Physical Therapist

The Kings County Public Health Department is seeking a dedicated and skilled Physical Therapist to join our team. Under direction, this position plays a vital role in providing comprehensive physical therapy services, developing individualized treatment plans, and collaborating with families, physicians, school personnel, and community organizations to support children's health and well-being. The ideal candidate will have experience working with children and a strong commitment to improving their mobility, independence, and overall well-being. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to apply your expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment, we encourage you to apply!
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from assigned management or supervisory personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.  
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS 
This journey-level classification is responsible for independently performing professional physical therapy assessment, evaluation, and services for children with physical or neurological disabilities within the assigned unit of the County’s Public Health Department. Positions at this level exercise judgement and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Plans, organizes, administers, and performs physical therapy for children under 21 with neurological or physical disabilities.  
• Assists the physician in patient assessment by interviewing and evaluating the patient’s physical condition; administers appropriate tests.
• Reviews clinical records, medical prescriptions and/or physician referrals to develop individual treatment programs based on goals and objectives; observes, evaluates and records patient’s treatment, reactions, and progress in a clinical record; modifies treatment plan in response to significant changes in patient’s condition.
• Administers active, passive, and resistive therapeutic exercises; schedules and administers thermotherapy, electrotherapy, mechanotherapy, and hydrotherapy, as appropriate.
• Works with families, physicians, school personnel, community organizations, and vendors; instructs patients and caregivers regarding exercises and other activities which are to be continued in the home; instructs patients and caregivers in patient ambulation, use of mobility aids, and proper use and care of equipment.
• Attends clinics, trainings/conferences and meetings as directed and authorized; may provide Targeted Case Management services and engage in outreach and other activities to enhance services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
• Attends Individualized Education Program meetings as requested; monitors and assists in preparation of the Interagency Agreement between the local education area and the CCS Program; may act as a liaison between the State CCS Program, the local program, and local education agencies.
• Maintains records and prepares written reports as required; completes quality improvement audits and provides feedback; maintains program clerical administration, equipment, supplies, and inventory. 
• Observes and complies with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in physical therapy, kinesiology, or a closely related field.

 
Experience: 

• One (1) year of experience in providing physical therapy as a Registered Physical Therapist. (Experience working with children is highly desirable.)

 
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS 
Licenses:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.
• Possession of a valid license to practice as a Registered Physical Therapist in the State of California to be maintained throughout employment.

 
Certifications: 

• Possession of a valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate for adult, child, and infant to be maintained throughout employment.

 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check. 
 
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:

• The therapeutic principles, techniques and equipment used in physical therapy.
•  Anatomy, physiology, and basic pathology involved in diseases, syndromes or injuries resulting in physical, neurological, or mental disabilities. 
• Treatments directed toward the range of joint motions.
• Increasing muscle strength and assisting coordination of movements.
• Accepted and effective methods, goals, and objectives of therapy interventions; kinesiology and modalities.
• Current research in new treatment modalities and equipment design.
• Development, design, and construction as well as the use and care of orthopedic appliances and special equipment.
• Legislative and policy-making activities which influence health services to special needs children. Therapy quality management methods.
• Understanding of the rules, regulations, and eligibility criteria for the CCS Program.
• Physical and psychological problems of therapy patients and their effects on the family.
• CPR and first aid methods and techniques.
• Preparing a variety of documents and educational materials.
• Safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff. 
•  Effective techniques of oral and written communication; proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.  

 
Ability to:

• Plan, organize and conduct therapy treatment programs.
• Explain and interpret goals, objectives and methods to patients, caregivers, and family members.
• Adapt various functions to the therapeutic requirements of individual patients.
• Exercise appropriate independent judgment and monitor the quality of own practice. 
• Demonstrate strong professional ethics.
• Use tact and understanding in dealing with patients, family members and caregivers.
• Collaborate with other professional staff to secure continuity in the treatment and training of patients.
• Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures, and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
• Prepare and maintain accurate, concise case records and other necessary reports, documents, and files.
• Perform job duties under stressful conditions.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and County regulations.
• Follow and efficiently adapt to current and changing program policies, procedures, software, and forms.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. 
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. 
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.  
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in office and clinic settings, treat patients, and use varied medical and office tools and equipment, including a computer; vision to evaluate patients and read printed materials and computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 30 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff. 
 
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office and clinic environment with moderate noise levels and variable temperature conditions. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
 

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All Kings County employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec. 3100-3109 and Emergency Services Chapter 6-8 via adoption of local Ordinance No. 361 § 1, 2-25-75).  As Disaster Service Workers, all County employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable, following a significant emergency or disaster.
Closing date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Human Resources oral boards: April 17, 2025 (tent)

Salary : $83,845 - $102,315