Physical Therapist

Provide skilled therapy intervention and treatment to patients in a home setting, including appropriate utilization of treatment plans and assessment skills. Monitor carefully the patient status and progress toward goals as well as compliance with physician's orders. Responsible for educating patients and caregivers while preparing the patient/caregiver for discharge as appropriate.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• A person who is licensed, if applicable, by the State in which practicing, unless licensure does not apply and meets one of the following requirements:

• Graduated after successful completion of a Physical Therapist education program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) or equivalent.
• Passed an examination for Physical Therapists approved by the State in which physical therapy services are provided.

Responsibilities / Essential Functions

• Provide skilled physical therapy in accordance with the physician's plan of treatment.
• Assist the physician in the evaluation and assessment of the client's level of functioning by applying appropriate tests and assist in the development and revision of the plan of care.
• Treat clients to relieve pain, develop and restore function and maintain maximum performance using appropriate physical therapy treatments, modalities and procedures as stated in the physical therapy plan of care.
• Observe, record, and report the client's reaction to treatment and any changes in the client's condition to the physician, Clinical Manager and Case Manager.
• Educate client/caregiver and health care team in the phases of physical therapy in which they may assist the client, in the use of prosthetic and orthotic devices, and durable medical equipment, as appropriate.
• Provide staff in-service education as directed by Clinical Manager.
• Assess and regularly re-evaluate the needs of the client. Develop, implement and revise the client's plan of care.
• Initiate diagnostic, preventive and rehabilitative procedures as appropriate to the client's care safety.
• Assist with plan of care and maintain continuity of and/or multidisciplinary care whenever needed to ensure good coordination of care.
• Promote coordination of care through interdisciplinary case conferences and communication with physician and field staff.
• Develop, prepare and maintain individualized client care progress records with accuracy, timeliness and according to agency policy and procedures.
• Participate in the agency's quality improvement program.
• Keep abreast of physical trends and knowledge for service provision, documentation and care coordination.
• Participate in staff meetings, in-service programs and Utilization reviews.
• Supervise the Physical Therapy Aide at least every 30 days.

Physical Elements

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities to enable the employee to communicate effectively.
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation to enable the employee to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to enable the employee to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other related equipment.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes to enable the employee to safely lift, move, or maneuver whatever may be necessary to successfully perform the duties of their position.

Environmental Elements

• Employee works in an office environment sometimes with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and sometimes travels to patients' homes where they may have direct exposure to hazardous substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
• Employee will have to travel to a variety of patient homes and perform in conditions that vary greatly depending upon the client's home environment.