SENIOR PHYSICAL THERAPIST
DEFINITION:
Under the direction of a Physical Therapist Supervisor, or
a physician; performs the more responsible work and/or takes
the lead in one or more physical therapy units within the physical
therapy department and the physical therapists, para-professionals,
and supports physical therapy treatments under a physician's referral;
does related work as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative
purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform
all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties
performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Performs the more responsible and/or takes the lead for work
involved in planning programs of physical therapy as prescribed
by a physician.
Conducts individualized, detailed, and documented assessments
of patients having handicapping conditions, utilizing evaluative
tools and skills unique to physical therapists.
Evaluates patients to aid in establishing diagnosis, prognosis,
problems, goals, placement, and treatment plan.
Establishes objectives and specific remediation techniques
for patients receiving physical therapy services.
Plans and prepares written treatment programs based on
evaluation of available patient data.
Administers treatment procedures based upon results of
evaluation procedures, compatible with the treatment plan,
and designed to achieve treatment goals.
Maintains patient and other records.
Performs minor repairs and adjustments related to
rehabilitation/habilitation equipment.
Maintains program implementation standards according
to state and federal laws and regulations.
Confers with physicians and other professional personnel
relevant to patients' total treatments.
May be required to engage in lifting clients when working
in a setting which provides direct services to clients who
are non- ambulatory or who are semi-ambulant and/or
have severe physical handicaps.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
and/or manual recording and information systems used by
the agency, office or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
LICENSE:
Applicants must possess a license as a Physical Therapist
issued by the Department of Law and Public Safety, Board
of Physical Therapists.
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license
valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather
than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential
duties of the position
EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year of experience as a physical therapist.
SPECIAL NOTE: Appointees must possess the ability
to physically lift, move and position clients as needed.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of the principles of physical therapy.
Knowledge of the equipment used in physical therapy treatment.
Knowledge of the effects of physical therapy procedures,
indications, and contraindications for treatment, and
precautionary measures to observe when treating patients.
Knowledge of the methods used to conduct patient
assessments and evaluations.
Ability to evaluate patients to determine the type of
physical therapy treatment required.
Ability to observe and accurately record patient's
reactions and progress.
Ability to evaluate patients for adaptive equipment.
Ability to adjust and make minor repairs to physical
therapy equipment/apparatus.
Ability to prepare reports and maintain appropriate
records and files.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or
manual recording and information systems used by the
agency, office or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate
in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered
as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as
long as they can perform the essential functions of the job
after reasonable accommodation is made to their known
limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because
it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons
may not be eligible.
