Placer County

To assist in the planning, and development, and administration of the children's physical and occupational therapy program; to provide lead supervision to other staff and/or contractors engaged in physical therapist services; and to perform physical therapy for children who are neurologically and/or orthopedically disabled.

This is the advanced journey level class in the Physical Therapist series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, and by the amount of time spent performing the more complex duties.  Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series including acting as a lead supervisor over contract staff reviewing and evaluating their cases and activities.  Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

Receives direction from management staff; may receive technical and functional supervision from other professional medical staff.

Exercises technical and functional supervision over professional and clerical staff and contractors.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assign, train, guide and review the work of independent contractors and/or employees involved in providing physical or occupational therapy; provide leadership to the Medical Therapy Unit.
• Review service agreements of contractors; recommend service providers; assist in arranging therapy services with local clinics in the community; review protocols for consistency with contractual agreements and evaluate proposals relating to therapy services.
• Perform therapy for physically disabled children; evaluate children's needs for therapy with direction and guidance from physicians; instruct patients in proper body mechanics; explain therapeutic treatment recommendations to patients, parents or other concerned parties; maintain clinical notes and records; prepare related reports.
• Work with community organizations, health and education authorities in integrating state and local programs for children with physical disabilities; organize clinics and participate in conferences.
• Provide therapy consultation to the California Children's Services Program regarding eligibility to the Medical Therapy Program and authorizations for therapy, rehabilitation stays and rehabilitative durable medical equipment.
• Supervise the procurement and care of braces and other orthopedic equipment; design and/or direct the construction of special equipment; maintain treatment areas and equipment.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, patients and community contacts, using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Three years of responsible physical therapist experience, including one year in pediatric rehabilitation performing duties similar to a Physical Therapist II with Placer County.

Training: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in physical therapy or a related field. A master's degree in physical therapy is desirable.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of a valid certificate of registration and current license as a physical therapist issued by the California State Board of Medical Examiners.
• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of physical and/or occupational therapy with particular emphasis on physical and psychological problems of physically and mentally disabled children.
• Rules and regulations for operating under California Children's Services Program.
• Policies and procedures of the Health and Medical Services Department, especially as related to the Children's Physical Therapy Program.
• Principles and methods of lead supervision.
• Principles used in contract review and administration.
• Skeletal anatomy and kinesiology.
• Basic pathology and neurology involved in cerebral palsy and other disabling conditions such as myelomeningocele, amputations and arthritis, relative to the objectives of physical and occupational therapy.
• Growth and development of children.
• Physical and psychological problems of physically disabled children and their families.
• Use and care of orthopedic and therapeutic appliances and equipment.
• English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar; arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations.

Ability to:

• Assist in the planning and supervision of a comprehensive physical and occupational therapy program.
• Evaluate the work of other therapists and clerical staff.
• Work effectively with physicians, school staff, community organizations, handicapped children and their families.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports and keep records of case histories.
• Analyze work situations accurately and take effective action.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk for long periods of time while preparing reports; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist and reach while assisting patients in moving to and from treatment area and in providing treatment and instructional activities.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; see with sufficient visual acuity to observe patient's physical skills; and lift very heavy weight.
• Teach disabled children the fundamentals of self-care and other suitable activities; explain and teach physical and occupational therapy to children, parents, teachers and other professionals.
• Independently perform physical and occupational therapy assessment, provide treatment and instruct patients and those who closely interact with patients.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of orthopedic and therapeutic appliances and equipment.
• Use equipment and supplies utilized in physical and occupational therapy treatment; use various hand tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches to adjust therapy equipment and devices.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Obtain information through interviews; deal fairly and courteously with the public; and impart instructional information to patients, family and teachers.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
• Use general office machines and technology.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.