Placer County

Physical/Occupational Therapist - Supervising (#11783)

$50.79-$63.44 Hourly / $8,803.60-$10,996.27 Monthly / $105,643.20-$131,955.20 Yearly


DEFINITION

To plan, organize, and coordinate all operations of the Medical Therapy Unit (MTU) for the California Children’s Services (CCS) Program; supervise, review, and evaluate the work of assigned professional and other support staff; plan, direct, and evaluate therapy and medical services for physically and medically disabled children, and initiate integrated methods of treatment to facilitate a comprehensive team approach; to consult with public and private agencies in planning the appropriate therapy and medical services.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Supervising Physical/Occupational Therapist functions as a first-line supervisor with responsibilities that include planning, assigning, and evaluating the work of subordinate therapists and is responsible for a program area within a major work unit, division, department, or multi-disciplinary and collaborative program/project.

This class is distinguished from the Health & Human Services Program Manager in that the latter is responsible for a broad range of management over multiple division programs, work units, and activities whereas the former is responsible for day-to-day supervision of staff and operations of the Medical Therapy Unit.  This class is further distinguished from the lower class of Senior Physical/Occupational Therapist by the regular, continuous performance of the full range of supervisory duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from a Health and Human Services Program Manager or higher-level manager.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned professional, technical, clinical, and clerical personnel.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:  

  • Plan, organize, and direct the overall services of the Medical Therapy Unit including Medical Therapy Clinic coordination. Review client caseloads and coordination of services to clients.
  • Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
  • Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of staff involved in providing physical and occupational therapy activities.
  • Coordinate data, resources, and work products as necessary and upon request in support of a productive and positive working environment.
  • Recommend and assist in the implementation of unit goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for the Medical Therapy Unit; implement policies and procedures.
  • Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.
  • Maintain accurate records and case notes; prepare statistical reports, correspondence, and other written materials; gather and compile information on operations and activities for reporting purposes.
  • Provide administrative coordination of Medical Therapy Unit clinics; provide analysis and justification for staffing; monitor budget allocations and expenditures; coordinate the ordering of supplies and equipment for clients and for the Medical Therapy Unit.
  • Assure compliance with state and federal regulations.
  • Consult with State CCS regarding program and funding needs and impact of changes.
  • Attend meetings and seminars relative to the therapy program to maintain proficiency.
  • Evaluate subordinate therapists and review the effectiveness of the therapy services program; and initiate, change, or develop new therapy programs when appropriate.
  • Provide policy guidance to the other therapists and Public Health Nurses.
  • Perform the most complex case management and physical or occupational therapy duties.
  • Supervise case management; assist staff in solving difficult client treatment problems.
  • Under CCS guidelines, assist with determining medical eligibility for Medical Therapy Unit program by reviewing medical reports and conferring with the medical consultant; consult with the medical consultant regarding complex medical diagnoses, medical treatment, and medical eligibility on complex or unusual cases.
  • Act as liaison for the Medical Therapy Unit and community; coordinate treatment plans and work with the CCS administrative staff, community organizations, health and education authorities, therapy staff, other therapy providers, parents, and teachers to facilitate comprehensive approaches to therapy; work in compliance with regulatory and administrative requirements.
  • Explain program requirements and procedures to physicians, parents, school personnel, and other public and private agencies.
  • Collaborate with staff in other programs, projects, and multi-disciplinary teams; attend required meetings.
  • Represent Placer County at state and local meetings.
  • Coordinate CCS with other County, private, and community agencies and organizations serving disabled children. 
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an indoor office and medical treatment environment with controlled temperature conditions. Position may require travel to and from other locations in a variety of outdoor weather conditions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training: 
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: 

Experience: Equivalent of four (4) years of full-time paid experience as a Physical or Occupational Therapist, including one (1) year working with children providing medically based therapy in an outpatient, inpatient or rehabilitation setting.  One (1) year of supervisory or lead experience is desirable.  

Training:  Graduation from an accredited college of physical therapy or occupational therapy.  

Required License or Certificate:

  • Possession of a current valid license as a Physical Therapist issued by the Physical Therapy Board of California, or registration with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. and a current valid license as an Occupational Therapist issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: 

  • Principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
  • Advanced principles, techniques, and developments in physical or occupational therapy, with emphasis on the physical and psychological problems of children who have neuromuscular and/or orthopedic handicaps.
  • Public and community agencies providing services to special needs population.
  • Growth and development of children.
  • Pertinent laws, rules, regulations, operational, and administrative requirements of providing physical and occupational therapy and requirements of the CCS program.
  • Diagnostic (identification) and prognostic (predictive) tests used in evaluations.
  • Integrated service delivery patterns in child health programming.
  • Occupational and physical therapeutic services as a part of a local child health programs.
  • Principles of budget monitoring.
  • Principles and practices of work safety.
  • Cultural, religious, economic, and social groups and relationships to the delivery and acceptance of health and human services.
  • Modern office procedures, methods, and applicable computer hardware/software.
  • English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.  

Ability to:

  • Supervise, train, and evaluate assigned staff.
  • Provide and supervise effective medical case management and therapy.
  • Act as a resource and leader for other therapists.
  • Perform evaluative tests of physical abilities.
  • Coordinate multiple projects and meet critical deadlines.
  • Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action.
  • Explain and interpret tests, diagnoses, objectives, and methods to patients, parents, caregivers, and school personnel.
  • Explain and teach therapeutic activities to parents, care providers, and other professionals.
  • Work as a team member in the therapy effort to ensure carry over in the treatment and training of patients.
  • Work effectively with other health care professionals, parents, client, and school staff.
  • Prepare reports and records.
  • Represent the CCS program to inter-agency and community groups and to State CCS.
  • Prepare accurate and complete records, case notes, correspondence, statistical reports, and other written materials.
  • Use initiative and sound judgment within established guidelines; make appropriate administrative decisions.
  • Interpret and explain pertinent County and Department policies and procedures.
  • Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
  • Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
  • On an intermittent basis, sit at desk for long periods of time while preparing reports; intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist, and reach while assisting patients in moving to and from treatment area and in providing treatment and instructional activities; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; see with sufficient visual acuity to observe patient's physical skills; and lift very heavy weight.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Length of Probation:

All permanent appointments to this classification shall serve a probationary period of twelve (12) calendar months or two thousand eighty (2,080) hours, whichever is more. 

Bargaining Unit:

Professional

CLASS: 11783; EST: 11/13/2017; REV: 2/1/2022;