Physical Therapy

Pennant Group•Abilene, TX

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The physical therapist contracted or employed through the Organization is responsible for providing physical therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the Personnel Services Agreement. This role involves providing physical therapy services to patients according to a written physician's plan of care, which includes assessing and evaluating therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status, and participating in the development of the total plan of care. The therapist will also evaluate the home environment, assess muscle strength, mobility, gait, ROM, and potential for rehab. They will direct physical therapy treatment, instruct patients and families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances, determine priority needs for physical therapy, and report patient reactions to treatment or changes in condition to the physician. The role also includes initiating physical therapy programs, instructing other personnel and/or family/caregiver members in certain phases of physical therapy, identifying patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and referring as necessary, and participating in discharge planning. Additionally, the therapist will provide in-service education programs for nursing organization personnel, participate in peer consultation, and supervise home health aides and Physical Therapy Assistants according to policy and state regulations. Participation in the HHA's quality assessment and performance improvement program and HHA-sponsored in-service training is also expected. The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by the employee of this job. The employee may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

Requirements

Licensed to practice as physical therapist within the State, if applicable
Passed an examination for physical therapists approved by the state and possesses a degree from a baccalaureate or master’s program in physical therapy approved by the Commission on accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (“CAPTE”) or any successor organization of the CAPTE
Two years of appropriate experience as a physical therapist
Demonstrates good verbal and written communication and organization skills
Possesses and maintains current CPR certification
The ability to drive and/or have access to transportation for agency related travel (e.g. community partners, patients, etc.) is an essential function of the job
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, maintain automobile insurance coverage and have access to an automobile

Nice To Haves

Community/home health experience is preferred

Responsibilities

Ongoing interdisciplinary assessment and development of the individualized plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s)
Patient, caregiver, and family counseling
Patient and caregiver education
Preparing clinical notes, and progress summaries based on the attainment of goals
Communicating with the physician who is responsible for the home health plan of care and other health care practitioners (as appropriate) related to the current home health plan of care
Providing physical therapy services to patients according to a written physician's plan of care
Assessing and evaluating therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status, and participation in the development of the total plan of care
Evaluates home environment
Assesses for muscle strength, mobility, gait, ROM—potential for rehab
Directing physical therapy treatment
Instructing patients and families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances
Determining priority needs for physical therapy
Reporting to physician patient’s reaction to treatment or changes in condition
Initiates physical therapy program and instructs other personnel and/or family/caregiver members in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with a patient, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the physical therapy program for the patient by participating in case conferences
May train patient in the use of prosthetic device
Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refers as necessary
Participates in discharge planning for patient
Provides in-service education programs for nursing organization personnel as needed
Participates in peer consultation process
When therapy is the only skilled service, instructs, supervises and evaluates home health aide care every two (2) weeks
Supervises Physical Therapy Assistants according to organization policy and state regulations
Participates in the HHA's quality assessment and performance improvement program and HHA-sponsored in-service training