Home Health Physical Therapist
Fort Dodge, Iowa
UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge

Physical Therapist (PT) - Home Health

Location: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Employment Type: Permanent
Shift: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Daytime hours)
FTE: Full-time (1.0)
Department: Skilled Nursing (SN) - Home Care

Job Overview

As a Physical Therapist in home health, you will provide skilled therapy interventions and physical assessments in patients' residences. You will develop and contribute to home health plans of care under physician direction, ensuring interdisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient outcomes. Your role includes delivering therapy treatments consistent with clinical best practices to improve patient function and experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct initial and comprehensive patient assessments in the home setting.
• Evaluate patient functioning using appropriate tests.
• Provide physical therapy treatments to relieve pain, restore function, and maintain performance.
• Initiate diagnostic, preventative, and rehabilitative procedures as appropriate.
• Ensure safe, quality delivery of services according to the care plan.
• Educate patients and families on treatment, disease management, medication use, equipment safety, emergency preparedness, and phases of physical therapy.
• Develop, update, and coordinate individualized plans of care and discharge plans with measurable outcomes.
• Include patients and caregivers in care planning and communicate plan revisions to all involved parties.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation and comply with verbal order protocols.
• Obtain physician orders prior to care initiation and notify physicians of patient condition changes.
• Communicate with physicians and healthcare practitioners involved in the care plan.
• Identify and intervene to reduce risks of hospitalization or emergency department visits.
• Supervise home health aides and physical therapy assistants, documenting supervision accordingly.
• Maintain competence in OASIS data collection and documentation per CMS guidelines.
• Participate in clinical record reviews to ensure quality, appropriate utilization, and interdisciplinary coordination.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a Physical Therapist education program accredited by CAPTE or equivalent credential evaluation.
• Passed a state-approved Physical Therapist examination.
• Licensed as a PT in Iowa (or as required by state regulations).
• Minimum one year of experience with a similar patient population.
• Basic knowledge of commonly used medications, including administration, actions, and side effects.
• Ability to perform physical therapy assessments and treatments independently in home settings.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative teamwork skills.
• Ability to understand and apply clinical guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Proficient with basic Microsoft Office applications.
• Reliable transportation and ability to drive safely in all conditions, day or night.

State License Requirements

• Licensed Physical Therapist in Iowa
• Compact license allowed

Additional Information

• This is a full-time, permanent position with daytime hours.
• The role involves travel to patient homes within the service area.
• Emphasis on patient-centered care, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Commitment to quality documentation and compliance with home health regulations and standards.

This position offers a supportive work environment focused on professional development and delivering exceptional patient care in home health settings.