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Form of workJob Title: Home Health Physical Therapist
Reports to: Facility Rehab Director/Regional Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Classification: Clinical
Supervises: Physical Therapist Assistants and Students
Position Summary: Provides Physical Therapy and related services for patients, caregivers, and facilities in accordance with the principles and practices of Physical Therapy Guidelines. Provides quality Physical Therapy including: Evaluation of patients, development of initial and ongoing treatments and discharge plans, supervision of assistants, and participation in case management. Represents a commitment to quality of care in all interactions with patients, caregivers, and facility staff. Adheres to all state regulations regarding Physical Therapy.
Qualifications Required:
- Successful completion of an accredited Physical Therapy Program
- Valid Physical Therapy License to practice in appropriate state(s)
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Effective leadership and customer relations skills
- Ability to exercise mature judgment with initiative in analyzing and solving problems
- Individuals who perform Home Health services must have current driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and First Aid/CPR certification
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Assures execution of doctor’s orders
- Provides Physical Therapy screening and evaluation to determine patients current physical status
- Develops and implements treatment plans that focus on functional and measurable outcomes and adheres to professional standards of practice
- Oversees and participates in the maintenance of therapy records
- Ensures availability of supplies and equipment
- Maintains appropriate patient schedule, as per established guidelines
- Provides documentation to maintain quality of the medical records, as it relates to reimbursement guidelines, accuracy of billing information, and facility requirements
- Participates in patient, family, and facility meetings, as appropriate
- Follows administrative policies and procedures including those related to emergency procedures, infectious disease control, and safety
- Coordinates and/or participates in training programs for facility staff, residents, families and rehabilitation staff
- Initiates new program development with focus on functional outcomes to improve the quality of life of facility residents
- Completes all evaluation and interviews of clients and caregivers within their home environment to formulate patient-centered goals
- Assesses Home Bound status each evaluation and treatment to ensure the client is appropriate for Home Health services
- Provides patient-centered care within the client’s home environment to meet the needs of that individual
- Communicates with Interdisciplinary Team (PT/OT/ST/Nursing) regarding the patient’s plan of care and individualized treatment goals
- Supervises PTAs with Home Health treatments and carryover of recommended treatment interventions
- Understands all Home Health regulations, protocols, and procedures (will be trained upon start)
- Makes functional recommendations of home set-up when providing services to ensure safety, injury prevention, and proper ergonomics for the client
- Completes documentation with emphasis on skilled reason and interventions ensuring the ongoing need for Home Health services
- Participates in continuous quality improvement
- Patient lifting using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a work day/shift; must be capable of easily lifting 50 pounds of dead weight alone
- Able to walk, bend, stand, and reach consistently during a work day/shift
- Performs other related duties as required and assigned
Success Factors/Job Competencies:
- Results Orientation – Meets current objectives and positions the organization for further growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments and processes large volumes of work associated with the operation of the department.
- Social Sensitivity – Builds positive relationships based on respect for others. Demonstrates a helpful and positive attitude. Maintains effective communication with peers, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families.
- Quality Outcomes – Meets and exceeds expectations of internal and external customers. All organizational and departmental standards regarding quality of performance are met. Demonstrates a strong commitment to confidentiality. Participates in quality improvement programs as directed.
- Safe Working Environment - Demonstrates an awareness of, and adherence to, safety and legal requirements established at the facility with an emphasis on maintaining a safe environment for all persons working and living in the facility.
- Accident/Injury Reporting – Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift.
- Unsafe Conditions – Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe conditions and equipment.
- Workplace Standards – Complies with relevant regulations, standards, and policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, JCAHO, etc.)
- Safety Techniques – Maintains current knowledge of all aspects of the facility’s safety program by attending safety-related training, as mandated, upon hire and thereafter as required by facility.
- Education – Participates in required in-service and educational programs on a continual basis.
- Attendance and Punctuality – Follows all facility guidelines outlining standards of attendance and punctuality. Responsible for reporting to and completing work at assigned times.
- Universal Precautions - Universal precautions will be observed in order to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. All blood or other potentially infectious materials will be considered infectious regardless of the status.
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is consistently required to walk, stand, sit, lift equipment, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk, and hear. Employee must consistently lift and reposition patients.
- Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee shares work space with other employees; therefore, the environment can become crowded and noisy.
General Sign-off: The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies and procedures while employed.
Jobs are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved job description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. Summit Care will advise employees of any changes in their job duties.
