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients.
• Frequent reaching, stooping bending, kneeling, and crouching.