PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE II

DEFINITION

This is responsible work providing assistance in the administration of physical therapy.

An employee in this class assists professional physical therapists and physical therapist assistants in the treatment of physical disabilities, injuries and diseases. Work involves the application of routine physiotherapy techniques under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant, or following predetermined procedures. Work also includes transporting patients to and from treatment areas, preparing patients for treatment, and maintaining equipment, supplies and records used in the physical therapy department. Work in this class can be distinguished from that of a Physical Therapy Aide I by the complexity and responsibility level of assignments. Work is performed under the supervision of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Performs routine physical therapy procedures, such as gait training, therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, heat and cold modalities, etc., predetermined for each patient by the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

Transports patients to and from the treatment area; assists patients in preparation for treatment and as necessary during treatment and at the conclusion of treatment.

Observes and records levels of patient tolerance and progress in treatment and notifies physical therapist of patient reaction to treatment.

Assists patients in the safe practice of activities related to the development of strength and endurance.

Assembles, disassembles and cleans equipment and accessories used in treatments.

Assists a physical therapist and other professional staff in training direct-care staff in restorative exercises, lifting, moving and transferring patients, and other activities related to physical therapy.

Orders and stores supplies, forms and equipment used in the physical therapy department.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Working knowledge of routine physical therapy treatments, techniques and modalities.

Working knowledge of the techniques used in lifting, moving and transporting patients.

Working knowledge of possible hazards to patients during treatment and of necessary precautionary and remedial measures.

Working knowledge of the purposes and goals of physical therapy treatments.

Ability to safely lift, move and transport patients.

Ability to work effectively with persons with physical or mental disabilities.

Ability to maintain equipment, supplies and materials.

Ability to keep records of supplies, equipment and treatments.

Ability to communicate effectively with other staff and demonstrate proper techniques used in lifting, moving or transporting patients.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

Two years of experience in the care, treatment, rehabilitation or habilitation of persons with physical or mental illnesses or disabilities or mental retardation/developmental disabilities, of which at least one year involved experience in assisting physical therapy staff in administering physical therapy; and possession of a high school diploma or a GED certificate.

(Rev. 7/1/96)