PHYSICAL THERAPIST I

DEFINITION

This is responsible technical work in the evaluation of clients and the administration of a variety of physical therapeutic agents in their habilitation/rehabilitation.

An employee in this class is responsible for the evaluation of physical disabilities, injuries, and diseases and their treatment through the use of a variety of therapeutic agents such as heat, light, electricity, water, and massage. Work is performed in accordance with the prescription of a physician following standard therapy practices. Duties may include the supervision of student nurses or physical therapy aides who are receiving practical training in the field. Work is performed under the general supervision of a higher level therapist who reviews the work by observation of techniques employed and results obtained.

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

Evaluates client's condition and designs specific treatments for their habilitation/rehabilitation.

Massages clients for the purpose of sedation, stimulation of circulation, breaking down adhesions, or stretching contracted muscles.

Administers treatment in all phases of therapeutic exercises, such as passive, active and assistive and resistive exercises, muscle training, and gait training including instruction in the use of canes, crutches, braces and prostheses.

Administers treatments using mechanical devices, such as shoulder wheels, parallel bars, walking ramps and steps.

Administers treatment utilizing water in any of its forms by means of such devices as whirlpool baths, pools, Hubbard tanks, contrast baths, and moist packs.

Administers heat, light, and electrical therapy treatments by use of infrared lamps, ultra-violet lamps, low-volt generators, short-wave diathermy machines, or other devices.

Observes the reaction of clients and adjusts the length and intensity of the treatment to the needs of the individual client.

Adjusts and makes minor repairs to equipment and machinery; requests major repairs when needed.

Maintains a record of each client, including a description of treatment given and an evaluation of the client's progress.

Supervises assistants of lower rank and instruct aides or student nurses in the methods and objectives of physical therapy.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, and equipment used in physical therapy.

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

Working knowledge of anatomy and physiology to position clients for various types of treatments without harm.

Skill in giving massage according to established techniques.

Ability to determine the proper length and intensity of individual treatments.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the client and to obtain cooperation in the treatment prescribed.

Ability to demonstrate to students the acceptable techniques of physical therapy.

Ability to understand, interpret, and adapt a physician's written or oral directions regarding physical therapy.

Ability to make necessary working adjustments and minor repairs to standard physical therapy equipment.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the medical and nursing staffs of the facility and with students, associates and supervisors.

Ability to maintain adequate reports of treatments administered.

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.)

Graduation from a four-year college or university physical therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. (Possession of a current Missouri license as a Physical Therapist will substitute for the required education qualification.)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Possession of a current license to practice as a Physical Therapist in the State of Missouri at the time of appointment. (A temporary license to practice as a Physical Therapist in Missouri is acceptable in meeting this requirement at the time of appointment.)

(Rev. 4/1/99)