PHYSICAL THERAPY TECHNICIAN

DEFINITION

This is responsible work as a lead worker for Physical Therapy Aides in a physical therapy department.

An employee in this class serves as a lead worker in assisting a physical therapist in the management of a physical therapy department. Work includes assigning, supervising and evaluating the non-treatment work of physical therapy aides and assisting the physical therapist during patient treatment and by applying routine physiotherapy techniques under supervision. Work also includes maintaining supplies, equipment and materials used in the physical therapy department. Treatment work is performed under the close supervision of a physical therapist while other work is performed with more independence.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Assigns, supervises and evaluates physical therapy aides in non-treatment work.

Assists the physical therapist in coordinating treatment schedules with other facility departments.

Orders and stores supplies, forms and equipment used in the physical therapy department; maintains an adequate supply of materials and ensures that equipment is available to meet treatment needs.

Maintains records for the physical therapy department including treatment activities, equipment and supply usage, etc.

Performs routine physical therapy procedures, such as gait training, therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, heat and cold modalities, etc., predetermined for each patient by the physical therapist.

Transports patients to and from the treatment area; assists patients in preparation for treatment and as necessary during treatment and at the conclusion of treatment.

Observes and records levels of patient tolerance and progress in treatment and notifies physical therapist of patient reaction to treatment.

Assists patients in the safe practice of activities related to the development of strength and endurance.

Assists a physical therapist and other professional staff in training direct-care staff in restorative exercises, lifting, moving and transferring patients, and other activities related to physical therapy.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of the organization and functions of a physical therapy department.

Considerable knowledge of the techniques used in lifting, moving and transporting patients.

Considerable knowledge of routine physical therapy treatments, techniques and modalities.

Considerable knowledge of possible hazards to patients during treatment and of necessary precautionary and remedial measures.

Ability to assign, direct and evaluate the work of physical therapy aides while performing non-treatment functions.

Ability to safely lift, move and transport patients.

Ability to work effectively with persons with physical or mental disabilities.

Ability to maintain and keep records of supplies, equipment and materials used in a physical therapy department.

Ability to communicate effectively with other staff and demonstrate proper techniques used in lifting, moving or transporting patients.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

Three years of experience in the care, treatment, rehabilitation or habilitation of persons with physical or mental illnesses or disabilities or mental retardation/developmental disabilities, of which at least two years involved experience in assisting physical therapy staff in administering physical therapy; and possession of a high school diploma or a GED certificate. (Graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant associate degree program will substitute for the required experience and education

(Rev. 7/1/96)