PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE I

DEFINITION

This is routine work in providing assistance in the administration of physical therapy.

An employee in this class assists professional physical therapists and physical therapist assistants by performing routine tasks which facilitate the work of the therapist. Work involves transporting patients to and from treatment areas, preparing patients for therapy, observing patients during therapy to prevent harm or injury, and the application of routine physiotherapy techniques under close supervision. Work also includes maintaining records, equipment and supplies used in the physical therapy department. Work is performed under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, and normally follows a predetermined routine.

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

Performs routine physical therapy treatment procedures, such as gait training, hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise, etc., predetermined for each patient by the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

Transports patients to and from treatment areas; assists patients in preparation for on-going treatment and as necessary during treatment and at the conclusion of treatment.

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

Assembles, disassembles and cleans equipment and accessories used in treatments.

Orders and stores supplies, forms and equipment used in the physical therapy department.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Some knowledge of routine physical therapy treatment methods, techniques and modalities.

Some knowledge of proper techniques used in lifting, moving and transporting patients.

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

Ability to safely lift, move and transport patients.

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

Ability to maintain equipment, supplies and materials.

Ability to keep records on supplies, equipment and treatments.

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.)

One year of experience in the care, treatment, rehabilitation or habilitation of persons with physical or mental illnesses or disabilities or with mental retardation/development disabilities; and possession of a high school diploma or a GED certificate.

(Rev. 7/1/96)