Physical Therapist

Definition:

The Physical Therapist supervises and participates in the application of physical therapeutic techniques for the rehabilitation of patients with physical disabilities, injuries, or diseases.

Line of Authority:

Director of Therapy Services, Administrator/Director of Services

Qualifications:

1. Must be a graduate of a BS or MS level course in physical therapy as accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association.
2. Must be licensed or registered under the statutes of the state in which the physical therapist will be practicing.
3. One year’s experience in a supervisory role preferred.
4. Active member of the state and national Physical Therapy Association preferred.

Performance Requirements:

1. Able to transfer, lift and guard patients safely with appropriate assistance.
2. Able to bend, stoop, squat and lift numerous times daily (70 – 80 lbs) in the care of patients and use of equipment.
3. Able to carry out fine motor skills with manual dexterity.
4. Mental acuity and judgment/skills to adequately and safely perform job requirements.
5. Able to see and hear adequately in order to respond to auditory and visual needs and clinical indications of the patients.
6. Able to learn, absorb and apply professional training.
7. Able to organize work procedures, assume responsibility and tactfully supervise others.
8. Able to speak in a clear, concise voice in order to communicate adequately.
9. Able to read, write and audit documentation.
10. Must have reliable personal transportation.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Coordinates and supervises physical therapy services.
2. Provides physical therapy services as ordered by the referring physician and delegates appropriate portions of the treatment program to the licensed physical therapy assistant.
3. Instructs the physical therapy staff in their delegated functions including precautions, special problems, contraindications, anticipated progress goals and plan for re-evaluation.
4. Evaluates, plans and supervises treatments and programs including the establishment of short-term and long-term goals for patients as approved by the physician with periodic re-evaluations.
5. Maintains patient care records as designated by the HomeCare agency, assuring that third party reimbursement qualifications are met, as well as all state/federal requirements.
6. Consults with family members, physicians, and other health care professionals, as appropriate.
7. Participates in in-service training for physical therapy.
8. Checks for safety, care and cleaning of equipment.
9. Serves as Utilization Review and/or Advisory Board Member as requested by Administrator/Director.
10. Contributes to physical therapy related CQI, as requested
11. Participates in interdisciplinary conferences to maintain continuity of patient care.
12. Provides physical therapy services in accordance with all NHC HomeCare policies and procedures and state and federal guidelines.
13. Maintains knowledge base of HomeCare physical therapy procedures and regulations as well as professional standards through attendance at workshops, inservices and individual research and reading.