Physical Therapist (40 Hour)

In a state facility or agency region this class is accountable for providing professional physical therapy services to individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities.

CLINICAL: Selects, plans and administers a physical therapy program for rehabilitation of individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities; arranges individual treatment schedules for habilitation and rehabilitation; refers individuals to other disciplines such as speech or hearing for further assessment; selects diagnostic tools; provides in-service training to staff on physical therapy practices; serves as a consultant or clinical advisor to other staff, programs or units; coordinates physical therapy services with other disciplines such as occupational and rehabilitation therapy; leads unit staff meetings to discuss individual progress and treatment plans; performs diagnostic tests to determine individual level of functioning; writes and implements treatment plans; applies physical properties of heat, cold, light, water and electricity in individual treatment; presents individual cases at interdisciplinary team meetings; participates in an extensive program of physical therapeutic activities including corrective exercise and muscle training; transports and escorts individuals to clinics for consultation with physician regarding treatment and individual progress; teaches and supervises physical therapy techniques to parents, assistants and direct care staff and students/interns gaining clinical experience; fits and orders wheelchairs; orders supplies and equipment; assists in developing departmental procedures; maintains individual records; writes individual evaluations and progress notes; designs, repairs and may fabricate adaptive equipment; may serve as a resource person in a specialty area; may make home visits to assess individual living situation and make recommendations for services; may serve as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP); performs related duties as required.

CONSULTING: Coordinates physical therapy services; provides consultative services with regard to physical therapy; provides consultative services on adaptive devices; considers requests for services and equipment based on availability and appropriateness; assists physicians and other professionals in determining appropriateness of physical therapy services; provides physical therapy services to individuals; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of principles and practices of physical therapy; knowledge of applied anatomy, physiology and kinesiology; considerable interpersonal skills; basic knowledge of concepts and practices in public health; oral and written communication skills; skill in administering competent treatments and diagnostic tests; ability to instruct others in principles and practices of physical therapy; ability to gain confidence, interest and cooperation of individuals with intellectual or other developmental disabilities; ability to utilize computer software.

Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain licensure as a Physical Therapist issued by the Connecticut State Department of Public Health in accordance with the applicable Connecticut General Statutes.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to be fluent in a foreign language or proficiency in the use of American Sign Language in certain designated positions.
   
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
   
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to danger of injury and to moderately disagreeable conditions while providing treatment to individuals.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.