Placer Employment Opportunities

Physical Therapist - II

Recruitment #2017-14320-01

Introduction

This recruitment will be open on a continuous filing basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply prior to the first screening deadline of 5:00 PM on August 29, 2017. Applications submitted after this date will be screened on a weekly basis.

Temporary/Extra Help assignments are limited to working 28 hours per week with a cap of 999 hours or 960 hours for CalPERS retired annuitants in a fiscal year and are not eligible for benefits.  Extra-help appointments made from this eligible list may transition to permanent status, should vacancies arise.

The eligible list created by this recruitment may be used in the future to fill additional extra help and permanent positions.

POSITION INFORMATION

The department of Health and Human Services is currently hiring for extra help/temporary assignments in the journey level position of Physical Therapist II at its offices in Newcastle with occasional school and/or home visits.  This assignment plans and performs therapy for children with neurologic and/or orthopedic diagnosis such as cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, amputations, arthritis or similar conditions and provides evaluative assessments and treatments for newborns to 21 years of age.

The current vacancy is located in Newcastle, approximately five minutes west of Auburn, California.  The majority of services are provided at the Newcastle clinic, with occasional home and school visits within Placer County.

DEFINITION

To plan and perform physical therapy for children who are neurologically and/or orthopedically disabled due to cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, amputations, arthritis or similar conditions.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full journey level class within the Physical Therapist series.  This class is distinguished from the Physical Therapist I by the assignment of the full range of duties.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.  Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from a Supervising Public Health Nurse and may receive technical and functional supervision from a Senior Physical Therapist.

May exercise technical and functional supervision over nursing, clerical and other physical therapy staff and volunteers.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

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

  • Evaluate, plan and provide physical therapy for children in a clinic, home or school setting.
  • Test and grade muscle power and functional activities.
  • Give gait and other muscle training exercises to improve coordination and mobility.
  • Instruct children in walking, standing, balancing and use of crutches and braces.
  • Teach children how to skip, hop, jump, skate and engage in similar physical activities.
  • Teach exercises that can be done independently.
  • Give breathing exercises.
  • Observe behavior and progress; assess and evaluate treatment, adjust accordingly.
  • Keep clinical notes and records and prepare related reports.
  • Instruct parents in home follow-up and use of special equipment.
  • Cooperate with teaching staff in securing carryover in treatment and training; and instruct teaching staff regarding care of children's physical disabilities.
  • Work with health and education authorities and community organizations in integrating State and local programs for children with physical disabilities.
  • Organize clinics and participate in conferences, study groups and parent and community meetings.
  • Supervise care of braces and other orthopedic equipment.
  • Design and/or direct the construction of special equipment.
  • Maintain treatment area and equipment.
  • Order or assist in ordering orthopedic and therapeutic equipment and supplies.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: Two years of responsible physical therapist experience, including one year in pediatric rehabilitation performing duties similar to a Physical Therapist I 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.

License or Certificate:

  • Possession of a valid certificate of registration and current license as 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, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and methods of physical therapy.
  • 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 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.
  • 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 Public Health Nursing Division.

Ability to:

  • 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 therapy to children, parents, teachers and other professionals.
  • Prepare reports and keep records of case histories.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of orthopedic and therapeutic appliances and equipment.
  • Use equipment and supplies utilized in physical 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.
  • Independently perform physical therapy assessment, provide treatment and instruct patients and those who closely interact with patients.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

All applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to respond to an online Conviction History Questionnaire, which will be sent as a link on their notification that minimum qualifications have been met.  Failure to respond to this questionnaire within (3) three calendar days of the minimum qualification notification will result in disqualification from the examination.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination, which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation, sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation and/or be bonded.

MODIFIED AGENCY SHOP

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and those in management and confidential groups, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

SUBSTITUTE LISTS

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC AGENCIES

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please visit our website at: http://www.jobaps.com/placer/sup/abfreenames.asp.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

BENEFITS

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for Professional bargaining unit



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