POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for therapy evaluations, treatment planning, implementation and discharge planning for clients in the home setting in accordance with established facility/agency policies while maintaining the highest degree of quality client care. As a member of the multi-disciplinary team, the therapist assumes responsibility for communication of client related issues for appropriate team members or other facility/agency staff and participates in the collection and evaluation of data necessary to assess the appropriateness of care at home. The Physical Therapist also assumes responsibility for those clients being treated by home health aides and may be assigned to orient staff and students. The Physical Therapist works with the clients and family in the home setting without direct supervision.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Required - Bachelors Degree in Physical Therapy from an institution approved by the state board.
• Preferred - 1 year Therapy with adult physical disabilities.

SKILLS

• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Language Skills: Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage.
• Other Skills and Abilities: Reliable transportation required. Adapt to frequent change of work environment and patient/client population. Interact positively with large multidisciplinary team. Establish therapeutic relationships with patient and caregiver. Process information accurately, thoroughly, and quickly. Prioritize tasks and manage time to meet department productivity and standards. Read and write therapy reports, clinical notes, and communications to and from other professional team members. Concentrate and attend to detail amidst a variety of environmental distractions. Often works independently and autonomously. Ability to travel efficiently. Ability to deal with a variety of patient/client ages, behaviors, and cognitive levels. Laptop skills; basic knowledge of Windows operating system.

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• Performs comprehensive patient assessments, including range of motion, manual muscle, gait, and functional analysis, to establish and update individualized treatment plans.

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• Plans and administers physician-ordered physical therapy programs to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability.

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• Records and evaluates assessment findings, treatment plans, and progress notes to guide care and meet regulatory requirements.

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• Administers therapeutic exercises and functional activities using appropriate equipment and assistive devices (e.g., weights, pulleys, exercise machines, mats, steps, crutches, canes, parallel bars, and prostheses).

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• Provides treatments involving physical agents such as heat/cold, massage, and other modalities as prescribed.

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• Instructs, motivates, and assists patients and families in safe use of therapy equipment and exercises to continue at home.

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• Collaborates with physicians and interdisciplinary team members to coordinate care, recommend adjustments to treatment programs, and integrate therapy into the overall plan of care.

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• Identifies need for referrals to additional disciplines and facilitates coordination of services to support patient goals.

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• Supervises licensed physical therapy assistants and aides, ensuring quality and compliance with care standards.