SUPERVISING PHYSICAL THERAPIST                                  2325

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class is responsible for the technical direction and management of a physical medicine and rehabilitation program. Work involves responsibility for working with physicians and public health nurses in the assignment of patients and supervising the administration of physical thera- peutic agents prescribed by a physician. Duties require a high degree of tech- nical competence in the demonstration of new techniques and direct application of various forms of treatment. The incumbent is responsible for supervising the work of a small number of therapists. General supervision is received from medical supervisors, and work is reviewed through conferences and observation of progress made by patients toward rehabilitation. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

          Plans, assigns and supervises the work of Physical Therapists engaged in providing physio-therapy services to patients at home and in clinics; provides direct treatments to patients in assigned district;

          Evaluates performance of Physical Therapists by means of planned office conferences, analysis of field reports, individual consultations and field observations;

          Interprets to staff departmental policies and procedures; formulates with medical supervisors new practices and procedures in the application of physio- therapy techniques;

          Plans with nursing division staff education programs in rehabilitation; conducts in-service training classes in physical therapy;

          Attends departmental and outside agency conferences; interprets physical therapy services of the public health program to physicians and various communi­ty organizations; represents the health department at outside clinics;

          Refers patients requiring financial or other assistance to proper agencies or organizations; may initiate or assist in processing requests for prosthetic devices for patients without financial resources.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles, methods, materials and equipment used in physical therapy; thorough knowledge of the possible hazards to patients during treatment, and of necessary precautionary and remedial measures; thorough knowledge of the sources of information and of current literature and develop­ments in the field of physical therapy; thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology, as they relate to physical therapy; good knowledge of the proper care and maintenance of apparatus and equipment used; ability to plan, organize and supervise a program of physical medicine and rehabilitation in a public health program; ability to plan and direct the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to instruct and demon­strate physio-therapy techniques to professional staff and interested persons; ability to understand, interpret and adapt a physician's written or oral direc­tion regarding physical therapy for patients; ability to gain confidence and cooperation of patients; ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports; 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, and two (2) years of experience as a physical therapist.

 

          PROMOTIONAL

          Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Physical Therapist.

 

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.

 

R8/1/89

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

RR 3/19/93