CLASS TITLE:
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of a Medical Therapy Unit Supervisor, provide
physical therapy to individuals in the California Children Services Medical Therapy
Unit (CCS/MTU) with medically eligible conditions; evaluate, develop and implement
physical therapy treatment plans in response to client needs; train and provide work direction and guidance to therapy support staff.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Provide physical therapy to clients in the CCS/MTU as prescribed by
physician instructions; select and utilize appropriate evaluation tools;
prepare written evaluations of client needs; establish functional goals and
achievable objectives based on evaluations and clinical observation.
Evaluate, develop
and implement physical therapy treatment plans, programs and sessions in
response to client needs; monitor, evaluate and
adjust initial and subsequent treatment plans, programs and therapy activities
in response to client needs and progress.
Perform
evaluation procedures such as test of function, strength, tone, range of
motion, upright motor control, spasticity, sensation, proprioception, visual
field, bulbar functions, cognition, gait analysis, body image, electro
diagnostic and other tests; analyze results to determine extent of patient
deficits, limitations and disabilities.
Provide training and assistance to staff, patients, families, school
personnel and others concerning physical therapy and related treatment plans,
methods, principles, theories, standards, guidelines, requirements, practices
and procedures; make home and school site visits to evaluate the physical
environments of clients and assist in determining program, equipment and other
therapeutic needs.
Train and provide work direction and guidance to assigned therapy support
staff; recommend caseload assignment for therapy support staff; oversee patient
care treatments provided by support staff; review work for compliance with established
standards, policies and procedures.
Implement direct patient care program; perform complex treatments such as
proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, muscle re-education, bulbar
treatment, joint and soft tissue mobilization, mobility training, neuro-developmental
techniques, functional electrical stimulation, fabrication and application of
orthotic devices; provide prosthetic training and post-operative management.
Confer and consult with physicians regarding evaluation, treatment and
progress of patients, changes in treatment plans and discharge plans; provide
recommendations to physicians for enhancing the functions of patients by use of
a wide variety of medical, surgical or bracing procedures.
Monitor and evaluate client needs for new equipment such as braces,
wheelchairs, walkers, lift devices or other therapeutic equipment; write
letters of medical justification for Durable Medical Equipment (DME); evaluate
existing equipment for effectiveness and make appropriate modifications; make
adjustments in response to client growth as needed; instruct parents and
caregivers in the maintenance and safe use of equipment; consult with DME
providers as needed.
Consult with classroom personnel regarding appropriate positioning for
clients in the classroom and appropriate physical activities for clients.
Develop implement and instruct families and caregivers concerning home
exercise programs for physical therapy.
Compile
information and prepare and maintain various records and detailed written
reports, case notes and summaries concerning patients, treatment, therapeutic
activities, goals, objectives, progress, evaluations and assigned duties in
accordance with established policies, regulations and procedures.
Communicate with clients, physicians, personnel, schools, outside
agencies and others to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns;
prepare, distribute and respond to a variety of correspondence.
Operate a variety of standard office equipment including a computer and
assigned software; drive a vehicle to conduct work; utilize various hand and
power tools in the design and fabrication of positioning devices.
Coordinate client programs, schedules, transportation and other matters
with others.
Order supplies for office and clinic as assigned.
Attend and participate in various meetings, workshops, in-services and
clinics as assigned; attend IEP meetings as necessary.
Maintain current knowledge of technological advances in medical equipment
and advances in physical therapy techniques.
OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Principles and techniques of physical therapy.
Practices,
procedures and techniques involved in the development and implementation of
treatment plans,
programs and sessions for individual clients according to individual needs.
Anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neurology,
neuroanatomy including structure function,
malfunction, therapeutic exercise, muscle physiology
and principles of treatment.
Evaluation procedures such as test of function, strength, tone, range of motion,
upright motor
control, spasticity, sensation, proprioception, visual field, bulbar
functions, cognition, gait
analysis, body image, electro diagnostic and other tests.
Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
Operation and maintenance of equipment used in physical therapy.
Safety precautions including hazards associated with client’s specific activities.
Oral and written communication skills.
Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
Principles of training and providing work direction.
Health and safety regulations.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
BLS techniques.
ABILITY TO:
Provide physical therapy to clients in the CCS/MTU as prescribed by physician
instructions.
Evaluate, develop
and implement physical therapy treatment plans in response to client needs.
Train and provide work direction and guidance to therapy support staff.
Evaluate individual physical disabilities of patient and prepare written evaluations.
Provide training and assistance to teachers, staff, parents and others concerning physical therapy and related treatment.
Communicate effectively with families of handicapped individuals.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with
others.
Maintain records and prepare reports.
Monitor and evaluate equipment needs.
Repair and fabricate special equipment as necessary.
Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and assigned software.
Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Maintain current knowledge of related technological advances and other matters.
Prioritize and schedule work.
Meet schedules and time lines.
Observe health and safety regulations.
Perform BLS as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to:
bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and one year experience in
physical therapy.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid Registered Physical Therapist Certificate issued by the California
Board of Physical Therapy.
Valid California driver’s license.
Current BLS certificate.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Therapy center environment.
Driving
a vehicle to conduct work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate office and therapeutic
equipment.
Seeing to monitor client progress and read a variety of materials.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.
Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling heavy objects as assigned by the
position.