PHYSICAL THERAPIST

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is a professional position involving responsibility for evaluating, planning and providing physical therapy treatment to patients in accordance with written prescription or referral from a physician who provides medical direction. The Physical Therapist is responsible to a Senior Physical Therapist or, if there is no senior position, to the facility administrator for the operation of the department. Supervision may be exercised over the work of Physical Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapy Aides and clerical employees assigned to the service.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: The typical work activities listed below, while providing representative examples of the variety of work assignments in the title, do not describe any individual position. Incumbents in this title may perform some or all of the following, as well as other related activities not described. Evaluates the degree of function and disability of patients unless contraindicated by his professional judgment or a doctor’s admission notes; Performs physical therapy procedures upon the written order or referral of a licensed physician; Participates with other personnel in the formulation of patients’ total care plans; Participates in the selection of personnel in the formulation of patients’ total care plans; Participates in the selection of personnel in the physical therapy service, assigns their duties and provides supervision; Develops or assists in the development of physical therapy policies and procedures; Confers periodically with a supervising Physical Therapist and physicians regarding all facets of patient care and related activities; Assists in the development of, instructs and participates in the facility in-service education program; Records on patients’ charts all physical therapy evaluations, re-evaluations, progress notes, consultation and discharge summaries; Maintains program records including but not limited to the service budget and statistical reports of the frequency and types of treatment and number of patients treated.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Good knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of physical therapy; good knowledge of the operation and maintenance of apparatus and equipment used in physical therapy; good knowledge of pathological conditions and socio-economic factors affecting a patient’s disabilities; working knowledge of community resources applicable to physical therapy; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; and ability to get along well with others.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Licensed and currently registered by the New York State Education Department as a Physical Therapist.