IMPERIAL COUNTY
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.
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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
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Physical Therapist - Continued
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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.
October 2006
Physical Therapist - Continued
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.
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