Physical Therapist

Pay: $60.00 to $70.00 per hour

$1000 sign on bonus eligible after completing 90 day probationary period.

Department(s): PACE

Reports to: PACE Center Director

FLSA status: Non Exempt

EEOC Classification: Professionals

Job Summary

The physical therapist for the AgeWell PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program has the responsibility of evaluating and reassessing participants. The Physical Therapist evaluates and assesses participants to determine mobility level and other functional abilities. Provides and recommends therapeutic exercise, gait training, ambulation, etc. Plans and develops group exercise programs for maintenance therapy for participants. Responsible for the overall physical therapy program at AgeWell PACE.

Position Responsibilities

• Conducts initial assessments and reassessments, upon referral from team, of participant's condition and functional status. Communicates participant changes to team members.
• Develops treatment program when indicated, sets goals and provides treatment.
• Records and signs treatments in participant's medical record, records, signs, and dates "Progress Notes".
• Coordinates 24-hour care delivery. Provides training to family members, friends, and AgeWell PACE staff members for those parts of the treatment plan that can be carried out by them.
• Provides supervision to program aides and other staff who are implementing a PT treatment program.
• Reviews assessments and discharges participants when appropriate.
• Participates in case conferences as indicated.
• Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team. Attends staff meetings and takes part in participant care planning. Communicates any changes in participant condition to team members.

Possess the Ability To

• Maintain a positive, flexible, and solution-focused attitude, with both the ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting and to work independently.
• Provide feedback to support IDT decision making.
• Be organized within busy center and clinic environments.
• Maintain effective interpersonal relationships cross-departmentally, and, as applicable, with agencies, members, providers, and the general public.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals from varying cultural backgrounds.
• Prepare concise and clear reports.
• Multi-task on projects and their respective activities, timelines, and issues.
• Effectively utilize computer and software tools.
• Only act within the scope of their authority to practice.
• Work in a dynamic and fast-changing environment.
• Work within an effective team environment, where each team member is held accountable for their independent work.
• Approach the role with an openness to new ideas, cultural humility, and acknowledgment of the dynamics of privilege.
• Reinforce strategic DEI initiatives set by the leadership team and Board of Directors and assist in building a culture that models inclusive behaviors, proactively manages bias, and provides opportunities for strengthening DEI acumen through development and training.
• Meet a standardized set of competencies for the specific position description established by AgeWell PACE and approved by regulatory agencies before working independently.
• Be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up to date before engaging in direct participant contact.
• Pass a criminal background which will verify that the candidate is: not excluded from participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs; has not been convicted of criminal offenses related to their involvement in Medicaid, Medicare, other health insurance or health care programs, or social services programs under title XX of the Act; and have not been convicted of physical, sexual, drug or alcohol abuse.

Knowledge of

• Physical, mental, and social needs of frail older adults.
• Principles and practices of health care, health care systems, and managed care.
• Community-based organizations, agencies, and community services.
• Culture and needs of the socially and ethnically diverse population AgeWell PACE serves.
• Team and value-based care.
• Regulatory policies, rules, and regulations.
• Familiarity and/or experience with geriatrics.

Experience & Education

• Graduation from an accredited physical therapy program. California Physical Therapist License upon hire
• Have 2 years’ experience as a PT, minimum 1 year experience working with a frail or elderly population.
• Licensed Physical Therapist in CA, valid CA driver's license and vehicle.
• Demonstrates clinical competency with geriatric population. Only acts within the scope of his or her authority to practice. Meet a standardized set of competencies for the specific position description established by AgeWell PACE and approved by CMS before working independently.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands: Employee must be able to sit, stand, and walk, as well as lift, position, push, and/or transfer participants. Duties may require frequent reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching. Employee will also be actively present throughout the PACE center, engaged with employees, participants and with staff. Employee is required to use hands and fingers, especially for typing on the computer and using the mouse. Employee must be able to talk and hear, particularly for daily interactions with staff and elderly participants.
• Work Environment: Employee must be able to work in a busy and demanding clinic environment with moderate to loud noise levels.

The Job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors and the requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that an employee may be required to perform. The Employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and to require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations, or work environment change.