Physical Therapist

at Northern Counties Health Care in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, United States

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Home Health and Hospice Physical Therapist is responsible for assessing, developing a plan of care and providing physical therapy services to home care and hospice patients of all ages.   The physical therapist is an essential part of an interdisciplinary team.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:  

• Provides physical therapy services to patients according to a written physician's plan of care and as defined in the state Physical Therapy Practice Act.  This may include, but will not be limited to:
  1. Assessing and evaluating therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status, and participation in the development of the total plan of care.   Evaluates home environment.
  2. Assessing for muscle strength, mobility, gait, ROM—potential for rehab.
  3. Developing comprehensive patient plan of care.
  4. Completing OASIS assessments as indicated.
  5. Assessing vital signs.
  6. Directing physical therapy treatment.
  7. Instructing patients and families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances.
  8. Determining priority needs for physical therapy.
  9. Reporting to physician patient’s reaction to treatment or changes in condition.
• Initiates physical therapy program and instructs other personnel and/or family/caregiver members in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with a patient, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the physical therapy program for the patient by participating in case conferences.
• Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refers 
   as necessary.
• Prepares and submits clinical and progress summaries based on the attainment of goals.
• Participates in discharge planning for patient.
• Provides physical therapy consultation to home families/caregivers when indicated.
• Provides in-service education programs for nursing organization personnel as needed.
• Participates in peer consultation process.
• Supervises physical therapy assistants according to organization policy and state regulations.
• When therapy is the only skilled service, instructs, supervises and evaluates home health aide care every two (2) weeks.

The above statements are intended 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.