Physical Therapist

Overview:

Per Diem Position

Wage Range: $45.84- $70.59

DEFINITION OF POSITION:

The Home Health Physical Therapist practices physical therapy according to current standards of practices in conjunction with the department's policies and procedures, including patient assessment, treatment, delegation, coordination, and evaluation of services provided. The Home Health Physical Therapist is directly responsible to the Home Health and Hospice Director and/or VP of Nursing, and has the responsibility for overall direction, supervision, instruction and evaluation of professional and supportive staff, volunteers and students in their area of Home Health physical therapy . He/she is responsible for the patient's record documentation and acts as the patient advocate. 

Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Responsibility

• Responsibility for interpreting and carrying out the prescription of the physician; good public relations; protection of confidential data; economic use of time, equipment and supplies; safety and welfare of patients and other employees.

Knowledge

• Must know the principles and practice of Physical Therapy; be familiar with the American Physical Therapy Association Code of Ethics; department/facility policies, procedures and regulations; layout of the department/facility; be aware of inter-and intradepartmental/facility communications; supervision and management techniques.

Skill

• Must be able to apply the theory of Physical Therapy; have the ability and competency to operate the equipment used in his/her position; perform technical procedures; speak intelligently and in a professional manner before others; supervision and management skills.

Mental Application

• Must be able to instill confidence in patients, doctors and personnel; determine proper procedures and methods and evaluate results; make decisions on his/her own; adapt to emergency situations; be alert to changes in the patient's condition; be alert to all activities of the department/facility

Dexterity

• Must have coordination of sight and body movements in various applications of procedures; know techniques of assisting and handling patients; ability to handle the tools and machines of the profession.

Accuracy

• Must possess a high degree of accuracy in carrying out prescriptions, in receiving and translating information, and in charting and reporting.

Physical Demands

• Has good physical stamina in this department/facility; fairly strong, energetic; tolerates much walking, standing, writing, stooping, carrying, talking, seeing, bending, handling, color vision, speed; healthy back is necessary; able to be on feet most of the day.
• Able to walk, stand, stoop, lift, balance, sit, kneel, hear, reach, pull, talk, see, turn, carry, push, handle, write. The degree to which any of these are done depends on the techniques being used.
• Must be able to lift 75 pounds maximum and frequent lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Working Characteristics

• Thoughtful of others, gentle, courteous, patient, neat, well-groomed, healthy, friendly, average intelligence, good memory, tactful. Should have ability to organize his/her time in order to treat the maximum number of patients in the allotted working day.
• Conducts himself/herself with professional dignity; is pleasant, tactful. Maintains optimum physical and emotional health; understands the importance of good human relations; is able to motivate others; has broad interests; must possess strength of all extremities and back; has initiative and good judgment, flexibility, enthusiasm, thoroughness.

Working Conditions:

• Inside and outside environmental, not always protected from the weather temperature changes. Inside environmental changes are mainly those inside patient homes. Those can include temperature variations, smoke, unclean homes, various sizes and types of pits, and structural faults/barriers. Subject to frequent exposure to infection, contagious disease, and hazardous materials and equipment. Subject to combative patients, dysfunctional families and varying relationships. Variable noise levels. Also subject to rapid pace, multiple stimuli, unpredictable environment, and critical situations.

Hazards

• No unusual hazard risks. May be exposed to muscular strain in supporting, lifting and assisting patients.

Public Relations

• Has a major role in fostering good public relations.

Supervises

• Licensed Physical Therapist Assistants, students and nonprofessional department / facility personnel.

Policies and Procedures

• To keep current and adhere to all policies and procedures as enumerated in the Policy and Procedure Manual.

Organization-wide/Department Performance Improvement Plan

• To actively participate in the overall organization-wide/department performance improvement plans as enumerated in the Performance Improvement Manual.

Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an approved school of Physical Therapy with a preferred minimum of two (2) years clinical experience.
• Have ability to provide for patient's physical rehabilitation and psychosocial well-being.
• Ability to meet lift in classification.
• Ability to communicate with others both medically and general public.
• Have a nice appearance being well-groomed and demonstrate appropriate contact.
• Must have or be eligible for State Licensure or Registration.
• Ability to drive vehicle within Umatilla/Morrow County. The car must be in reliable condition with insurance coverage and have a valid driver's license.
• Must have a current certification in CPR.