Mercy LIFE, a member of Trinity Health PACE, is seeking a Physical Therapist, to work full-time status, for its location in W. Springfield, MA. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) model is centered on the belief that it is better for the well-being of seniors with chronic care needs and their families to be served in the community whenever possible.
PACE serves individuals who are age 55 or older, certified by their state to need nursing home care, able to live safely in the community at the time of enrollment and live in a PACE service area. While all PACE participants must be certified to need nursing home care to enroll in PACE, only about 7 percent of PACE participants nationally reside in a nursing home. If a PACE enrollee needs nursing home care, the PACE program pays for it and continues to coordinate the enrollee's care. We encourage fellowship and independence while serving seniors and their families with dignity and respect. Delivering all needed medical and supportive services, PACE is able to provide the entire continuum of care and services to seniors with chronic needs while maintaining their independence in their home for as long as possible.
JOB Description
Under the direction and supervision of the Therapy Lead, provides physical therapy services to participants of Mercy Life, on both an outpatient and in home status. Participates in case conferences, interdisciplinary team meetings and in-service programs as required.
General responsibilities will include:
Conducts an in person comprehensive physical therapy assessment on all PACE participants upon enrollment. Coordinates with the interdisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive plan of care for each participant. Conducts physical therapy reassessments annually and as needed.
Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Maintains regular attendance at, and participates in the interdisciplinary team meetings; communicates participant changes, collaborates on care planning decisions and coordination of 24 hour care delivery. Actively participates in the Intake and Assessment meetings.
Evaluates participants to determine and assure appropriate prescription, needs, goals, history, complications, and precautions. Follows up with participant during treatment, explaining precautions to take. Discusses condition and treatment plans and recommends solutions to participant’s care problems with the interdisciplinary team.
Assesses the need for adaptive durable medical equipment, specialized shoes and prosthesis. Assess participant’s home for safety and mobility. Recommends home modifications and or equipment. Plans physical therapy treatment programs according to recognized standards and policies.
Administers physical therapy treatment programs consistent in achieving identified goals and according to recognized standards and policies. Confers with interdisciplinary team on participant care issues.
Documents evaluation, assessment, plan and treatment rendered accurately and in timely fashion and according to established policy. Measures effectiveness of treatment, documents and revises plan accordingly. Completes necessary documentation and statistics accurately and in a timely fashion.
Educates and instructs participants/family in procedures, home programs and documents participant understanding.
Directs, supervises, and performs initial and annual competencies, and evaluates the performance of up to two licensed Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs). Reviews and cosigns contemporaneously entries of the PTA into the participant medical record. Reviews the plan of care with the PTA before the PTA provides care.
Trains PACE staff in body mechanics, use of equipment, transfers, gait patterns, and methods to maximize safety and functional abilities in performing activities of daily living (ADL’s). Performs initial and annual competencies on appropriate direct care staff as needed.
Contributes to quality assurance activities as assigned.
Maintains high standards of business and ethical conduct in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations including fraud, abuse and waste. Avoids activities, which could result in perceived or actual conflicts of interest. Maintains required licenses and certifications.
Maintains and submits documentation as required by Mercy LIFE. Maintains confidentiality regarding participants, health care staff and documentation.
Candidates will have:
Education: Work requires the knowledge of theories, principles, and concepts normally acquired through the completion of an accredited program in Physical Therapy.Certification/License: Licensed by the State of Massachusetts as outlined in Mass. General Law 666. Minimum of two years’ experience as a physical therapist, one (1) year working with the frail or elderly preferred. Willing to consider newly licensed graduates.Ability to function with minimal supervision and ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment. Demonstrates sensitivity to the unique needs of patients and families experiencing a serious or terminal illness.Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.