JOB SUMMARY:
The Physical Therapist plans and provides physical therapy services to the clients in their home in accordance with the plan of care and agency policies and procedures. The Physical therapist performs functions which require substantial specialized knowledge, judgment and skill based upon the principles of psychological, biological and social services and must be able to make judgments accordingly. The Physical Therapist reports directly to the DON or Administrator.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must have a valid NM Driver's license
- Must have reliable transportation available during work hours.
- Must possess current CPR and First Aid Certification
- Have graduated from a Physical therapy curriculum approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or the Allied Health education and Accreditation of the American medical association and the physical therapy Association.
- Be currently registered/licensed as a physical therapist in the state in which you are practicing.
- Have at least one (1) year experience in an acute hospital or equivalent experience.
- Have demonstrated professional behavior and appearance.
- Possess good interpersonal communication skills.
- Possess and maintain good physical and mental health, including current TB testing (refer to health screening policy)
- Possess US citizenship or evidence of a valid alien work permit.
- Demonstrate ability to exercise independent judgment.
- Demonstrate ability to function in an unstructured home setting.
- Possess knowledge of principles and practices of physical therapy.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Adhere to dress code
- Adhere to work schedule and maintain good punctuality and attendance record
- Assist the physician in evaluating level of function.
- Participate in the development of the plan of care.
- Perform physical therapy procedures, evaluations and diagnostic tests on clients for whom therapy has been medically prescribed.
- Prepare clinical and progress notes.
- Advise, consult and teach appropriate treatment procedures and supportive activities to clients, family members and other agency staff.
- Translate all exercises into functional activities or activities of daily living.
- Develop needed plans for modifying equipment, appliances and the physical surroundings in clients home.
- Confer regularly with attending physician regarding client's progress. Report the physical and emotional conditions and reactions to treatment and interpret social and physical factors in the environment that affect care.
- Interpret to the client and family the implications of the treatment consistent with the actions and wishes of the physician.
- Provide families with information, support and encouragement to help motivate them in their progress.
- Assist individuals and families to accept and adjust positively to physical, mental and social limitations.
- Teach basic principles of good posture and body mechanics in relation to changing needs of individuals in all age groups.
- Maintain necessary records for client care documentation.
- Plan for coordinated service for individuals by consulting with other professional workers through care conferences.
- Communicate effectively with all members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Provide advisory and consultation services to staff.
- Demonstrate rehabilitation procedures and supportive activities on selected clients to the nurses responsible for follow-up services.
- Participate in the educational program of the new staff and students in the area of practice.
- Participate in in-service programs.
- Participate in the development community resources to meet the needs of clients.
- Interpret the role of physical therapy in the home care program to the community.
- Serve on the clinical record review committee.
- Perform other related duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary.
SUPERVISION OF PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANTS:
- Instructs and supervises physical therapy assistants in certain phases of physical therapy services they may provide to the client.
- Accessible by telephone to the physical therapy assistant at all times when a physical therapy assistant is providing treatment to a client.
- Supervises on-site while the physical therapy assistant is rendering client care every 4 to 6 visits, but minimally once every two (2) months. Supervision does not constitute treatment.
- Completes an on-site functional assessment, review and revision of the plan of care, and assessment of utilization of community resources.
EXPECTED WORK HOURS:
Varies by agency needs; Typically Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On-call hours required as needed and assigned by department supervisor.
Addus provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
