Physical Therapist

About the role

The Physical Therapist (PT) at Alternate Solutions Home Care - Fairfax provides comprehensive skilled services as ordered by the attending physician within specified geographical territory. They educate patients and their family members and ensure the safety of the patient.

Responsibilities

• Provides skilled physical therapy in a patient's home as ordered by the attending physician
• Observes, records, and reports patient reactions, changes, and progress to attending physician and any appropriate agency staff
• Performs OASIS assessments to develop an individualized plan of care and makes adjustments as needs change
• Completes initial evaluation and admission visit within 48-72 hours of referral
• Develops plan of care
• Helps decrease re-hospitalizations by front loading visits for high risk patients
• Treats patients to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain maximum performance using physical means, such as, exercise, massage, heat, water, etc.
• Arranges the provision of services listed above on an outpatient basis which cannot be given in the patient’s home
• Promotes continuity of care with appropriate admissions, transfers and discharges
• Counsels patient and family on the disease/injury and how to manage in all phases of physical therapy
• Incorporates patient and family in development of plan of care
• Instructs patient and family members on proper use of equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, walkers, crutches, canes, and other prosthetic/orthotic devices
• Ensures patient/family know financial responsibility for needed equipment by utilizing DME department and/or MSW
• Helps decrease re-hospitalizations by teaching the patient on preventative measures and making good decisions
• Listens to patient and family members
• Oversees and supervises therapy services of patient provided by PTAs and when appropriate, nurse assistants
• Evaluates the POC based on patient response to treatment/medical condition and adjusts as needed
• Communicates with the PTAs and nurse aides on supervisory visit results
• Completes all clinical documentation in accordance with agency protocol and Medicare/Federal guidelines
• Documents all aspects of treatment, assessments, and patient education
• Completes chart audits at agency site location as requested
• Maintains active PT license in state of employment
• Communicates with scheduler any changes as needed
• Participates in all on-call requirements and case conferences
• Attends in-service trainings and mandatory agency meetings
• Participates in orientation/training of new employees
• Maintains a professional appearance as a representative of the company
• Understands and practices agency policies and procedures

Qualifications & Attributes

• Physical Therapist with a current license in the state of employment
• Minimum of one year of experience as an PT in an acute setting is required
• Home care experience is desired
• Ability to effectively communicate and create positive impressions with patients, families, physicians and co-workers
• Knowledgeable on therapy best practices
• Ability to make appropriate physical therapy judgments
• Ability to identify a situation and handle it with the best possible solution
• Detail-oriented and observant
• Disciplined style of work ethic with the ability to prioritize and be timely
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance with your name as a listed driver

Health Qualifications

• Must be able to meet all physical position requirements
• Evidence required of a current negative tuberculin skin test or x-ray or receive TB testing at the date of orientation
• Employees in this position may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens