PACE Physical Therapist

Position Summary:

The Physical Therapist (PT) is a Member of the Interdisciplinary Team of the San Diego PACE Program and is responsible for the design and implementation of a program of physical therapy for PACE patients to help them to remain independent and live safely in the community. The PT performs assessments of PACE patients and develops individualized plans of care, is responsible for determining the appropriate approach to be used in developing function to a maximum level and supervises the carrying out of the plan of care by support staff. The PT performs reassessments as indicated.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Develop and implement a program of physical therapy for patients enrolled in PACE and accessing day services. This program may include therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular reeducation, rehabilitation services, functional activities, gait training, orthotics training, prosthesis training, and massage. Modify the program as needed based on reevaluations and the patient population.
• Perform assessments of patients to determine abilities.
• Develop and implement an individualized plan of care to decrease or eliminate disability, increase or maintain independence, maximize function.
• Ensure that the individual plan of care is being followed by qualified support staff.
• Provide therapies to include: muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests; treatment to relieve pain, develop or restore function; and assistance to achieve and maintain maximum performance using physical means such as exercise, massage, heat, sound, water, light or electricity.
•  Guide participants and caregivers in the use of adaptive devices and therapeutic, creative and self-care activities for improving functions.
• Perform reassessments as indicated. Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and modify goals as necessary. Traveling required as indicated.
• Conducts home, hospital, and other relevant site visits as needed, and indicated by IDT and/or Therapy Supervisor.
• Record and sign treatments in the patient's health record. Review and initial all evaluations and the discharge summary.
• Ensure that services provided in a therapeutic setting conducive to restoring dignity and self-esteem to all patients.
• Ensure that required equipment and supplies for the physical therapy program are available or ordered as needed with the assistance of the therapy supervisor.
• Stay abreast of all regulations and standards to ensure compliance with orders or directives issued by duly constituted government/regulatory agencies (PACE, ADHC, CMS, DHCS, etc) with the assistance from the therapy supervisor and compliance director.
• Direct oversight of Physical Therapy assistants.
• Participate in training programs for staff and caregivers.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and follow established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, compliance required courses, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
• Adheres to and models SYHC’s core values and behaviors of Excellence, Empowerment, Integrity, and Respect.
• Adheres to SYHC and PACE attendance and punctuality polices and practices.
• Attend meetings as required and participate on committees as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Job Requirements

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy if obtained prior to the year 2000; if obtained after the year 2000, then Master’s Degree in PT; if obtained after the year 2015, then Doctorate of Physical Therapy. 

Experience Required:

• Experience in working with the geriatric population is preferred.

Certifications Required:

• Licensed Physical Therapist in CA.
• CA valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Proof of current vehicle insurance (if applicable).
• BLS/CPR certification.

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Bilingual English & Spanish preferred.
• Excellent oral, written communication, and interpersonal skills. 

Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Knowledge of principles and methods for treatment and rehabilitation of disabilities and functional impairments.
• Ingenuity and imagination in adapting modalities to individual needs.
• Familiarity with the Older Americans Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Area Agencies on Aging.
• Patience and strong interpersonal skills. 
• Excellent oral, written, and computer skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and to participate in a multi-cultural, multidisciplinary team.

Equipment Used:

• Parallel bars.
• Full-view mirror.
• Overhead pulley and weights.
• Set of training stairs.
• Treatment table enclosed for privacy.
• Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, and other ambulation aides.
• Modalities including: Electrical Stimulation, Ultrasound, Paraffin Wax, Hot Packs, Cold Packs, and others.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• May face hazards from moving heavy equipment and lifting patients or helping them turn, stand, or walk.
• May be required to attend meetings outside regular business hours.
• Commitment to long-term care in a community setting and promoting maximum patient independence and functional ability.
• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods.
• Occasional lifting of heavy objects.

Universal Requirements:

Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs. Compliance with all mandated vaccinations and all boosters is a term and condition of employment.