Physical Therapist

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive initial physical therapy assessments in the patient’s home, focusing on pain, mobility, functional abilities, and safety.
• Develop and document comfort-oriented therapy plans of care that support hospice goals (e.g., positioning, transfers, gentle mobility, energy conservation), not long-term rehab or strengthening programs.
• Provide limited, goal-directed treatment interventions as clinically indicated (e.g., gentle range of motion, positioning strategies, transfer training, caregiver training).
• Educate patients and family caregivers on safe body mechanics, positioning, transfers, use of assistive devices, fall prevention, and strategies to maximize comfort and dignity.
• Collaborate with the hospice team (RN case managers, medical director, social workers, aides, chaplains) to ensure therapy recommendations align with the patient’s goals of care and changing condition.
• Reassess patients as needed to modify the plan of care in response to changes in comfort, function, or safety.
• Accurately document assessments, plans, visits, and recommendations in accordance with agency policy, professional standards, and applicable regulations.
• Communicate significant changes in patient condition or needs promptly to the hospice nurse case manager and/or physician.
• Adhere to hospice philosophy, emphasizing quality of life, symptom relief, and support for patients and families.

Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted Physical Therapist (PT) license in the state of South Dakota.
• Graduation from an accredited Physical Therapy program.
• Minimum 1–2 years of clinical PT experience; prior hospice, home health, or geriatric experience strongly preferred.
• Understanding of hospice philosophy and goals of care, with a patient-and family-centered approach.
• Ability to shift from restorative/rehabilitative goals to comfort- and function-focused interventions appropriate to end-of-life care.
• Strong communication, teaching, and interpersonal skills; ability to work compassionately with patients and families facing serious illness.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and appropriate auto insurance for travel to patient homes in the Rapid City area.
• Ability to work independently in the field, manage a flexible and intermittent caseload, and complete timely documentation.

Schedule and Compensation

• PRN/contract role with visits scheduled based on patient need and referral volume.
• Compensation paid per visit or per evaluation/treatment, to be determined in contract.