Physical Therapist - I

Job Description:

Physical Therapist - I

Description

DEFINITION

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.

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

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.

Salary:

$39.43 - $49.23/hour; $6,834.53 - $8,533.20/month; $82,014.40 - $102,398.40/year