City and County of San Francisco

Physical Therapist Assistant (#2555)

$40.10-$53.74 Hourly / $6,951.00-$9,315.00 Monthly / $83,408.00-$111,774.00 Yearly


Definition

Under supervision and as prescribed by referring physicians or registered physical therapists, administers assigned physical therapy treatments and teaches functional mobility skills to patients; adjusts assistive devices and fabricates splints; assesses and reports on patients' progress in attaining maximal function; and performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Features

As a member of the health care team, the Physical Therapist Assistant performs delegated treatment procedures under the guidance of a registered Physical Therapist.

Positions in this class are distinguished from the next higher class of Physical Therapist in that positions in the latter class perform more complex and difficult therapeutic procedures with a greater latitude of independent judgment and require State licensure. This position is distinguished from the next lower class of Therapy Aide in that the latter is responsible for routine and repetitive therapy activities.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Administers assigned physical therapy treatment to patients including therapeutic exercise, massage, coordination, gait training, transfer training and endurance training; adjusts and fabricates assistive devices.

2. Applies treatment modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, paraffin, traction, hot/cold packs and whirlpools to patients.

3. Trains patients in functional activities, such as wheelchair mobility and various transfer techniques; instructs patients and their families in the proper procedures and techniques included in the home program.

4. Monitors patient progress and administers appropriate treatment accordingly; reports to supervising physical therapists any significant changes.

5. Schedules patients for treatments; maintains accurate records of physical therapy treatments performed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Good working knowledge of: current physical therapy treatment methods including a wide range of therapeutic exercises; indications and contra-indications of treatment; various types of walkers, canes, and crutches; basic knowledge of pathology, anatomy and kinesiology.

Ability to: exercise judgment in the use of therapeutic exercise suitable to individual patient; recognize unusual conditions or behaviors of individual patients and report same to registered physical therapist; lift and transfer patients; stand for prolonged periods; plan and organize work; communicate both verbally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Experience:

License and Certification:
Requires possession of a valid Physical Therapist Assistant license issued by the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTB); OR

Acceptance by the Physical Therapy Board of California Examining Committee for the next State examination.

Notes

Established: 5/18/1987

Amended: 6/22/2015

Disaster Service Workers

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

CLASS: 2555; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 6/22/2015;