PHYSICAL THERAPIST                                                                                    2321

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for treating physical disabili­ties, injuries and diseases through the use of a variety of therapeutic agents such as heat, light, electricity, water and massage. This is technical work that involves the application of physical therapy techniques to relieve pain and/or restore and maintain physical functions. The incumbent carries out physicians' prescriptions in accordance with standard practices and instructs public health nurses in therapeutic treatment. Work is performed under the general supervision of a professional supervisor through periodic reports, conferences and observa­tion. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

          Massages and exercises patients' muscles;

          Instructs patients on how to properly use and apply orthopedic aids, walking aids and similar devices;

          Accompanies public health nurses on home visits, as requested, to demon­strate and supervise treatment and exercise techniques;

          Performs follow-ups on progress of home-bound patients;

          Instructs parents in care and rehabilitation of child patients;

          Evaluates condition and progress of patients;

          Maintains complete records of treatments administered and patients' responses;

          Confers with physicians, nurses and other health personnel on individual cases and on the policies and programs of physical therapy and rehabilitation.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of human anatomy and physiology including all systems of the body, with emphasis on musculoskeletal, circulatory and nervous systems; good knowledge of pathophysiological conditions resulting from injury and disease, and psychosocial reactions to illness and disease; good knowledge of the proper care and maintenance of apparatus and equipment used; skill in the application of varied modalities employed in physical therapy such as hot and cold packs, whirlpool, infrared and ultraviolet; ability to determine the proper length and intensity of individual treatments; ability to demonstrate to pa­tients and others the acceptable techniques in a wide variety of physical therapeutics; ability to understand, interpret and adapt a physician's written or oral directions regarding physical therapy for patients; ability to maintain accurate and complete records for use by professional medical personnel; physi­cal condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

          OPEN COMPETITIVE

          Possession of a license to practice physical therapy in the State of New York.

 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

At the time of appointment and during employment in this title candidates must be registered to practice physical therapy in the State of New York.

 

R7/31/89

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

RR 3/19/93