Definition
Performs professional physical therapy work involving treatment and prevention of physical disability caused by injury, disease, congenital conditions, or age by using physical therapy methods and acts as a leadworker; performs related work as required.
Work Examples
Assists supervisor by performing such duties as instructing employees, answering questions, distributing and balancing the workload and checking work; may make suggestions on selections, promotions, and reassignments.
Provides treatment services as referred or prescribed by a physician for patients or residents using physical therapy techniques or modalities, such as whirlpool baths, weight tractions, paraffin bath, ultra sound, infrared or ultraviolet light.
Directs and coordinates the physical therapy function of a specialized treatment project at a state institution under direction of a physician in charge.
Plans, organizes and supervises the development of physical therapy treatment plans based on study of clinical records, observation, or physician's referral; confers with medical and other staff in regard to an overall treatment plan for residents or patients.
Evaluates progress of residents in relation to physical therapy treatment provided through use of tests and observation, confers with nursing staff and physicians in regard to effectiveness of treatment.
Assists patients or residents in exercises using parallel bars, mats, weights, or pulleys, or other equipment, administers gait training in conjunction with treatment plans; supervises and trains aides in administration of physical therapy treatment.
Instructs patients in care and use of wheel chairs, braces, canes, and prosthetic and orthotic devices, as prescribed by a physician or in conjunction with treatment plans as developed by the physical therapist.
Designs elementary orthotic braces, makes minor modifications on equipment to meet specific needs of residents.
Adjusts and makes minor repairs to equipment used in physical therapy as necessary.
Attends professional physical therapy conferences as allowed; attends institutional staff and administrative meetings for evaluations on residents and patients and staff development as required.
Prepares progress or statistical reports relating to physical therapy treatment program; maintains treatment records as required.
Competencies Required
Knowledge of the principles, methods, techniques, materials, equipment, and procedures used in physical therapy and their application in specific cases.
Knowledge of potential hazards involved in physical therapy treatments and precautionary measures to be taken.
Knowledge of skeletal, muscular and neural anatomy and physiology as it applies to physical therapy.
Ability to plan, organize, and oversee development of treatment goals and objectives.
Ability to properly administer physical therapy treatments.
Ability to accurately observe and assess the progress of patients or residents being treated.
Ability to perform physical tasks required in applying physical therapy treatments.
Ability to write reports and keep necessary records related to treatment of patients or residents.
Ability to plan, organize, and lead the work of other staff.
- Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with patients, institutional staff, or public.
Skill in the adjustment and minor repairing of equipment used in the profession, and in manipulations used for treatments.
Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.
- Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.
Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.
Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.
Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.
- Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements
Licensure as a Physical Therapist by the Iowa Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners and experience equal to eighteen months of full-time employment as a physical therapist;
OR
licensure as a Physical Therapist by the Iowa Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners plus any equivalent combination of graduate level coursework in physical therapy may be substituted for the required experience (on the basis that thirty semester hours equals one year of experience) up to a maximum substitution of one year
Notes
At the time of interview, applicants referred to Glenwood and Woodward State Hospital-Schools will be assessed to determine if they meet federal government employment requirements as published in the Federal Register, Volume 39, No. 12, Thursday, January 17, 1976, Section 20-CFR-405.1101.