Physical Therapist in Hanover, Pennsylvania at VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION OF HANOVER AND SPRING GROVE INC

Position: Physical Therapist
Department: Home Health
Supervisor: Clinical Manager of Therapy Services

Job Summary

The Physical Therapist provides skilled rehabilitative services to patients in the home health and hospice settings, delivering interventions to improve mobility, safety, independence, and quality of life. This role includes assessing patient function, developing individualized plans of care, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team. In hospice, the Physical Therapist provides palliative interventions to promote comfort, dignity, and safety in accordance with the hospice plan of care. The Physical Therapist’s work reflects the agency’s mission to deliver exceptional healthcare in the home and supports the vision to be the regional home health and hospice agency of choice while upholding the core values of Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Appreciation.

Primary Responsibilities

Patient Care & Clinical Services

• Provide physical therapy evaluation and treatment in accordance with the individualized plan of care, physician orders, Medicare Conditions of Participation, and PA licensure regulations.
• Assess patient strength, mobility, gait, balance, transfer capabilities, and functional status.
• Develop and implement treatment programs that include therapeutic exercise, gait training, assistive device instruction, and home safety strategies.
• Instruct patients, families, and caregivers in therapy programs, therapeutic equipment use, and safe mobility techniques.
• Deliver palliative physical therapy services in hospice, focusing on pain relief, safe mobility, and maximizing independence and dignity.
• Conduct home safety evaluations and recommend adaptive equipment or environmental modifications.
• Prepare accurate and timely clinical notes, progress reports, and communication to physicians and interdisciplinary team members.
• Participate in case conferences, interdisciplinary team meetings, and care coordination activities.

Supervision & Collaboration

• Provide supervision to Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) per Medicare and PA state regulations.
• Ensure on-site supervisory visits at least every seven visits or 14 days, whichever comes first.
• Actively participate in treatment during supervisory visits and adjust care plans as needed.
• Collaborate with RNs, PTAs, OTs, SLPs, MSWs, and Home Health/Hospice Aides to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.

Resource Utilization

• Manage caseload and travel time efficiently to ensure cost-effective, high-quality care delivery.
• Maintain records in compliance with agency policy, HIPAA, and state/federal regulations.
• Comply with local, state, and federal laws, including Medicare Home Health and Hospice Conditions of Participation and Pennsylvania Department of Health standards.

Customer Service Excellence

• Demonstrate exceptional customer awareness by treating patients, families, and colleagues with respect and empathy.
• Address concerns constructively and provide assistance willingly.
• Promote patient satisfaction and service excellence in every interaction.

Professional Development

• Commit to ongoing personal and professional growth through education, training, and participation in professional organizations.
• Contribute to agency committees, performance improvement initiatives, and community engagement as assigned.
• Serve as a role model for professionalism, collaboration, and ethical practice.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Attend staff meetings, departmental meetings, in-services, and continuing education as required.
• Serve on committees and special projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as requested in alignment with agency needs.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Mobility: Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, push/pull, and occasionally lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
• Transportation: Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license, reliable transportation, and automobile insurance required.
• Work Environment: Must be able to work in patient homes and community settings with varying conditions.
• Sensory Abilities: Vision, hearing, touch, and smell required for patient care and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current license as a Physical Therapist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (or pending application).
• Minimum of two years’ experience as a Physical Therapist, with home health experience preferred.
• CPR certification required.

Core Values

• Integrity: We build trust through responsible actions and honest relationships.
• Respect: We value the potential in each individual and treat all with dignity and compassion.
• Teamwork: We work together without barriers and encourage creativity through empowerment.
• Appreciation: We foster a culture that recognizes and rewards the contributions of each employee.