Physical
Therapist
BASIC
PURPOSE:
Positions
in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving professional level
work in planning, evaluating and implementing physical therapy treatment
programs and activities for individuals and groups.
TYPICAL
FUNCTIONS:
The
functions in this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:
· Plans,
conducts, and evaluates physical therapy treatment/intervention programs and
activities.
· Interprets
physician referrals and determines appropriate evaluation procedures.
· Makes
recommendations concerning standardized treatments or intervention based on
medical indications.
· Completes
patient assessments related to various physical skills and functional
abilities, including neuro-muscular, coordination and control, balance and
ambulation.
· Interprets
results and proposes a treatment/intervention plan in conjunction with other
team members, including short and long range goals, frequency and duration.
· Provides
treatment/intervention according to the prescribed plan, including task
oriented activities, neuro-motor activities, and patient/family counseling and
activities.
· Participates
in the assessment, design and fabrication of adaptive equipment and orthotic
devices.
· Evaluates
patient response to treatment/ intervention and makes recommendations on
changes in treatment as required.
· Maintains
records concerning treatment/intervention provided, including both subjective
and objective data.
· Maintains
records on each patient.
· Participates
in a multidisciplinary team to assist in developing intervention strategies to
meet the client's needs.
· May provide
limited supervision and training to therapy assistants and aides in the care
and treatment of patients and the proper completion of standardized procedures.
LEVEL
DESCRIPTORS:
The
Physical Therapist job family consists of four levels which are distinguished
by the complexity of assigned duties, the depth and breadth of accountability,
the expertise required to perform assigned duties and responsibilities and the
responsibility assigned for providing leadership to others.
This
is the basic level where incumbents perform beginning level professional duties
as a physical therapist, and develop their technical skills in screening,
evaluation, assessment, program planning and intervention.
Knowledge,
Skills and Abilities required at this level include
knowledge of the principles, practices, and ethics of professional physical
therapy; of therapeutic techniques and their application; and of the use of
materials and modalities used in physical therapy programs. Ability is required to use therapeutic
equipment and materials; to evaluate various skills and abilities, to
administer prescribed treatments or conduct planned activities; to interpret
medical referrals; to establish effective working relationships with others;
and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Education
and Experience requirements at this level consist of
a current Oklahoma license as a Physical Therapist issued by the Oklahoma Board
of Medical Licensure and Supervision.
(At this Level only: A letter of
eligibility issued by the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision
will be accepted as long as the letter of eligibility remains valid. However, a valid permanent license as a
Physical Therapist must be obtained prior to the expiration of the probationary
period.)
Level II: Code: X34B Salary
Band: L
This
is the career level where incumbents are assigned responsibilities at the full
performance level for performing all duties of a physical therapist. The incumbent will assume a lead role in
evaluation, assessment, program planning and intervention.
Knowledge,
Skills and Abilities required at this level include
knowledge of the principles, practices, and ethics of professional physical
therapy; of therapeutic techniques and their application to physical therapy;
of standardized treatments prescribed for various conditions; of the procedures
to evaluate various skills and abilities; and of the supplies, materials and
equipment used in conducting physical therapy programs. Ability is required to use therapeutic
equipment and materials; to evaluate various skills and abilities; to administer
prescribed treatments or conduct planned activities; to interpret medical
referrals; to establish effective working relationships with others; to
effectively communicate, both orally and in writing; to exercise initiative and
independent judgment; and to mentor physical therapy students during field work
experience.
Education
and Experience requirements at this level consist of
those identified in Level I plus one year of professional experience as a
licensed Physical Therapist; or an advanced level masters degree or doctorate
in pediatric rehabilitative services, pediatric occupational therapy, special
education, or a closely related field may be substituted for the required
experience.
This
is the specialist level where incumbents are assigned responsibilities for
performing advanced level technical duties in physical therapy. Incumbents at this level may assume a lead
role in evaluation, assessment, program planning, intervention, supervise
physical therapy students during field work experience, and may be responsible
for in-service training in areas of recognized expertise at the local, regional
and state level. Positions which are
the only physical therapy position in a facility, with overall responsibility
for the physical therapy program, may also be included in this level.
Knowledge,
Skills and Abilities required at this level include
knowledge of the principles, practices, and ethics of professional physical
therapy; of therapeutic techniques and their application to physical therapy;
of anatomy and physiology; of standardized and special treatments related to
physical therapy; of procedures for evaluating various skills and abilities;
and of the supplies, materials and equipment used in conducting physical
therapy. Ability is required to
evaluate individual skills and abilities; to develop physical therapy treatment
plans; to administer prescribed treatments or conduct planned activities; to
establish effective working relationships with others; to effectively
communicate, both orally and in writing; to exercise initiative and independent
judgment; and to provide in-service training at the local, regional and state
levels in identified areas of expertise.
Education
and Experience requirements at this level consist of
those identified in Level II plus two additional years of qualifying experience
or an advanced level masters degree or doctorate in pediatric rehabilitative
services, pediatric occupational therapy, special education, or other similar
degree may be substituted for two years only of the required experience.
This
is the leadership level where incumbents are assigned responsibility for
developing and implementing a physical therapy program at an assigned location
to insure that required treatments and activities are provided to individuals
and groups. This includes direct
supervision responsibilities and the coordination of program requirements
between units and with other divisions.
Knowledge,
Skills and Abilities required at this level include those
identified in Level III plus the ability to direct the work of others; to
develop physical therapy programs and plans; to organize and coordinate
physical therapy activities; and to
supervise and evaluate the work of others.
Education
and Experience requirements at this level consist of
those identified in Level III plus two additional years of qualifying
experience
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Some
agencies may require experience with specified client populations within the
last five years.