County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under direction, to supervise Physical Therapist I’s, physical therapy students, and supportive personnel; to perform tests required for the evaluation of patients’ physical capacities; to provide professional physical therapy services using all modalities available for therapeutic purposes in the development of patients’ functional capacities; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Physical Therapist II is a working supervisor classification providing physical therapy services. They have sufficient experience and skill to work with little technical supervision and to be capable of day-to-day supervision of a small group of professional therapists, physical therapy students and supportive personnel. The Physical Therapist II is supervised by a Chief Physical Therapist or a Physical Therapist III.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Administers various muscle, sensory, neurological, gait, and functional tests to determine patients’ disabilities and develop a suitable treatment program.
2. Confers with the supervisor or prescribing physician regarding problems and progress of patients; reports changes in patients’ physical and psychological condition and suggests new or modified treatment plans.
3. Administers range of motion exercises to improve the function and flexibility of the joints; administers, instructs, and supervises patients in other passive, assistive, active, and resistive exercises; facilitates motor control in neurological patients; and administers other forms of physical therapy involving all modalities such as hydrotherapy, heat therapy, light therapy, and electrotherapy; administers chest physical therapy.
4. Assesses the need for and recommends appropriate assistive devices and appliances for patient use and treatment, such as mats, weights, whirlpool baths, pulleys and crutches, braces, canes and prosthetic devices. Is primarily responsible for related equipment orders and follow through for delivery.
5. Keeps records and prepares reports on patients’ treatment and progress; observes patients for contraindications to treatment; attends case conferences to discuss patient problems and progress with physicians and personnel of other disciplines, such as occupational therapists, nursing personnel and medical social work staff; completes Medi-Cal and Medicare forms related to patient status and progress.
6. Assigns duties to professional and supportive personnel and assists the Chief Physical Therapist and/or Physical Therapist III in preparing schedules; supervises and instructs employees in the techniques and equipment used in the physical therapy service; and coordinates the physical therapy service with other hospital services.
7. Instructs patients and relatives in a home treatment program and checks patients in a follow-up clinic to determine whether physical capacity is being maintained.
8. Instructs various hospital and community groups, students in allied professions and supportive personnel in physical therapy procedures and the use of appliances and adaptive equipment; assists in conducting orientation programs for new physical therapy personnel; and attends and participates in staff conferences and training sessions.
9. Keeps abreast of current trends and developments in physical therapy and rehabilitation; suggests and, as authorized by the Chief Physical Therapist and/or Physical Therapist III, introduces new methods and techniques; and participates in professional activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

The equivalent of one year of experience in the class of Physical Therapist I in the Alameda County classified service. (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

Or II
Education:

Graduation from an accredited school of Physical Therapy,

And
Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time paid experience as a physical therapist in an institutional or clinical setting of rehabilitation.

Or III

Some acceptable combination of education and appropriate experience.

Certification:

Eligibility for, or possession of, a valid certificate to practice as a Registered Physical Therapist in California.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, theory, methods, and equipment involved in the practice of physical therapy and physical rehabilitation.
• Anatomy and physiology of the skeletal, muscular, neural, and other systems of the body and the pathologies and injuries which result in physical impairments.
• The practices of other disciplines found in a rehabilitation program and acute program, such as occupational therapy, clinical psychology, medical social work, and such medical specialties as orthopedics, physical medicine and internal medicine.
• Elements of supervision.

Ability to:

• Guide and evaluate the professional development of supportive staff.
• Establish and maintain effective and tactful relationships with others.
• Evaluate and recommend development of a physical therapy program in a large hospital.
• Write and speak effectively.
• Follow oral and written instructions, including physicians’ prescriptions.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

LW:kb
8/10/77
Retyped: gcb
Old document: 0563h
New document: Jobspecs/5840
ys/7/01

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.