Care Indeed·San Francisco, California
Provide skilled physical therapy services and comprehensive assessments, including OASIS, to patients within their homes. Establish and implement physician-consulted treatment plans to relieve pain and restore function while supervising support staff.
The registered physical therapist provides skilled physical therapy services on an intermittent basis to patients in their homes in accordance with physician orders. The role involves comprehensive patient assessments (Including oasis), establishing and implementing physician-Consulted treatment plans, and treating patients to relieve pain and restore function using physical means. Other key responsibilities include instructing patients and families on the therapy program, recording and reporting patient condition to physicians, and supervising physical therapy assistants and home health aides. Qualified candidates must be a graduate of an ama/Apta-Approved physical therapy school, be state licensed, and have at least one year of institutional/Home health experience.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Provide initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of the patient’s needs, including Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) assessments.
Establish a treatment plan in consultation with the physician and revise it with the approval of the physician as necessary.
Assist in the development and implementation of the interdisciplinary patient care plan as it pertains to Physical Therapy.
Assist the physician in evaluating patients by applying diagnostic and prognostic muscle, nerve, joint and functional ability tests.
Treat patients to relieve pain, develop or restore functional, and maintain maximum performance, using physical means, such as exercise, massage, heat, water, light, and electricity.
Consult and familiarize staff regarding the established plan.
Teach, supervise, and counsel the family and patient in the physical therapy program.
Instruct patients in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, canes, and prosthetic and orthotic devices.
Provide the equipment required to carry out the plan.
Arrange for outpatient service for procedures that cannot be given at home.
Record on a timely basis all evaluation data, treatments, and patients' responses to therapy intervention. Also records quality assurance data.
Prepare an assessment of the patient's condition, periodic evaluations, and summaries.
Supervise Physical Therapy Assistants and paraprofessionals as per agency policy.
Record and report to the physician the patient's reaction to treatment and /or any changes in the patient's condition.
Communicate with the physician at least every 30 days or whenever changes occur regarding the patient’s status and obtain additional orders, if necessary.
Communicate with other team members (including Home Health Aides) and, when appropriate, instruct them in certain phases of physical therapy that they may use while working with the patient.
Write clinical/progress notes on the date of the visit and incorporate the same in the patient's record within 72 hours.
Participate in case conferences, physical therapy staff meetings, agency activities, and in-service programs as necessary.
Supervise the home health aide every two weeks when physical therapy is the only professional discipline involved in the patient's care, and supervise the Physical Therapy Assistant at least monthly.
Participates with staff, patients, and physicians in discharge planning activities and completes a Physical Therapy Discharge Summary.
Assist in the Agency Admission Process.
Obtain a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition.
Evaluate the patient, the patient’s significant other(s), and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required, what assistance will be available from the family in caring for the patient, and what other Agency and community services will be required.
Assure that the physician’s orders are appropriate and discuss necessary changes.
Qualifications: & SKILLS
1. Must be a graduate of a Physical Therapy school approved by the Council of Medical Education of the A.M.A. in collaboration with the American Physical Therapy Association.
2. Must be licensed or registered by the State.
3. Must have at least one year of institutional/home health experience.
4. Must have a criminal background check.
5. Must have current CPR certification.
Working conditions
The risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens is high
The ability to drive and the ability to access patients’ homes, which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible, are required.
Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the patient's condition and to perform patient care.
On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach, and move patient weight up to 250 pounds, lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.
Must be able to effectively communicate in English.
00 AM–5:30 PM; however, work hours will vary depending on the client's needs. Work hours may include day, evening, weekend, or holiday shifts, based on client needs and company needs. Advance notice will be provided.
Must be a graduate of an AMA/APTA-approved physical therapy school and hold a valid state license. Requires at least one year of institutional or home health experience and current CPR certification.
Market context
Registered Physical Therapist positions in California are commonly driven by ongoing needs in hospitals, rehab settings, and home health. Competition can be strong because employers often look for an AMA/APTA-approved degree, a current California license, at least one year of institutional or home health experience, and CPR certification. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your license status and tailor your application to the care setting most closely matching your experience.