Physical Therapist- Home Health

REPORTS TO: Home Health QAQI RN

FLSA STATUS:  Non-exempt

SALARY RANGE: Visit rate per productivity, non-visit activity paid at $45.00/hr.

DATE ADOPTED: September, 2023

JOB SUMMARY: This position provides Physical Therapy services in the patient’s home under San Luis Valley Home Health.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (The following are illustrative of essential functions to perform duties and responsibilities of the job.  The position may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional tasks as needed by the Department. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.)

• Assist the patient's physician in evaluating the patient's disability, injury, or disease process and developing the physician's plan of treatment by performing appropriate diagnostic and prognostic tests.
• Render the specific services and orders set forth on the plan of care authorized by the provider and modify only after communication with the provider.
• Observe, record, and report to the patient's physician and appropriate agency personnel the patient's response to treatment and any changes in the patient's medical condition.
• Make recommendations to the patient's physician concerning the need to continue, modify, or discontinue the treatment program; and instructs the patient, the patient's family, and other health team personnel.
• Instruct the patient, the patient’s family, and other health team personnel when appropriate concerning treatment programs, techniques, and procedures.
• Coordinate patient care with other Home Health staff through case conferencing, via telephone or meetings, addressing such topics as individual patient care, discharge planning, plan implementation and patient progress. Serve as Case Manager when appropriate to plan of care.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care and effective treatment planning.
• Schedule appointments on a date and time agreed upon by the patient, Therapist, and other involved health team personnel.
• Complete visits on the day of service and synch them to the back office daily.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning within their home environment.
• Identify and evaluate areas of limitation, disability, or impairment.
• Utilize standardized assessment tools, observations, interviews, and patient history to gather relevant information.
• Implement evidence-based physical therapy interventions to improve or restore patients' functional abilities, promote independence, and enhance their overall well-being.
• Provide recommendations for equipment and assistive devices.
• Collaborate with patients, their families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to establish realistic goals and promote a holistic approach to care.
• Conduct therapy sessions focused on improving patients' motor skills, sensory integration, coordination, strength, endurance, balance, and mobility.
• Guide patients in performing therapeutic exercises.
• Provide education and training to patients, caregivers, and family members on safe techniques, energy conservation, and strategies to optimize patients' independence and safety.
• Immediately report any and all untoward incidents and reportable occurrences involving agency patients, using the incident reporting mechanism and documentation supplied by the agency.
• Enter accurate and detailed documentation into applicable computer programs. Learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis.
• Maintain adequate patient supplies for the patient in their home per patient specific needs.
• Maintain and care for PT supplies, is responsible for all agency provided equipment.
• Stay updated with current trends, research, and advancements in physical therapy practice, home health care, and relevant regulations.
• Maintain current licenses and certifications. Complete position-specific training, maintain program information and protocols by attending continuing education courses related to program responsibilities. Keep up-to-date with technology and apply new knowledge to the job.
• Attend required meetings, trainings, conference calls or other technical assistance methods as well as department meetings and local trainings.
• Comply with federal, state and local procedures, rules and regulations and employer policies and procedures.
• Maintain professional conduct, use exceptional customer service skills to respond to community needs, enhance public relations, coordinate activities, and represent Alamosa County Public Health Department in order to promote and maintain a positive public health image and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
• Ensure that the required annual CEUs are completed and proper documentation is submitted to the office.
• Participate in QA/QI activities as requested.
• Complete monthly continuing education topics as assigned.
• Respect patient rights and is respectful of patient and family needs at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

   Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of physical therapy principles, practices and interventions for various patient populations and conditions, ethics and standards.
• Excellent assessment, evaluation and treatment planning skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet patient needs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with patients, families and interdisciplinary teams.
• Empathy, patience and a genuine passion for helping individuals.
• Working knowledge of MS Office and other software, able to apply knowledge of computers within secure databases, able to learn new technologies.
• Ability to create trusting, therapeutic relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Bilingual, English/Spanish preferred.

​​​​​​​EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Valid Colorado Physical Therapy licensure.
• Six months to one year of related experience, preferably in a home health care setting; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• BLS required.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License required.
• NIMS certification required; can be obtained at job.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​OTHER:

• Must have reliable transportation.

​​​​​​​PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORK CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical effort required in the performance of duties includes lifting and/or moving patient with or without the use of an assistive device. Position frequently requires use of hands to fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and to reach above shoulder level. Position is required to travel, walk, stand, sit for long periods of time, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, squat, crawl, lift, carry, push, pull, see, speak and hear. Hearing and vision correctable to normal ranges; close-up vision and the ability to adjust focus necessary.  Position requires ability to stoop, bend, kneel, balance, crouch, carry, twist and push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight. Position is required to communicate both orally and in writing including operating a computer keyboard and standard office equipment at efficient speed.

Significant portions of work assignments involve occupational risk, such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, injuries from falls, or back injury sustained with assisting in moving, lifting or positioning patients, equipment, or materials. Significant portions of work assignments involve ergonomic risk. Job requires lifting over 30 pounds and ability to walk up and down stairs. Significant portions of work assignments involve application of manual skills requiring motor coordination in combination with finger dexterity. Significant portions of work assignments involve exposure to dirt, odors, noise, exposure to temperature/weather extremes. Working surfaces may be unleveled, slippery or unstable.

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The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this job, the level of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

It is the policy of Alamosa County to not discriminate against any person with regard to all federally protected classifications including race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, any disability, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.  Alamosa County Public Health Department (ACPHD) believes that an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace is one where all employees and community partners, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, feel valued and respected. As an employer, we are committed to nondiscriminatory practices and providing equitable opportunities for employment and advancement.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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