Physical Therapist Assistant (#RH6200)
$29.37-$35.70 Hourly / $5,090.92-$6,188.04 Monthly / $61,091.08-$74,256.59 Yearly

Under general supervision, assists licensed physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatment for a variety of disabling conditions; and does other or related work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

An incumbent in this para-professional class works under the direct supervision of licensed physical therapists to provide treatment for patients with physically disabling conditions, injuries and diseases.

• Utilizing proper techniques and safety precautions, administers therapeutic treatment to patients within the treatment programs established by a licensed physical therapist, including: passive to resistive exercises, muscle re-education, and mobility training. 
• Observes and records treatment results; adjusts the treatment to the needs of individual patient with consultation of the licensed physical therapist; reports patient reactions and changes to the licensed physical therapist. 
• Maintains accurate records and prepares reports. 
• Assists in gathering patient assessment data; may contribute to the intervention plan and re-assessment process. 
• Assists in instructing patients, parents and caregivers with home exercise programs and equipment utilization. 
• Attends staff meetings and patient conferences as assigned. 
• Participates in in-service education programs and staff development classes. 
• May maintain treatment areas and supplies; may adjust and make minor repairs to equipment.

Licenses and Certificates: Must possess and maintain a current license as a Physical Therapy Assistant by the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBOC) and, if required by the nature of the assignment, must also possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license.

Principles, methods, materials, and equipment used in physical therapy; basic principles of anatomy and physiology; safe methods of positioning patients for treatment; body mechanics and safety procedures; possible hazards to patients during treatment and necessary precautionary and remedial measures; basic medical record keeping; basic computer operations, including pertinent software.

Demonstrate to patients and others, acceptable therapeutic techniques utilized in a wide variety of physical therapies; follow, understand, interpret, and implement a licensed therapist’s written or oral directions regarding physical therapy treatment plans; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, staff and others; utilize computers and standard office automation equipment; complete accurate medical records and/or charts; prepare reports.

Mobility - frequent standing for long periods; constant walking; occasional pushing/pulling; frequent bending/squatting; Lifting - occasional lifting of 5 to 50 pounds; restraining, lifting/turning, transferring people; Vision - frequent color perception; occasional eye/hand coordination, peripheral vision and depth perception; frequent reading; Dexterity-Frequent holding and repetitive motion; frequent reaching, grasping and writing; Hearing/Talking - constant hearing normal speech, talking in person, talking on the telephone; frequent hearing on the telephone and hearing faint sounds; Special Requirements - may require occasional overtime, and weekend or evening work; Emotional/Psychological - occasional emergency situations; occasional exposure to trauma, grief and death; occasional exposure to depression and psychiatric disorders in patients; constant public contact and decision making; constant concentration required; Environmental - occasional exposure to noise; may be exposed to varied indoor temperatures, occasional exposure to cleaning agents.