County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, implements physical therapy services within the parameters of a treatment plan as specified by a Physical Therapist and assists with modification of treatment plans as needed; and to do related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Physical Therapist Assistants are certified practitioners who assist Physical Therapists in administering therapy and treatment to patients. This class is distinguished from the class of Physical Therapist in that, while Physical Therapist Assistants may independently observe, set up, and carry out a therapeutic program for individuals and groups, they do not have the responsibility for initial evaluation, planning a treatment program, initiating discharge evaluation procedures, or have total responsibility for the administration of the patients’ treatment program. They are distinguished from the next lower class of Physical Therapy Aides who must be under direct orders and immediate supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist at all times.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Directs and assists patients in the performance of range of motion exercise such as passive, active and resistive either manually or by the use of resistive devices.
2. Instructs and supervises patients in use of assistive devices (canes, mats, pulleys, braces, walkers, crutches) for gait training and other self-help activities as indicated by the Physical Therapist.
3. Applies therapeutic modalities such as hydrotherapy, heat therapy, light therapy and electrotherapy as indicated by the Physical Therapist.
4. Assesses patients' progress and suggests modifications to treatment plans to the Physical Therapist.
5. Maintains daily progress reports and prepares weekly reports on patients’ treatment; observes patients for contraindications to treatment.

6. Participates in staff conferences and in-service training; assists in training physical therapy student interns; provides in-service training to nursing and other services as required.
7. Assembles and disassembles equipment and accessories; maintains working area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
8. Instructs patients and their families with home exercise and care programs as necessary.
9. Prepares and maintains accurate patient records.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Certification:

Possession of a current valid certificate as a Physical Therapist Assistant or proof of acceptance to sit for the State examination by the Physical Therapy Examining Committee, Board of Medical Quality Assurance, Department of Consumer Affairs, as prescribed in Title 16, Article 4, Section 1398.40, of the California Administrative Code.

NOTE: Applicants who do not possess the certificate but who have been accepted for the next State examination may participate in the examination process but will be placed under a waiver of appointment pending receipt of the certificate.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:
• Basic principles of physical dysfunction, anatomy, physiology,
and physical therapy.
• Basic Physical Therapy treatment modalities and procedures.
• Safety procedures.
• Equipment and assistive devices used in a program of
functional physical therapy.

Ability to:
• Plan and organize.
• Communicate orally and in written form.
• Assemble, disassemble and adjust therapy equipment.
• Keep accurate records and prepare reports.
• Work effectively with patients and co-workers.
• Apply therapeutic exercises on an individual basis.
• Work and communicate effectively and clearly with impaired
patient who may not comprehend or be receptive to verbal
instructions.
• Lift and support patients.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

VS:pb
3/26/92
Old document: 1189h
New document: Jobspecs/5823
ys/7/01
CSC Date: 5/20/92

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.