PHYSICAL THERAPIST II

DEFINITION

This is advanced technical and supervisory 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 supervising and participating in the evaluation of a wide variety of physical disabilities, injuries, and diseases and their treatment through the use of a variety of physical therapeutic agents. Work involves either the supervision of a small physical therapy department or assisting in the supervision of a large department. Considerable initiative and judgment are required in administering treatment prescribed by a physician and in interpreting clients' reactions. General supervision is received from a physician or physical therapist of higher grade who reviews work through reports and observation of 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

Plans, directs and supervises a small physical therapy department; arranges schedules of clients; makes periodic reports of various functions of the department.

Supervises work of beginning level therapists in a large physical therapy department and advises on specific work problems and techniques.

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

Supervises and administers a variety of treatments to clients according to a physician's prescription, including water therapy, heat therapy, radiation therapy, and electric therapy.

Maintains stock of supplies, orders new equipment, and maintains equipment in proper working order.

Teaches principles of physiotherapy to therapy aides, student nurses, etc.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough 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.

Considerable knowledge of anatomy and physiology to position clients for different types of treatment without harm.

Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of subordinate therapists, students and aides.

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

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

Ability to maintain records and reports of treatments administered.

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

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

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.)

Two years of experience as a professional physical therapist; and graduation from a four-year college or university physical therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. (Possession of 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.

(Rev. 4/1/99)