POSITION SUMMARY
The Physical Therapist is a registered professional who provides skilled physical therapy services on an intermittent basis to clients in their homes. These services are performed in accordance with physician's orders and other duties as deemed necessary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties are normal for this position. This list is not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Initial and interim evaluation.
- Problem identification and goal setting.
- Treatment planning in consultation with the physician to achieve goals.
- Interdisciplinary coordination.
- Client/family education as appropriate.
- Provision of equipment required to increase the client's function and independence.
- Timely recording of all evaluation data, treatments and client's response to therapy interventions.
- Conducts the admission of the patient when necessary.
- Obtaining a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition.
- Assuring appropriateness of physician's orders and discussing necessary changes.
- Instructs client in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, canes and prosthetic and orthotic devices.
- Teaches, supervises and counsels the family and client in the total physical therapy program and other related problems of the client at home.
- Communicates with the physician at least every 30 days or whenever changes occur regarding client status and obtaining additional orders, if necessary.
- Writes clinical/progress notes on the date of the visit and incorporates same in the client's records within 24-48 hours.
- Participates in case conferences, therapy staff meetings, agency activities and in-service programs as indicated.
- Confirms, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Intake Coordinator to coordinate necessary visits with other personnel.
- Participates with staff, client and physician in discharge planning activities and completes the physical therapy discharge summary within the designated framework of Agency policies.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervises the Home Health Aide every 2 weeks when physical therapy is the only professional discipline involved in the client's care.
- Supervises the Physical Therapy Assistant as required by state regulations at least every 2 weeks as outlined in the physical therapy assistant job description.
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, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Educational Requirements and Experience:
- Graduate of a physical therapy school approved by the Council of Medical Education of the A.M.A. in collaboration with the American Physical Therapy Association.
- Current license in the state of Texas.
- Current CPR certification.
- Has at least one year of institutional experience.
