PHYSICAL THERAPIST - PACE

Job Purpose

The primary purpose of this role is to ensure the comprehensive assessment, management, and planning of care for participants. This includes conducting initial, semi-annual, and annual evaluations to monitor and support participants’ progress. The position is responsible for the upkeep and management of physical therapy equipment, ensuring it is maintained in optimal condition. Additionally, the role involves developing effective care and discharge plans tailored to each participant’s needs, and actively participating in Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings to contribute to cohesive and coordinated care strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs initial and annual screenings/assessments as assigned and makes appropriate recommendations for services.
• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Maintains regular attendance at, and participation in, interdisciplinary team meetings; collaborates on care planning and service allocation decisions.
• Completes member evaluations as needed and develops a plan of care. Evaluations include but are not limited to the following: gait assessment, balance, bed mobility, functional status, physical status, home safety and environmental assessments, restraint assessments, and wheelchair needs.
• Participates in care plan development and discharge planning for members. This involvement extends to other facilities caring for PACE members.
• Provides regular updates to team on members’ status in therapy, including therapy discharge plans.
• Provides treatment to members and implements physical therapy procedures consistent in achieving identified goals. Grades activities to facilitate goals.
• Assesses need for adaptive and/or durable medical equipment (DME), makes recommendations to interdisciplinary team according to policy and assists with issuance of DME as indicated.
• In conjunction with primary care and the interdisciplinary team, assesses the need for specialized shoes and prosthesis according to policy. Assesses newly issued orthotic shoes, braces and prosthetics for appropriateness and proper fit as indicated.
• Performs minor equipment repairs as directed by competency requirement and manage equipment inventories.
• May assess the need for on-going skilled services and provides authorization for Physical therapies provided in a Nursing Home and with Contracted Agencies or hospitals, following initial evaluation order by Primary Care.
• Develops special programs according to member needs.
• Participates in committee meetings as needed.
• Provides PT coverage for other PACE sites as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program and current California PT license required.
• Completion of a physical therapy program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Possess and maintains current CPR certification preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum total of one year of personal, clinical/internship, and or employment experience providing care or services for adults with disabilities or frail elderly population required.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and apply good judgment.
• Ability to function well independently.
• Ability to use or be trained in computer skills for the workplace.
• Demonstrates necessary skills and knowledge as outlined in attached position-specific Competency Assessment Profile.

Other:

• Requires physical strength to perform the job.
• Routine travel between PACE sites and in the community required.
• Requires valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Ability to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Able to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Able to constantly position yourself to maintain files in file cabinets such as reaching with hands and arms, kneeling, crouching, etc.
• The ability to communicate, detect, converse with, discern, convey, express oneself, and exchange information is crucial for this role.

Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Our center is dedicated to fostering an environment that is inclusive and accessible, welcoming everyone with open arms. We strictly follow the guidelines outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which includes a prohibition on discrimination in employment practices and other terms and conditions of employment.

By joining us, you will become part of an organization that cherishes diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our community and positively influence the lives of those we serve.