County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, to select and perform appropriate tests for the evaluation of patient's physical and neurological capacities; to provide professional physical therapy services using all modalities available for therapeutic purposes in the development of patients’ functional capacities; and to do related work as required for both in-patients and out-patients.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Physical Therapist I is the entry- and journey-level classification for professional therapists. Incumbents generally work under the supervision of a Physical Therapist II. Assignments are generally made by the Chief Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist III, although in some situations they may work directly from a Physician's prescription. The Physical Therapist I must demonstrate professional growth in providing patient care without continuous supervision from a Physical Therapist II or Physical Therapist III, after training and supervision in the quality of physical therapy services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.
1. Administers various muscle, neurological, gait, and functional tests to determine patients’ disabilities and develop a suitable treatment program.
2. Confers with a Physical Therapist II or higher supervisor regarding patients’ physical and psychological condition in a team conference setting, and suggests new or modified treatment plans.
3. Administers range of motion exercises to improve the function and flexibility of the joints; administers, instructs, and supervises patients in other passive, assistive, active, and resistive exercises; instructs and supervises patients in gait training and other self-help activities; facilitates motor control in neurological patients; and administers other forms of physical therapy involving all modalities, such as hydrotherapy, heat therapy, light therapy, and electrotherapy.
4. Assesses the need for and recommends appropriate assistive devices and appliances for patient use and treatment, as mats, weights, whirlpool baths, pulleys and crutches, braces, canes and prosthetic devices. Is primarily responsible for related equipment orders and follow through for delivery
5. Keeps records and prepares weekly reports on patients’ treatment and progress; observes patients for contraindications to treatment; attends case conferences to discuss patient problems and progress with physicians and personnel of other disciplines such as occupational therapists, and medical social work staff; completes Medi-Cal and Medicare forms related to patients’ status and progress.
6. Attends and participates in staff conferences and in-service training; assists in training student physical therapists, in orienting persons of other disciplines to the aims and scope of physical therapy, and in supervising supportive personnel; gives in-services to nursing and other services as indicated.
7. Participates in professional activities in order to continue professional development; and participates in in-service educational programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Graduation from an accredited school of physical therapy,
And
Certification:

Eligibility for, or possession of, a valid certificate to practice as a Registered Physical Therapist in California.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, methods, equipment and theory of physical rehabilitation involved in the practice of physical therapy.
• Anatomy and physiology of the skeletal, muscular, neural and other systems of the body, and the pathologies and injuries which result in physical impairment.
• Modalities and techniques used in a physical therapy program, including exercise, heat therapy, light therapy, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, and activities of daily living.
• Methods of testing and evaluating muscular and neural function.

Ability to:

• Understand and follow physician's prescriptions and other technical instructions.
• Instruct and gain the confidence and cooperation of patients in the program, instilling appropriate attitudes and effecting mental adjustment, as well as physical rehabilitation.
• Maintain accurate records and present reports.
• Work effectively with a wide variety of people.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

LW:kb
8/77
Old document: 0562h
New document: Jobspecs/5835
ys/7/01
CSC Date: 8/30/77

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.