Physical Therapist

Overview

Provides clinical and consultative support to Physical Therapists (PTs) and Interdisciplinary Care Team Managers regarding complex rehab related clinical and/or customer service issues.

Mentoring and leadership are provided to less experienced PTs. Additionally, physical therapy services are offered to VNS Health home care patients.

A plan of care is developed and implemented consistent with the Agency's goals and Rehabilitation department policies and procedures.

This position works under general supervision.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs annual clinical co-visits for physical therapists as well as two initial co-visits during the first six months for new hires.
• Provides feedback to therapist and management; assists in development of plans to address improvement needs as appropriate.
• Participates in the orientation of new hires, including but not limited to, field training, post core orientation program, and competency testing.
• Delivers classroom instruction for new graduate program. Evaluates performance and identifies areas for improvement.
• Liaises with the Rehab COE to ensure quality and best practices are adhered to for all therapy services.
• Participates in the creation and delivery of CEUs for Physical Therapists.
• Makes presentations and educates therapists, physicians, social workers, nurses and other health and human service providers about specific therapy specialties.
• Acts as a mentor/resource to new staff for guidance and problem-solving.
• Conducts comprehensive assessment of patients by determining patient needs, develops courses of action including treatment plan and outcomes and implements the home physical therapy care plan.
• Maintains patient records by completing all required VNS Health documentation and ensuring compliance to Agency standards and policies.
• Counsels caregivers and family by providing education and consultation for related patient care issues, including referrals within and outside of VNS Health as necessary.
• Assists patients with therapeutic interventions and activities of daily living, which may require positioning, moving, transferring and lifting patients of varying body sizes and physical conditions.
• Ability to use and assist patient with use durable medical equipment as a component of the plan of care, including but not limited to wheelchairs, patient transfer lifts, ambulatory devices, slings, splints, orthoses, prostheses, and exercise/strengthening equipment.
• Travels to patients' homes and/or other facilities with varying environments.
• Transports and utilizes required technology devices, infection control materials and supplies using VNS Health designated/supplied carrying case.
• Provides care in accordance with Agency policies, practices, procedures and standards, including professional practice standards of care.
• Evaluates the need for equipment by analyzing client requirements, identifying devices needed, ordering equipment and instructing patient/caregivers/family in its safe use.
• Provides physical therapy services to patients as per plan of care.
• Assesses cases for appropriateness of Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) services.
• Participates in VNS Health meetings including but not limited to, interdisciplinary team meetings, inservices and training programs, rehab services meetings and caseload reviews.
• Serves as Coordinator of Care (COC) on selected cases, which meet criteria for PT only cases.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• New York State License and current registration in Physical Therapy required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy from a program approved by the New York State Department of Education required.
• Minimum of five years physical therapy experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and guide less experienced therapists.
• Bilingual skills may be required, as determined by operational needs.