Physical Therapist

Working title: Physical Therapist

Classification title: Physical Therapists (29-1123)

Division: Home Health/Hospice                          

Program: Home Health

Reports to: Clinical Manager of Home Health

FLSA status: Non-Exempt: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8am-5pm

Wage Range: $36.05 to $52.96 hourly; depending on number of years of transferrable experience and internal equity

RiverStone Health:

Serving the Yellowstone County community and south-central Montana for nearly 50 years, RiverStone Health is an essential provider of personal and public health services. Health, Education, Leadership and Protection – HELP is what we do. 

From medical, dental and behavioral healthcare; home care and hospice; public health services like immunizations, WIC, health promotion and restaurant inspections; and educating the next generation of health professionals, our expertise spans all ages and stages of life.  Underlying principles of access, affordability, compassion and quality in all interactions, RiverStone Health improves life, health and safety for all of the communities we serve.

Foremost, we are committed to the values of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) by cultivating an environment that protects and acknowledges the unique identities within our diverse community. 

Home Health Care Overview: 

RiverStone Health Home Care Services provides medical treatment for an illness or injury, to help patients recover, regain independence, and become as self-sufficient as possible. Home health care helps patient manage chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, pain management or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and provides personal care services.  Home Care Services may be requested by physicians, the patient or family member, or a hospital discharge planner.  Through consultation with the patient’s healthcare provider, Home Care Services develops a plan of care to meet the patient’s individual healthcare needs.  The team includes nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, medical social workers, and certified home health aides.

Job Summary:

The Physical Therapist is responsible for assessing, planning, and providing rehabilitative and strengthening programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury. 

Essential Functions/Major Duties and Responsibilities: 

A.   Physical Therapy                                                                              95%

• Instruct the patient and patient’s caretaker(s) regarding the patient’s disability and the measures they can take to lessen or eliminate physical impairment. Obtain patients' informed consent to proposed interventions.

• Perform tests and measurements to evaluate the extent of the disability, establish a prognosis, and determine treatment options

• Develop and implement individual therapy, rehabilitation, and adaptation plans for patients to improve muscle strength and tone, balance, patient mobility, and posture. Confer with the patient, medical practitioners, or appropriate others to plan, implement, or assess the intervention program.

• Continually evaluate and modify plans as necessary.

• Evaluate the need for, prescribe, direct the use of, and adjust adaptive or supportive equipment as necessary.

• Administer manual exercises, massage, or traction to help relieve pain, increase patient strength, or decrease or prevent deformity or immobilization.

• Administer treatment involving application of physical agents, using equipment, moist packs, ultraviolet or infrared lamps, or ultrasound machine.

• Test and measure patient's strength, motor development and function, sensory perception, functional capacity, or respiratory or circulatory efficiency and record data.

• Provide functional training for the patient in negotiating common practical situations.

• Perform safety evaluations of patient homes.

• Move furniture and belongings as necessary to promote safety, mobility, and accessibility.

• Coordinate patient care with physicians, therapists, home health aides, and other care providers.

• Refer the patient to outside resources and/or care providers as necessary.

• Document clearly and accurately the patient’s mental, physical, and emotional condition and treatment.

• Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.

• Monitor the activities of other employees, care providers, and/or caretakers involved in the treatment of the patient.

• Attend case conferences as scheduled whether in-person, telephonically or electronically.

• Conduct in-service educational programs for staff.

• Discharge patient from physical therapy when goals or projected outcomes have been attained and provide for appropriate follow-up care or referral for patients and/or care givers to a variety of community resources after patient discharge.

Non-Essential Functions/Other duties as assigned                            ≥5%

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of RiverStone’s mission and goals.

Education and Experience: 

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduated from an approved accredited school of Physical Therapy

• Any combination of experience and training which provide the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in acute care, rehabilitation, neurology, or geriatric physical therapy.

• Experience working with underserved population

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Licensed Physical Therapist in the State of Montana.

• CPR Certification.

• Valid Montana State Driver’s License in good standing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

•  Thorough knowledge of physical therapy principles and practices.
•  Knowledge and skills to care for the physical and developmental needs of the population age groups that will be receiving services.
• Knowledge and understanding of protected sensitive patient health information (HIPAA) and confidentiality.
• Working knowledge of computer programs and medical coding procedures.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
•  Ability to remain calm in emergency or crisis situations.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to urgent/emergent situations per protocols.
• Ability to multi-task efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to maintain a calm and positive demeanor during difficult client interactions.
• Ability to perform job duties with integrity and innovation to ensure completion and a high level of quality.
• Excellent communication skills to ensure efficiencies and quality customer service.
• Ability to adhere to all policies and procedures, including but not limited to standards for safety, attendance, punctuality and personal appearance.

Customer Service Excellence: 

• Doing things right the first time

• Making people feel welcome

• Showing respect for each customer

• Anticipating customer needs and concerns

• Keeping customers informed

• Helping and going the extra mile

• Responding quickly

• Protecting privacy and confidentiality

• Demonstrating proper telephone etiquette

• Taking responsibility for handling complaints

• Being professional

• Taking ownership of your attitude toward Service Excellence.

Supervision: 

• None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

•  Day travel to residential locations.
• Expected to drive a vehicle which requires sitting, seeing and reading signs, traffic signals, other vehicles, etc. Travel occurs in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. Must be able to use and maintain employees own vehicle when traveling to patient homes.
• Extensive standing and walking.
• Lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients.
• Frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching.
• Lifting up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• The ability to respond to emergency situations including lifting or moving patients when required.
• Hearing: Adequate to perform job duties in person and over the telephone.
• Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly to patients in person and over the telephone.
• Vision: Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including visual examination of patient and reading information from printed sources and computer screens,
• Adequate physical ability including sufficient manual dexterity to perform the requisite health care service. Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, and sitting, with some heavy lifting, pushing and pulling exerted regularly throughout a regular work shift.
• The position is regularly exposed to biological pathogens and contagious diseases where Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and special precautions must be taken due to reduce exposure and mitigate risk.
• Create and maintain a safe/secure working environment by adhering to safety, security, and health requirements. Integrates injury, illness, and loss prevention into job activities by attending any necessary training and implementing best practices.

Freedom to Act & Decision Making: 

• The position reports to the Clinic Manager who provides general direction regarding standards and priorities. The Physical Therapist is responsible for determining the content and effectiveness of customized treatment plans. The position has the authority to modify the content of services to meet patient needs.  The position has the authority to make final technical judgements regarding physical therapy treatments.  As a technical expert providing service in patients’ homes, the position determines or has a strong influence on the nature, scope, efficiency and quality of department functions, services and programs.

Communications & Networking: 

• Daily communication with patients to foster relationships and gain their trust as they help them move through tough exercises. Responsible for maintaining a positive attitude when working with patients, as many patients are dealing with challenging conditions that result in pain and difficulty when performing exercises. Responsible for discussing and safeguarding confidential information, maintaining positivity, keeping patients engaged and motivated, and showing genuine care and concern for patients.

Budget & Resource Management: 

• The position is responsible for managing resources including time, equipment, and other resources necessary to deliver services. 
• Decisions made by the position directly affect the efficiency and cost of services

Salary : $36 - $53