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. Performs reassessments as indicated.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Develop and implement a program of physical therapy for patients enrolled in PACE and accessing Dy services that 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 capability for independence, and develop function to a maximum level.
• 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 patients and caregivers in the use of adaptive devices and therapeutic, creative and self-care activities for improving function.
• 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 Center Manager.
• Record and sign treatments in the patient’s health record. Record, sign, and date quarterly progress notes. Review and initial all evaluations and the discharge summary.
• Ensure services provided are 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.
• Develop personnel policies which define the physical therapy responsibilities and the duties assigned to the physical therapy assistant.
• Keeps abreast of all regulations and standards to ensure compliance with orders or directives issued by duly constituted government/regulatory (PACE, ADHC, CMS, DHCS, etc.).
• Perform reassessments as indicated. Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and modify goals as necessary.
• Record and sign treatments in the patient’s health record. Record, sign, and date quarterly progress notes. Review and initial all evaluations and the discharge summary.
• Ensure services provided are in a therapeutic setting conducive to restoring dignity and self-esteem to all patients.
• Develop personnel policies which define the physical therapy responsibilities and the duties assigned to the support staff or therapy assistants by the individual treatment plan.
• Participate in training programs for staff and caregivers.