PHYSICAL THERAPIST - Erie County Medical Center

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The work involves administering physical therapy treatments under medical direction and technical supervision. Work is performed under the general supervision of a more senior professional employee. The incumbent administers all forms of physical therapy which will tend to re-educate and strengthen paralyzed muscles of the patients, relieve pain and spasms and possible prevention of physical deformities. Supervision is exercised over lower ranking non-professional employees. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Administers massage, muscle training and coordination, corrective exercise and applies varied forms of heat therapy;

Teaches family and patients through demonstration how to apply heat;

Tests and grades patients’ muscle power and functional activities;

Instructs patients how to exercise, walk, stand, balance and use supportive devices;

Observes patients’ reactions to treatment and prepares written reports of treatment, progress and results;

Explains orthopedic recommendations of physician to the patient;

Instructs patients in the use of mechanical devices, such as shoulder wheels, pulleys, parallel bars, walking ramps and steps.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of skeletal anatomy and principals involved in the application of active and passive motion related to physical conditions resulting from disease, injury or birth defects; thorough knowledge of fundamentals of therapeutic massage and its relationship to medical rehabilitation; good knowledge of the use of the equipment and the methods used in electrotherapy, thermotherapy and hydrotherapy; ability to demonstrate all types of physical therapy treatment and to teach families and patients home-type treatment; ability to prepare written reports; ability to follow oral and written instructions; reliability; tact; initiative; physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Possession of a Limited Permit to practice Physical Therapy in New York State at the time of appointment and possession of a license and current registration to practice Physical Therapy within six months and maintenance of license throughout duration of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification within sixty (60) days of appointment and maintenance throughout duration of employment.

NOTE: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.

PI239257210