Physical Therapist

InnovAge•Newport News, VA

15d

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 physical therapy treatment plans into each participant’s Plan of Care (POC) as directed by physician orders and provides care in accordance with InnovAge policies and applicable state regulations. The role includes evaluating rehabilitation needs, delivering physical therapy, coordinating care with participants, caregivers, facility staff, and the interdisciplinary team, and documenting services and changes to the POC. The therapist also oversees aspects of durable medical equipment (DME), supports and educates staff, and participates in quality management and peer review activities. InnovAge’s PACE program provides enrolled seniors with customized healthcare and social support at PACE Adult Day Health Centers, with the goal of helping participants live safely and independently in their homes and communities.

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 and follow the APTA code of ethics.
Collaborate with nursing home and assisted living staff regarding participants’ rehabilitation needs.
Refer participants to Occupational Therapy or Speech Therapy with team approval, and to the medical clinic when warranted; document changes in the POC.
Communicate participants’ positioning, mobility, and safety needs to staff, families, and caregivers in an understandable manner.
Provide physical therapy treatments, including modality treatment, therapeutic exercise, and functional mobility training; provide written instructions and illustrations as needed.
Ensure participants and caregivers understand the DME loan program and policies and obtain signatures on loan agreements.
Delegate therapy plans to Physical Therapist Assistants and Rehab Aides according to participant needs, procedure complexity, and applicable regulations.
Instruct participants and caregivers in the use and maintenance of DME and methods to improve mobility, safety, and functional independence.
Make home visits or provide educational sessions as indicated in the POC and document activities and participant or caregiver responses.
Discuss and integrate the POC with the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams, and participate as a required interdisciplinary team member.
Participate in peer review and quality management activities as requested.
Document procedures in participants’ medical charts promptly and according to InnovAge policies and procedures.
Provide staff and team members with guidance consistent with state law and company policy.
Order, inventory, distribute, and maintain participant DME; identify defective equipment and arrange prompt repair or replacement.
Ensure staff document DME loans, returns, repairs, and purchases in the appropriate records in a timely manner.
Make purchases for participants and rehab operations within established department budgets and goals.
Solicit staff ideas to improve the efficient functioning of the rehab department.
Provide remedial training to non-rehab staff, such as CNAs and drivers, regarding specific participant needs.
Orient and educate contract physical therapists on InnovAge PACE systems and goals.