Physical Therapist

InnovAge•Sacramento, CA

18h

About The Position

The Physical Therapist provides clinical physical therapy evaluations and treatment plans for InnovAge PACE participants aged 55 and older, at acute restorative or maintenance levels as needed. The therapist integrates treatment plans into each participant’s Plan of Care (POC) in accordance with physician orders, InnovAge policies, and applicable state regulations, and follows the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) code of ethics. The role provides physical therapy treatments, including modalities, therapeutic exercise, and functional mobility training; educates participants and caregivers about mobility, safety, functional independence, and durable medical equipment (DME); and makes home visits or provides educational sessions when indicated. The therapist coordinates care with participants, caregivers, facility staff, and the interdisciplinary team, and documents evaluations, treatments, communications, and POC changes in participant records. The Physical Therapist also manages participant DME, guides and educates staff and contract therapists, delegates treatment plans to Physical Therapist Assistants and Rehab Aides as permitted by applicable regulations, participates in peer review and quality management activities, and contributes to efficient operation and improvement of the rehabilitation department.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy.
Completion of a physical therapy program accredited by the APTA, the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association and the APTA, or another equivalent organization approved by CMS.
Active Physical Therapist license issued by the state in which the candidate will practice.
At least one year of experience working with frail or elderly people.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years as a practicing Physical Therapist.
Master’s degree (MSPT) or Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT).
Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

Screen and evaluate participants for acute, restorative, or maintenance rehabilitation needs, following the APTA code of ethics.
Integrate physical therapy treatment plans into participants’ Plans of Care as directed by physician orders.
Collaborate with nursing home and assisted living staff regarding participant rehabilitation needs.
Refer participants to Occupational Therapy or Speech Therapy with team approval, and refer them to the medical clinic when their condition warrants it.
Communicate participant needs related to positioning, mobility, and safety to staff, family members, and caregivers, verbally and in writing as needed.
Provide physical therapy treatments, including modalities, therapeutic exercise, and functional mobility training, and provide written instructions or illustrations as needed.
Ensure participants and caregivers understand the DME loan program and policies, and obtain signatures on loan agreements.
Delegate therapy plans for specific participants to Physical Therapist Assistants and Rehab Aides according to participant needs, procedure complexity, and applicable regulations.
Instruct participants and caregivers in DME use and maintenance and methods to improve mobility, safety, and functional independence.
Make home visits and provide educational sessions when indicated in the POC, documenting activities and participant or caregiver responses.
Discuss plans of care with the multidisciplinary team and participate as a required member of the interdisciplinary team in care planning and monitoring.
Participate in peer review and quality management activities as requested.
Document procedures and POC changes promptly in participant medical charts according to InnovAge policies and procedures.
Provide guidance to staff and team members consistent with state law and company policy.
Order, inventory, distribute, and maintain participant DME; identify defective equipment and arrange repair or replacement.
Ensure DME loans, returns, repairs, and purchases are documented in the appropriate records on time.
Make purchases for participants and rehabilitation operations within the established department budget and goals.
Orient and educate contract physical therapists on InnovAge PACE systems and goals.
Solicit staff ideas to improve the efficient functioning of the rehabilitation department.
Provide remedial training to non-rehabilitation staff, such as CNAs and drivers, regarding specific participant needs.