Day (United States of America)

Field Physical Therapist

The physical therapist contracted or employed through the Agency is responsible for providing physical therapy services to promote positive therapeutic outcomes and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the Personnel Services Agreement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Provides physical therapy services to patients according to a written physician plan of care.  This may include, but will not be limited to:

Assesses and evaluates therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status, and participates in case conferences to develop the total plan of care.

Evaluates home environment to assure services can be safely provided in the home.

Assists the physician, ARNP, or PA in evaluating patient’s potential for rehab through applying diagnostic and prognostic muscle, nerve, and joint and functional abilities tests.

Directs physical therapy treatment.

Instructs patients and families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances.

Determines priority needs for physical therapy.

Reports to physician, ARNP or PA, the patient’s reaction to treatment or changes in condition.

Initiates the physical therapy program and instructs other health team personnel and/or family/caregiver members in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with a patient, when appropriate.

Instructs the patient and/or the caregiver on the patient's total physical
therapy program.

Instructs the patient and caregiver in care and use of physical therapy/prosthetic devices.

Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refers
as necessary.

Observes and records activities and findings in the clinical record per Agency standards and reports to the physician, ARNP or PA, the patient's reaction to treatment and any changes in patient's condition, or when there are deviations from the plan of care;

Prepares and submits clinical and progress summaries based on the attainment of goals as directed by Agency policy and procedure.

Provides physical therapy consultation to patient’s families/caregivers when indicated.

Participates in peer consultation process.

Supervises Physical Therapy Assistants according to organization policy and state regulations,

             a. Is accessible at all times during working hours.

             b. Provides consultation during the delivery of care.

Acts as case manager in cases when therapy is the only skilled service, and may instruct, supervise and evaluate home health aide care every two (2) weeks

Participates in discharge planning for patient.

Meets Agency productivity goals.

Provides in-service education programs for nursing organization personnel as indicated.

Maintains clinical competency in physical therapy practice and theory.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Physical Therapy Assistants

May supervise Home Health Aide

QUALIFICATIONS

 To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Possesses a degree from a baccalaureate or masters program in physical therapy approved by an accredited organization. Licensed to practice as physical therapist within the State. Minimum of two years of appropriate experience as a physical therapist. Community/home health experience is preferred. Possesses and maintains current CPR certification. Must have valid Florida Driver's license, a reliable automobile and minimum insurance as required by law.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals.  Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors as appropriate.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete va