Shift Hours: 8AM - 4:30PM
JOB SUMMARY (Overview of job): Responsible for evaluation, planning, directing and administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician or as assessed at start of care. Develops an individualized plan of care for the patient in an effort to restore function and prevent disability following injury, surgery, disease or physical disability. The Physical Therapist will assist patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning in order to remain as independent as possible.
Provides direct patient care in the home or setting where the patient refers to as home. The PT is under the direction of the Director or designee. Performs detailed and accurate assessments utilizing a standardized assessment (OASIS) of patients and completes documentation in a timely and accurate manner according to home health policy and regulatory requirements. Facilitates patient hand-offs and provides assistance to move the patient through the care continuum. Understands the principles of case management to ensure effective coordination of care, financial stewardship and utilization of community resources. Works collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team, physicians, and the community emphasizing a teamwork environment. Ability to implement quality care standards for patients served. Coordinates provision of patient care for assigned patients, maintains competency levels annually and attends continuing education as applicable. Delegates appropriate tasks as needed. Works with the Director and/or clinical coordinator to assure patient visits are being provided as outlined in the plan of care.
COMMUNICATION: Demonstrates good communication skills to facilitate implementation of quality core measures, attends meetings and weekly case conferences. Maintains open communication with the interdisciplinary team. Maintains open communication with the Director and/or clinical coordinator in relation to case management responsibilities or patient concerns. Utilizes appropriate chain of command to collaboratively and proactively problem solve as needed. Diffuses patient/family complaints prior to involving the Director or clinical coordinator. Attends education when offered related to competencies or changes in processes. As appropriate communicates with the clinical coordinator and/or referral RN if other disciplines will need to be added to the plan of care. Understands regulatory and compliance standards to assure the provision of safe, cost effective and quality care. Attends committee meetings as assigned by the Director.
ADAPTABILITY: Has a “can do” attitude, promotes team-work, and a no-blaming environment while setting the tone for the department by being a good role model. Maintains a positive attitude and flexibility regarding fluctuating patient census and staffing needs. Demonstrates critical thinking skills and actively completes assignments, documentation per agency policy. Able to prioritize and multi-task when the department gets busy. Keep calm during stressful times.
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: Sufficient knowledge, critical thinking skills, and experience to demonstrate ability to work autonomously. Experience working in a Home and Community Based Program is a plus.
EDUCATION: Graduate of an approved school of Physical Therapy or graduate of accredited college or university with a certificate in Physical Therapy.
LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY: Current Montana State Physical Therapy Licensure, BLS required.
Aptitudes: Mental acuity/intelligence -ability to recognize changes in client's physical and mental capacity. Determine if other disciplines need to be added to the plan of care (nursing, MSS) Able to interact with patients and famlies providing excellent care as well as excellent customer service. Knowledge of computer programs and able to learn to use computer for clinical documentation. Numerical/mathematical skills to be able to measure for needed adjustments, weights. Mechanical-ability to explain and educate clients to equipment, adjust walkers, crutches, wheel-chairs. Organization-ability to allocate appropriate time and resources efficiently to meet client needs.
Ability to achieve cognitive, organization and emotional maturity to deal respectfully and effectively with multiple tasks, stresses, deadlines, difficult situations and/or customers. Possesses positive interpersonal and communication skills necessary for effective, non-judgmental, and empathetic patient care and customer relations. Ability to achieve expected organizational behavioral standards. Open to feedback and a quickly changing environment, which requires flexibility in scheduling, equipment, and department assignments. Strives to put the patient first above personal needs and beliefs. Acts as a mentor to less experienced staff.
SPECIFIC DUTIES: Conducts start of care, resumption of care, transfers and discharges in a timely manner according to regulatory guidelines. Serves as a team resource and assists staff members as available with difficult patient situations. Understand the principles of patient education and health literacy to promote patient self management skills. Develops individualized home exercise programs. Conduct home safety evaluations. Provides physical therapy to various types of patients that which may include; joint replacements, balance disturbances and gait training. Regularly attends staff meetings and educational programs as applicable or mandated. Effectively manages time and resources responsibility. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in providing quality care to home care patients. Provides comprehensive therapy case management to a group of assigned patients. Effectively works with the clinical coordinator.