Within an Interdisciplinary Care Team setting, incumbent promotes and maintains the physical mobility and well-being for participants both in the day center and at home if needed.  Conducts assessment, treatment, teaching and counseling.  Trains restorative aides, center health aides and home care aids to support restorative care plans.

• Evaluates the participant’s physical condition and functional status, establishes a plan of care setting realistic goals and appropriate treatment plan to administer physical therapy interventions.

• Gives education and instruction in treatment and follow-through to the participant, the participant’s family, and possible attendant, in the Day Center and/or at home as needed.

• Gives general instruction on principles of physical therapy to other staff members as needed; in-service training for other team members.

• Works in close cooperation with the Enrollment Coordinator and other staff members.

• Records initial and final evaluations in the participant’s medical record; makes detailed progress notes; schedules participants for further treatment.

• Re-evaluates needs for physical therapy, at least annually and as needed.

• Develops and monitors programs to encourage wellness that meet ongoing needs of participants

• Assumes responsibility for professional activities and growth by keeping abreast of current Physical Therapy evidence based practice and research, especially in the field of geriatrics, by attending professional conferences and in-services.

• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and staff meetings.

• Understands and follows Northland PACE Program policies and procedures.

• Demonstrates service excellence to all participants in job performance.

• Participates in the Quality Assessment Process Improvement Program, Ethics Committee, Utilization Review Committee and others as deemed appropriate.

Education/Experience:  A BS degree in Physical Therapy or a BS in a related field with a certificate in physical therapy.

Special Training:  Thorough working knowledge of operation and maintenance of physical therapy equipment.  Experience in clinical practice with the frail elderly.  Working knowledge of the interdisciplinary model of care.  Experience working with cognitively impaired seniors is important.  Must be able to relate well with seniors and their families to deal with sensitive issues and facilitate problem solving.  Must be flexible and able to change easily.  Multi-cultural experience.

Physical Demands:  Ability to physically lift and assist participants in hands-on care.  Good verbal and written communication skills.  Good interpersonal skills.  Ability to perform physical therapy procedures effectively and safely.  Ability to work with people from different socio-cultural backgrounds in an effective manner.  Ability to accept and utilize supervision. 

Working Conditions:  Primarily in office environment and within participant homes.