Physical Therapist - Home Health

St. Luke’s University Health Network; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Luke’s University Health Network is seeking a Physical Therapist for home health services. This role involves evaluating patients, establishing treatment plans, and providing physical therapy in home settings.

The position requires effective communication with healthcare teams and documentation of patient progress. Ideal candidates will be graduates of accredited physical therapy programs with CPR certification and experience under supervision.

Qualifications

• A graduate of a program approved by the American Medical Association.
• Experience under a registered Physical Therapy Supervisor preferred.
• CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients and establish treatment plans.
• Treat patients using various therapeutic techniques.
• Document and communicate patient progress.

Skills

Therapeutic exercises

Massage techniques

Patient evaluation

Documentation skills

Communication with healthcare team

Education

Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program

Tools

Low-voltage generators

Ultrasonic machines

Job description

The Physical Therapist Home Health works collaboratively with other members of the interdisciplinary team to assure delivery of high quality physical therapy services in accordance with physician’s orders and with the agency’s programs and policies. Services are provided in the patient’s place of residence.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs initial evaluation to identify functional deficits and establishes a Plan of Treatment in consultation with the physician, including short‑ and long‑term goals.
• Treats patients to relieve pain, develop or restore functions, and maintain maximum performance using therapeutic exercises, massage, dry and moist heat.
• Directs and aids patients in active and passive exercises, muscle re‑education, gait and functional training, activities of daily living including transfer activities and prosthetic training.
• Uses physical therapy modalities such as low‑voltage generators, ultrasonic machines, heat and cold.
• Arranges for outpatient therapy services for procedures that cannot be completed in the home.
• Observes, records and reports patient response to treatment and any changes in condition to the physician.
• Communicates with the Rehab Program Manager, Patient Care Manager, Clinical Coordinator and other staff to plan total patient and family care.
• Confers with other disciplines to plan rehabilitation for the patient.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and legible documentation in compliance with agency policy and directives.
• Evalues and documents effectiveness of care, makes revisions as needed, and plans discharge when appropriate.
• Supervises Physical Therapy Assistants as required by regulation.
• Instructs other health‑team personnel, patients, and family members in phases of physical therapy and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, walkers, canes, prosthetic and orthotic devices.
• Facilitates the provision of necessary equipment.
• Provides orientation and supervision in home‑care PT skills to PT students from accredited programs and orientation to new orientees regarding PT scope of practice.
• Participates in patient‑centered unit meetings.

Transportation Requirements

Must use own transportation to provide care at patient’s residence and comply with the following:

• Maintain a valid PA or NJ driver’s license and a good driving record accepted by the Network insurance carrier.
• Maintain motor vehicle insurance with the minimum requirements established by PA or NJ.
• Obey and adhere to all motor‑vehicle regulations and laws while operating the vehicle.
• Perform routine vehicle maintenance.

Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Ability to sit for up to ninety minutes at a time.
• Ability to tolerate standing for thirty to forty‑five minutes consecutively.
• Ability to manipulate dials on machines using hands/fingers.
• Ability to lift or move patients up to 300 lbs., push/pull patients weighing up to 300 lbs.
• Ability to frequently stoop, bend, squat, crouch, kneel, and reach above shoulder level.
• Capable of tactile sensation for feeling muscle spasms, texture, and skin temperature.
• Ability to hear normal conversation and call bells.
• Capable of seeing general vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision.

Education

A graduate of a program approved by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association in collaboration with the American Physical Therapy Association or its equivalent and by the state required.

Training and Experience

One or two years of experience under a qualified registered Physical Therapy Supervisor preferred. CPR certification required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

St. Luke’s University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.