SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the PACE Center Director, the Physical Therapist screens and assesses member functional status. Uses pertinent data to plan and implement appropriate interventions and communicates the same to the inter-disciplinary team to ensure the functional status of members is considered, including those members who are considered to be at high fall risk.  Provides direct guidance to Patient Care Aides, Rehabilitation Assistants and other staff assisting with Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) members’ direct care. Assists in in-services to support staff education. Conducts group education to members as assigned.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

PERFORMANCE AREA 1:

Works closely with the Interdisciplinary Team to:

• Perform initial and annual screenings/assessments as assigned and uses independent judgment in recommendations for services.
• Function as a member of the interdisciplinary team.  Maintains regular attendance at, and participation in, interdisciplinary team meetings; collaborates on care planning and service allocation decisions.
• Complete member evaluations as needed and uses analysis, interpretation and decision-making skills to independently develop a Physical Therapy plan of care.  Evaluations include but are not limited to the following: gait assessment, balance, bed mobility, functional status, physical status, home safety and environmental assessments, restraint assessments, and wheelchair needs.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care plan development and discharge planning for members.  This involvement extends to other facilities caring for PACE members.
• Provide regular updates to team on members’ status in therapy, including therapy discharge plans.
• Provide treatment to members and implements physical therapy procedures consistent in achieving identified goals; grades activities to facilitate goals.
• Assess need for adaptive and/or durable medical equipment (DME), makes recommendations to interdisciplinary team according to policy and assists with issuance of DME as indicated.
• In conjunction with primary care and the interdisciplinary team, assesses the need for specialized shoes and prosthesis according to policy.  Assesses newly issued orthotic shoes, braces and prosthetics for appropriateness and proper fit as indicated.
• Perform minor equipment repairs as directed by competency requirement.
• May assess the need for on-going skilled services and provides authorization for Physical therapies provided in a Nursing Home and with Contracted Agencies, following initial evaluation order by Primary Care.
• Communicate as needed with utilization therapist and/or contracted therapists as directed by Rehab Therapy policy and updates the interdisciplinary team.
• Develop and instruct other staff and/or caregivers on follow through programs to be carried out by individuals other than the Physical Therapist.
• Assist in hiring, orientation and training of Rehabilitation Aides, including all areas of performance consistent with department policies. Reports directly to supervisor regarding these issues and provides input for performance evaluation.
• Assist in hiring, orientation, training and provides professional supervision for PTA(s), in conjunction with Rehab Therapy leadership.  Adheres to department policy and physical therapy practice laws on PTA practice and reports to direct supervisor regarding these issues.  Provides ongoing education to PTA’s.
• Delegate restorative care plans to Rehab Aides when indicated and in a timely manner.  Reviews restorative care plans with the Rehab Aides as directed by department policy.
• Review restorative care plans as directed by department policy.
• Complete documentation according to policy. 
• Develop special programs according to member needs.
• Participate in committee meetings as needed.
• Advocate for community-based services and commitment to risk-based long-term care system to serve the frail elderly population of the community.
• Provide PT coverage for other PACE sites as needed.
• Communicate observed staffing needs/changes and program development needs to Rehab Therapy leadership.
• Provide training in body mechanics and use of assistive/adaptive devices to staff and caregivers.
• Educate staff, members, and caregivers on services available through physical therapy staff and limitations of PTA services as directed by the PT practice laws.
• Supervise students following physical therapy practice guidelines as appropriate.
• Utilize appropriate safety measures when providing care and performing other job duties.
• Support Quality Improvement efforts.
• Support agency’s mission and values.
• Maintain valid Physical Therapy licensure through the state of California.
• Protect privacy and maintains confidentiality of sensitive employee, member and agency information.
• Perform related non-clinical services necessary to maintain the efficient operation of the department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Must have knowledge and understanding of and be sensitive to area minority groups and their socio-economic backgrounds/cultures. Demonstrated ability to function independently, with strong organizational skills and flexibility required. Individual must be self-motivated and able to develop positive working relationships with a wide variety of individuals. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing in both English and Spanish preferred. Must have strong oral presentation skills and the ability to interact with a wide range of clients effectively. Must have the advanced knowledge and training sufficient to obtain and maintain licensure in the state of California. 

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program and current State PT license required.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license.

PRIOR EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum total of one year of personal, clinical/internship, and or employment experience providing care or services for adults with disabilities or frail elderly population required. 

• Experience/familiarity with PACE program and Electronic Medical Records systems, preferred.               

SKILLS

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

• Able to quickly build and maintain rapport with patients and providers of differing backgrounds; team player

• Customer-service oriented

• Strong computer skills

• Familiar with adult learning and general training techniques

• Positive professional insight

• Flexibility and dependability

• Demonstrated good problem-solving skills; sound judgment

• Effective leadership/supervisory skills

• Working knowledge of physical, mental and social needs of disabled and older adults.

• Effective skills in assessment of functional needs of disabled and older adults.

• Effective written and oral communication skills.

• Productive as both an independent and interdisciplinary team contributor.

• Effective organizational skills.

• Demonstrates necessary skills and knowledge as needed for position-specific Competency Assessment Profile.

The pay range for this Exempt position starts at $98,090.62 a year. Our salary ranges are dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition, our comprehensive benefits package for regular status employees includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with low premium cost
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401k plan with matching contribution
• Educational Assistance
• Employee discounts and more!