Physical Therapist - PT
Description
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Physical Therapist (PT) – Home Health & Hospice
Home Health and Hospice Services
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive physical therapy evaluations and assessments of patients in their homes.
- Develop individualized treatment plans based on patient needs, physician orders, and clinical findings.
- Establish measurable goals to improve mobility, strength, balance, endurance, functional independence, and safety.
- Provide skilled therapeutic exercises, gait training, transfer training, balance activities, and neuromuscular re-education.
- Assess and recommend durable medical equipment (DME), assistive devices, and adaptive equipment.
- Educate patients, caregivers, and family members regarding disease processes, fall prevention, home exercise programs, and safety techniques.
- Evaluate home environments and recommend modifications to improve patient safety.
- Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans as appropriate.
- Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation in the electronic medical record.
- Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and care planning meetings.
- Coordinate care with physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
- Supervise Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) as permitted by state regulations and agency policy.
- Evaluate hospice patients for physical therapy needs related to mobility, comfort, pain management, and safety.
- Develop treatment plans focused on maximizing comfort, maintaining functional abilities, and enhancing quality of life.
- Provide interventions that assist patients in maintaining mobility and independence for as long as possible.
- Educate caregivers on safe patient handling, transfers, positioning, mobility assistance, and fall prevention.
- Recommend equipment and adaptive devices to improve patient comfort and safety.
- Assist in pain management strategies through therapeutic positioning and physical therapy interventions.
- Collaborate with the hospice interdisciplinary team to support patient-centered end-of-life care.
- Provide emotional support and education to patients and families regarding physical function changes associated with disease progression.
- Participate in hospice team meetings and care coordination activities.
Clinical Responsibilities
- Conduct patient assessments and reassessments according to agency policy.
- Establish and update individualized care plans.
- Document all patient visits, evaluations, reassessments, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
- Identify patient rehabilitation potential and functional limitations.
- Monitor patient response to therapy interventions.
- Communicate significant clinical findings to physicians and interdisciplinary team members.
- Ensure compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, state, and accreditation standards.
- Follow infection control, patient safety, and emergency preparedness protocols.
- Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Education Requirements
- Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Degree in Physical Therapy (DPT preferred; Master's or Bachelor's degree acceptable if licensed according to state requirements).
Licensure and Certification Requirements
- Current, unrestricted Physical Therapist (PT) license in the state of employment.
- Current CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association or equivalent.
- Valid driver's license.
- Current automobile insurance as required by state law.
- Reliable transportation for patient visits.
Qualifications
- Minimum one (1) year of clinical experience as a Physical Therapist preferred.
- Knowledge of home health and hospice regulations and standards.
- Ability to perform comprehensive patient assessments.
- Strong clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage a flexible schedule.
- Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
- Ability to travel to patient homes within assigned service areas.
- Previous experience in Home Health, Hospice, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing Facility, or Acute Care settings.
- Experience with OASIS documentation.
- Knowledge of Medicare Conditions of Participation.
- Bilingual skills preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, reach, and lift during patient care activities.
- Ability to transfer and assist patients safely.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to travel frequently between patient homes.
- Visual and hearing acuity sufficient to perform patient assessments and provide treatment.
Working Conditions
- Patient homes, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, nursing homes, and hospice residences.
- Frequent local travel required.
- Exposure to varying home environments and conditions.
- May require occasional evening, weekend, or holiday visits based on patient needs.