Placer County

To plan and perform professional physical therapy services for children who are neurologically and/or orthopedically disabled due to cerebral palsy, myelomeningocele, amputations, arthritis, or similar condition. 

Physical Therapist I: This is the entry level class in the Physical Therapist series. This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgement on matters allocated to the journey level. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience. Employees work under general supervision while learning job tasks.

Physical Therapist II: This is the full journey level class within the Physical Therapist series. This class is distinguished from the Physical Therapist I by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.

Physical Therapist I

Receives general supervision from the Supervising Physical/Occupational Therapist. May receive technical and functional supervision from a Senior Physical Therapist.

Physical Therapist II

Receives direction from the Supervising Physical/Occupational Therapist. May receive technical and functional supervision from a Senior Physical Therapist.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Evaluate functional skills, range of motion, and muscle strength of children using appropriate assessment tools; establish physical therapy treatment goals and plan of service.
• Administer physical therapy care to children; observe behavior and progress; assess and evaluate treatment; adjust treatment as needed; maintain clinical notes and records; prepare related reports.
• Conduct direct therapy including gait and other muscle training exercises to improve coordination and mobility; facilitate breathing exercises; teach exercises that can be done with caregiver assistance.
• Instruct children in walking, standing, balancing, and use of gait devices and braces; teach children functional skills related to everyday activities.
• Visit the child’s home to evaluate home environment for accessibility; work with child’s caregivers to understand concerns with obstacles preventing functional development. 
• Work with community organizations and health and education authorities in integrating state and local programs for children with physical disabilities; organize clinics and participate in conferences, study groups, and caregiver parent and community meetings.
• Supervise the care of braces and other orthopedic equipment; design and/or direct the construction of special equipment; order or assist in ordering orthopedic and therapeutic equipment and supplies; maintain treatment area and equipment.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Physical Therapist I

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: No experience is required.

Training: Graduation from an accredited college of physical therapy.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of a current valid license as a Physical Therapist issued by the Physical Therapy Board of California.
• May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Physical Therapist II

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two (2) years of responsible physical therapist experience performing duties similar to a Physical Therapist I with Placer County, including one (1) year working with children providing medically based therapy in an outpatient, inpatient, or rehabilitation setting.

Training: Graduation from an accredited college of physical therapy.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of a current valid license as a Physical Therapist issued by the Physical Therapy Board of California.
• May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Physical Therapist I

Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods of physical therapy.
• Skeletal anatomy and kinesiology.
• Basic pathology and neurology involved in cerebral palsy and other disabling conditions such as myelomeningocele, amputations and arthritis, relative to the objectives of physical therapy.
• Growth and development of children.
• Physical and psychological problems of physically disabled children and their families.
• Use and care of orthopedic and therapeutic appliances and equipment.
• English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar; arithmetic and basic mathematical calculations.