Physical Therapist (PT)

General Purpose:

Physical therapy services are provided for treating impairments, functional limitations, disabilities or changes in physical function and health status.  The treatment and intervention provided is in accordance with the patient’s plan of care, accepted professional standards of physical therapy practice, applicable law and regulation, as well as applicable Interim HealthCare policies and procedures.

Essential Functions:

• Assists the physician or other licensed practitioner in evaluating the level of patient function and performance and equipment needs as well as in developing the resulting plan of care/treatment including appropriate long and short-term treatment goals, selection of interventions, and the intensity, frequency and duration of services to meet the needs of an individual patient.
• Completes initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments at appropriate time points as assigned.
• Participates in ongoing interdisciplinary assessment of the patient.
• Participates in the development and evaluation of the plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s).
• Provides services that are ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care.
• Provides interventions and therapeutic treatment in accordance with the physician certified plan of care and physical therapy professional standards of practice.
• Regularly assesses changes in the patient’s status since the last visit/treatment day, and determines whether the planned services should be modified, performing a re-evaluation and obtaining revision orders from the physician as indicated.
• Advises and consults with the family and/or other caregivers to promote the patient progress toward mutually agreed upon goals and planning for discharge.
• Counsels and educates the patient and the family, and other caregivers to promote patient progress toward mutually established goals and in meeting healthcare related needs.
• Effectively communicates with other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team providing care to promote the coordination of patient care and planning for discharge.
• Communicates with all physicians involved in the plan of care and other health care practitioners (as appropriate) related to the current plan of care.
• Completes and submits timely, legible, accurate, relevant and sufficient documentation (written or electronic) addressing the treatment and interventions provided, the patient’s response to the treatment and interventions, and the patient’s progress toward goals in accordance with professional standards of practice, policy and procedures, and payor requirements.
• Participates in Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program.
• Participates in in-services or training, as requested.
• Participates in the Office’s Emergency Preparedness program, as requested.
• Supervises professional and paraprofessional staff, as assigned, including physical therapist assistants.
• Completes other assignments as requested and assigned.
• Access personal health information (“PHI”) necessary to fulfill the above duties and responsibilities.  Access to use and ability to disclose PHI is further defined by each organization/department.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:

• Current licensure, if applicable, as a physical therapist in the state(s) in which he or she will practice.
• In the last five (5) years, two (2) years of experience as a physical therapist that is relevant to the patient population assigned preferred.

For Organizations That Must Meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation:  

Refer to Addendum A of this job description for additional qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Able to provide proof of current CPR certification, per organization-specific policy.
• Able to demonstrate basic understanding of computers and workplace software.
• Able to work with people, function well under stress, use clinical judgment, be creative and accept challenges.
• Able to effectively communicate in English with all levels of the workforce, both clinical and non-clinical.
• Able to perform and prioritize multiple functions or tasks.
• Able to read and interpret technical instructions related to the care of the patient and use of equipment in providing treatment.
• Able to visually and aurally observe and assess the patient.
• Able to effectively deal with multiple changes based on patient needs and scheduling.
• Able to provide proof of valid driver's license, if applicable.
• Able to provide proof of valid auto liability insurance if assignment(s) include driving own vehicle to transport patient.

Working Conditions & Physical Effort: 

• Able to constantly travel within geographic area serviced by office from assignment to assignment.
• Meets the applicable health requirements to provide patient care per applicable law or regulation.
• Work is normally performed in a residence, aggregate living facility, school or occupational setting.
• Occasional exposure to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens and/or other potentially infectious or hazardous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment (e.g. face masks, goggles, latex and or non-latex gloves).
• Able to work flexible schedule and/or evening hours, as needed.
• Able to constantly stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, kneel and reach freely.
• Able to constantly lift, reposition, and transfer patients. 
• Able to constantly grasp with thumb in opposition to fingers of palm, i.e. manipulate pen, knobs or objects.
• Heavy physical activity that may require lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling over 50 lbs., and physically stretching, bending, stooping, twisting, standing, sitting, walking, reaching and climbing stairs.