Physical Therapist Home Care

General Summary of Position
Provides evaluation and physical therapy treatment in accordance with agency standards, the laws and regulations governing the provision of physical therapy services in the state of Maryland, District of Columbia or Virginia and other regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited school Required
1-2 years Clinical experience Required
PT – Physical Therapist License to practice Physical Therapy in the District of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia or any combination based on work location(s) Upon Hire Required and
CPR – Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation Upon Hire Required and
DL – Valid State Driver’s License in good standing Upon Hire Required
Good clinical skills.
Organizational skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of home equipment, home care reimbursement, and regulations governing PTAs.
Verbal and written communication skills.
Basic computer skills preferred.
Smart Phone experience.
Analyzes and documents patients and family’s response to interventions. Evaluates measurable progress toward goals and revise the plan of care. Identifies and modifies underlying factors that impede progress toward goals. Makes recommendations for updates in plan of care, using knowledge of interventions and resources.
Establishes and documents teaching plan for patients/families based on patients’ level of knowledge, diagnosis, prescribed treatment and available resources. Communicates (verbal, written, demonstration) respectfully with patients/families, supervisor, peers and other health team members. Establishes visit schedule and informs patient/family and team supervisor.
Contributes to the achievement of established goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards. Completes annual Code of Conduct, Compliance and other mandatory training.
Implements an effective physical therapy treatment plan in conjunction with the patient, their family/caregiver, the patient’s physician and other members of the health care team, and modifying treatment plan as needed.
Evaluation includes interview, observation, palpation, specialized assessments including but not limited to goniometry, muscle strength testing, and sensory testing. Such assessments require use of tools (e.g. goniometer, sphygmomanometer, stethoscope) and the possession of sight and hearing senses or the use of prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately.
Independently implements and documents plan of care for patients with a routine to complex problems to facilitate continuity of care. Documented interventions are related to planning of care. Interventions reflect the standard of care for patient condition/diagnosis. Interventions include utilizing agency and community resources. Performs therapy interventions consistent with home care protocols. Interventions reflect knowledge of standard home care supplies and equipment used inpatient care.
Independently organizes patient assignments for completion of tasks within acceptable time frames. Seeks assistance from PT III, Rehab Care Manager or supervisor regarding complex patient problems. Maintains necessary clinical records, collects data, and prepares reports on activities. Submits completed admission records within 48 hours and daily records within 24 hours with a Ninety-five percent accuracy on technical audit. Recertification completed prior to recert date. Maintains caseload mix and productivity for acuity level of patients.
Initiates and participates in regularly scheduled case conferences; includes all disciplines. Includes patient and family in mutual goal setting and care plan revision.
Maintains effective working relationships with other departments and participates in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams. Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and agency in community outreach efforts. Enhances growth and development and enriches personal knowledge and skill through participation in educational programs and affiliations.
Performs history and assessment related to episode of patient illness to determine the patient’s habilitation/rehabilitation needs. Recommends adaptive equipment and/or home modifications to maximize the patient’s functional abilities and safety. Identifies primary patient problems from assessment. Identifies discharge planning needs including referrals to appropriate community resources. Interprets abnormal clinical data to anticipate problems associated with changing patient status.
Performs procedures and modalities, including but not limited to, therapeutic exercise, functional mobility training, gait training, heat/cold application and ultrasound.