SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Use therapeutic massages, movement trainings and exercises to help people recover from their injuries or illnesses.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Possess a bachelor’s degree preferably in a science-related field.
- Have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited physical therapist program.
- Have a valid license to practice physical therapy in the District of Columbia.
- Compliant with state regulatory requirements and liability insurance.
- Current CPR certification and ability to wear PPE.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and professional behavior.
- Current knowledge of physical therapy treatment practices.
- Have at least two (2) years’ experience in a healthcare facility (hospital, clinic, rehabilitation center, or nursing home) and of the two years at least 6 months should be in home health rehab services.
Specific duties include but is not limited to:
- Perform admission assessments, re-assessment and evaluations and make follow-up home visits to provide therapy treatments.
- Consult with patients to learn about their physical condition and symptoms and review their medical history and referrals for physical therapy.
- Diagnose movement dysfunction based on diagnosis, illnesses, injury and physician’s order as to the medical necessity for physical therapy.
- Develop an individualized treatment plan.
- Coach patients and teach them therapeutic exercises and stretches to improve their condition.
- Use exercises, stretching, equipment and hands‑on therapy to manage patients’ pain, increase mobility and prevent further pain and injury.
- Use hands‑on therapy such as massage to ease patients’ pain and provide stimulation to promote healing.
- Maintain patient records by keeping track of goals and progress while adapting treatment plans accordingly.
- Advise patients and their families on in‑home treatment options and what to expect from the recovery process.
- Record patient progress and modifying the plan of care if needed.
- Educate patients and family members about the recovery process.
Expected Behaviors
- Consistent delivery of quality customer service.
- Demonstrates skill in diplomacy and conflict resolution.
- Mature interpersonal skills: communicates effectively with diverse groups.
- Recognition of and commitment to maintaining confidentiality of agency information.
- Proven ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands.
- Discipline to adhere to established timelines.
- Compassion and empathy for patients, who are often in pain.
- Attention to detail regarding a patient’s problems to analyze what they need to ease their pain and to prevent further injury.
- Physical stamina to lift patients and spend long hours standing and modeling exercises.
- Interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with patients and motivate them.
- Communication skills to interact clearly with doctors and family members as well as patients.
- Basic computer skills necessary and ability to utilize basic computer software integral to agency operations.
Physical Demands
Job requires walking, standing, reaching, bending, climbing stairs, lifting, moving exercise equipment.