PACE Physical Therapist

Summary of Position

Working under the supervision of the PACE Center Manager, the PACE PT is independent in the application of physical therapy knowledge and skills. Provides autonomous professional physical therapy services as member of the NEMS PACE interdisciplinary team. Plans, organizes, and conducts a comprehensive program of individual and group physical therapy services to enable participant to achieve optimal levels of independent functioning and improve or restore functions which have been impaired, reduced or permanently lost by illness or injury.

Provides consultation and teaching to participants, families, and the PACE interdisciplinary team (IDT). Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, plan, care for and provide service to frail elderly participants according to the assigned responsibilities and NEMS PACE standards. Participates in the supervision of rehab therapy assistant(s).

• Conduct initial and periodic occupational therapy assessments to determine PACE Participants’ care needs, preferences, and goals. Establish realistic and measurable goals and set up treatment plans to administer rehabilitation treatment.
• Remain alert to pertinent input from other team members, participants, and caregivers and update the IDT promptly regarding any changes in participants’ condition or medical status.
• Evaluate participants by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures; evaluate participant’s rehabilitation potential.
• Participate in the development and revision of the participant’s plan of care as an active member of the interdisciplinary team.
• Develop and implement a rehabilitation program to promote, restore or maintain participant’s optimum level of functioning, ensuring integration into interdisciplinary plan of care.
• Conduct an ongoing evaluation of the participant’s rehabilitation program to assess the progress and effectiveness of treatment.
• Report participant’s treatment response to the NEMS PACE interdisciplinary team; modify treatment plan and goals accordingly.
• Provide direct physical therapy for participants.
• Instruct participant and their decision-makers regarding in‑home exercise program, gait training, transfers, ADL care, home modification, and care and use of equipment.
• Consult with participant and their decision-makers regarding individual expectations, as well as long‑ and short‑term goals.
• Make recommendations for equipment, transportation and community services referrals for participants, as well as rehabilitative support for family.
• Provide training to professional and paraprofessional staff in body mechanics, use of equipment, bed mobility, transfers, gait patterns, home exercise program, etc.
• Supervise paraprofessional staff in the performance of their duties as they relate to Physical Therapy. Document the supervision per established procedures.
• Maintain productivity per program expectations.
• Maintain necessary record‑keeping functions pertaining to participant care and progress.
• Provide home visits and home health as needed.
• Utilize Epic appropriately and efficiently and serve as content and workflow expert for resolving issues and proposing solutions in Epic.

• Know and adhere to the philosophy and goals of NEMS PACE.
• Support a quiet and safe environment for participants, visitors, and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of participant records, reports, and discussions.
• Participate in formulation and maintenance of NEMS PACE policies and procedures, especially as they relate to rehabilitation program and services.
• Participate in NEMS PACE Committee(s), as directed by the Center Manager.
• Advise the Center Manager in ways and means to establish better accountability of NEMS PACE services to participants and referral sources.
• Attend and participate in scheduled staff meetings and participant care meetings, as requested.
• Maintain flexibility in schedule and respond to unexpected emergencies and changes in workload to fulfill responsibilities.
• Utilize supplies and equipment economically.
• Promptly inform the Center Manager of “unusual incidents.”
• Be professional in appearance and manner in the clinical area; recognize own limits…