Physical Therapist (PT)

Job Summary: 
Provides Physical Therapy Services to the participants of the PACE Organization of Rhode Island. Provides clinical supervision to the Physical Therapist Assistants, Rehab/Restorative Aides, students and C.N.A.’s as assigned. 

• Completes Physical Therapy assessments and contributes to the development of the plan of care inc accordance with CMS and PACE RI requirements. Assessments include, but are not limited to gait, balance, bed mobility, functional mobility, home environment, fall prevention, and adaptive equipment/DME needs. 
• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT). Attends and participates in IDT meetings, collaborates in care planning and service allocation decisions, and provides updates on participants’ status in therapy. 
• In conjunction with the IDT, assesses the need for Physical Therapy services delivered to participants at outside facilities. Communicates with staff providing these therapy services and updates the IDT.  Participates in discharge planning for participants in hospitals and nursing homes. 
• Provides treatment and implements physical therapy modalities consistent with assisting the participant in achieving identified goals.   Documents outcomes and interventions according to PACE RI policies.
• Assesses need for adaptive and/or durable medical equipment (DME), specialized orthotics and makes recommendations to the IDT.  
• Inspects in-home DME as needed to keep equipment free from defect…  performs minor DME repairs and maintains a relationship with DME vendors.
• Instructs homecare staff and/or caregivers on home exercise and fall prevention programming to be carried out by individuals other than the Physical Therapist.  
• Assists in training of and provides professional supervision for Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA). Adheres to Physical Therapy practice laws. 
• Co Treat with Occupational Therapy as clinically appropriate
• Assists the Rehabilitation and Nutrition Services Supervisor with departmental orientation and training of new Physical Therapy staff.
• Establishes/trains and reviews restorative exercise plans with Rehab/Restorative Aides and Day Center C.N.A.’s as indicated.  
• Completes required documentation in a timely manner and in accordance to CMS and organizational requirements.
• Communicates observed staffing needs/changes and program development needs to supervisor.  
• Utilizes appropriate safety measures when providing treatment to PACE-RI participants.
• Supports Quality Improvement efforts. 
• Serves on committees within the organization.
• Performs related services necessary to maintain the efficient operation of the department. 
• Performs related duties as assigned. 
• Provides training in body mechanics and use of assistive/adaptive equipment to staff and caregivers.
• Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of sensitive employee, participant, and agency information. 
• Maintain an organized caseload schedule and treatment calendar according to departmental expectations.
• Serves a preceptor for students studying to become Physical Therapists.
• Maintain RI Licensure 

Required Skills & Abilities: 
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Dependable and punctual with ability to maintain consistent attendance
Ability to read, write and comprehend English
Ability to maintain sound judgement under stress and communicate effectively
Ability to proficiently perform clinical/skilled tasks associated within scope of position
Proficiency with MS Office Suite or similar software 

Education Requirement: 
Bachelor's Degree (Physical Therapy), Required
Master's Degree, Preferred 

Physical Requirements: 
Physical ability to regularly stoop, bend, kneel, lift, stand, walk, stretch and reach for extended periods of time.
Must be able to regularly lift objects up to 25 pounds and at times up to 35 pounds.
Must be able to assist a 200-250 lb. participant, using proper body mechanics.
Must have hearing and vision abilities within normal range (corrected) to drive safely and/or to observe and communicate with participants.
Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization's physical premises as well as related community care settings.
Must be able to tolerate conditions typically associated within a medical office and/or home care setting including potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases.
 Must be able to complete assignments in variable weather conditions and ever-changing and sometimes allergenic environments in participant homes, including extreme heat, humidity, dust, smoke, pet contamination, and cleaning supplies. 

Experience:  
2 Years of direct service work, Preferred
1 Year of experience in a Medical or Geriatric Care setting, Preferred
1 year of experience working with a frail or elderly population, Preferred 

Licensure & Certification Requirements: 
Rhode Island Physical Therapist License (PT) 

Position Requirements:
CPR Certification
Driver's License & access to reliable transportation