Home Health Physical Therapist

POSITION TITLE: Home Health Physical Therapist

DEPARTMENT: Home Health 

EMPLOYEE REPORTS TO: Home Health Director of Nursing 

SUPERVISES: N/A

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt or Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Part-Time, or Per Diem

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

This job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The job description provides the employee, CEO, Human Resources, applicants, and other agencies with a clear understanding of the job, where it fits into the organization, and the skill and work requirements in relation to other jobs. Jobs are always changing to some degree, and the existence of the approved job description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. The facility will make reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals who are capable of performing the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. 

POPULATION SERVED

The position does involve direct patient care for a population of patients ages 18 and older. Age specific experience and/or special training and/or expertise is required to serve this population.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Rehabilitation Therapy Services and/or Director of Nursing, the Physical Therapist plans, organizes, develops, administers, directs, and supervises Physical Therapy services in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, regulations, and guidelines to ensure the highest degree of quality care is rendered at all times. Effective supervisory skills are needed, along with good communication skills for departmental and interdepartmental relationships. The individual in this position must have initiative, be innovative, possess a sense of responsibility, integrity and sound judgment; follow standards of proper conduct, and abide by facility policies and standards of care. This position does provide direct patient care to adult and geriatric patients, including comprehensive assessment, individual and group treatment, and supervision of treatment delivered by Physical Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapy support staff, and Physical Therapy students. The Physical Therapist contributes to program development, quality improvement, program assessment, and departmental policy and procedure development.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Possesses a degree from a baccalaureate or master’s program in physical therapy approved by an accredited organization. Licensed to practice as physical therapist within the state. At least two (2) years of appropriate experience as a physical therapist is preferred. Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills. Possesses and maintains current BLS certification. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides physical therapy services to patients at home according to a written individualized plan of care. This may include, but not be limited to:
• A. Assessing and evaluating therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status, and participation in the development of the total plan of care. Evaluates home environment.
• B. Assesses for muscle strength, mobility, gait, ROM and transfer capabilities. Less a goal of rehab, more a focus on maintaining comfort.
• C. Directing physical therapy treatment.
• D. Provides equipment required to increase patient function and independence.
• E. Instructing patients and families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances.
• F. Determining priority needs for physical therapy
• G. Reporting to physician patient's reaction to treatment or changes in condition.
• Initiates physical therapy program and instructs other personnel and/or family/ caregivers in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with a patient, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the physical therapy program for the patient by participat¬ing in case conferences.
• May educate patient in the use of prosthetic device. 
• Prepares and submits clinical and progress summaries based on the attainment of goals.
• Participates in patient discharge planning. Prepares and submits a clinical progress summary based on the attainment of goals directed by organization policy.
• Provides physical therapy consultation to families/caregivers, as appropriate.
• Provides in-service education programs for nursing personnel as needed.
• Participates in the interdisciplinary group.
• Actively participates in the quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities.
• Participates in home health orientation program.
• Provides supervision of physical therapy assistants and hospice aides, as appropriate.

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

DEMANDS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK, EQUIPMENT USAGE, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

PERCENTAGE OF WORK TIME

• Standing/Walking 34-66%
• Sitting 34-66%
• Twisting 34-66%
• Lifting/Carrying 34-66%
• Pushing/Pulling 34-66%
• Climbing (Ascending/descending) 1-33%
• Bending/Stooping 34-66%
• Using arm muscles frequently or for extended periods 34-66%
• Using leg muscles frequently or for extended periods 34-66%
• Using back muscles frequently or for extended periods 34-66%

LIFTING REQUIREMENTS

• 2-10 Pounds 34-66%
• 11-20 Pounds 34-66%
• 21-30 Pounds 1-33%
• 31-40 Pounds 1-33%
• 41-50 Pounds 1-33%
• 51 Pounds or More 1-33%

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Working in hot, cold, wet surroundings 67-100%
• Working outdoors 34-66%
• Working with or near chemicals 1-33%
• Working near radiation sources 1-33%
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases 1-33%
• Working with hazardous waste materials 1-33%
• Utilizing essential upgraded or adaptive equipment as industry standards require 1-33%
• Using hand tools 1-33%
• Potential for cuts and bruises 1-33%
• Driving company or personal vehicle 1-33%

EXCHANGE OF IDEAS

• Ability to express or exchange ideas 67-100%
• Ability to understand communication of others with or without adaptive devices 67-100%
• Ability to perform secondary level math 67-100%
• Ability to read at a secondary level 67-100%

WORKPLACE BEHAVIORS

I. RESULTS ORIENTATION – Meets current objectives and positions the organization for future growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments and processes large volumes of work associated with the operation of the department.

II. SOCIAL SENSITIVITY - Builds positive relationships based on respect for others. Demonstrates a helpful, positive attitude. Maintains effective communication with peers, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families.

III. 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.

IV. 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 in the facility.

A. Accident/Injury Reporting – Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift and reports any pre-existing conditions as identified by the ADA.

B. Unsafe Conditions – Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe conditions or equipment.

C. Workplace Standards – Compiles with relevant regulations, standards and policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, Accreditation, etc.)

D. 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.

E. Modified Work – Accepts modified work assignments after receiving the physician’s release to return to work following an accident/ injury. 

F. Follows Prescribed/Recommended Treatment – Follows the prescribed/recommended treatment given by treating physician(s) after an accident/injury.

V. EDUCATION – Participates in required in-services and educational programs on an ongoing basis.

VI. 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. The category shown below is designed to communicate the risk of exposure for this particular position.

Category I

• Tasks involve light contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous membranes. Department procedures define and require use of minimum protective measures to perform the task.

Category II

• Tasks involve no contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous membranes; however, employment may require performing unplanned Category I task. Appropriate protective measures are readily available.

Category III

• Tasks of employment involve no contact with moist body substance, non-intact skin or mucous membranes.
• The employee must have the ability to perform essential functions without posing a “direct threat” in the workplace.