GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The PHYSICAL THERAPIST conducts in-depth evaluations of residents or patients referred for therapy, develops individual treatment plans, and administers physical therapy treatments which are designed to facilitate or restore physical function, relieve pain, and maximize the capabilities of patients with physical disabilities, disorders, or injuries.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a single classification and not currently part of a series of classes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Treatment Planning. Typical tasks: conducts initial evaluation and assessment of residents or patients having physical disabilities, disorders, or injuries who have been referred by a physician; selects and administers appropriate tests to evaluate range of motion, neuromuscular status, pain, and physical functional ability; reviews medical chart of resident or patient for information pertinent in aiding evaluation; develops individual treatment plan which includes results of evaluation and identifies treatment goals and appropriate therapy techniques and equipment to achieve goals; designates the party to carry out treatment plan (e.g., patient, employee, ward staff, family members, or community professionals); conducts regular evaluations of resident or patient to assess progress and response to therapy; revises treatment program as necessary to achieve goals; may evaluate resident's or patient's need for adaptive devices such as special support padding, protective headgear, and assistive devices for standing, ambulation, or mobility; initiates the paperwork to have adaptive equipment built or ordered; may participate in treatment team meetings to provide information regarding patient or resident assessment, to discuss treatment program, or to coordinate treatment goals and programs; helps to facilitate community transfer by providing necessary information to community resource regarding patients' therapy needs, physical capabilities, and goals.
2. Direct Patient Services. Typical tasks: administers physical therapy treatment using full range of treatment techniques (e.g., ice packs, moist heat, ultrasound, soft tissue massage, paraffin, ultraviolet, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, traction, range of motion exercises, muscle reduction, neurodevelopmental techniques, relaxation training, ambulation/gait training); may assign patients to Physical Therapy Assistants or other therapy staff for treatment; instructs patients in the use and care of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, and other adaptive equipment; adapts or modifies prefabricated equipment to meet individual needs; monitors use of adaptive equipment; may develop treatment program to be followed by patient after discharge and instruct patients, families, outside agencies, and other professionals in therapy techniques and exercises outlined in program.
3. Case Documentation. Typical tasks: writes initial report of results on evaluation of patient's physical condition; prepares written treatment plan; maintains record of patients treated including daily treatment notes, evaluation of patients' progress, and discharge planning notes and summaries; prepares year-end summaries on patients treated.
4. Training. Typical tasks: teaches physical therapy treatment and techniques to Physical Therapy Assistants or students (e.g., proper procedures, safety, clinical observation skills); may give work assignments to students or assistants and review their work for adherence to instructions and proper record keeping; instructs therapy aides or other therapy staff in follow-up therapy techniques to reinforce patient gains and to maintain maximum safety; may provide training to other disciplines inside and outside the agency.
5. Miscellaneous. Typical tasks: maintains professional proficiency through review of current literature and attending continuing education programs; may order equipment and supplies.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have in-person contact for most of the workday with patients/residents having physical disabilities, disorders, or injuries to provide physical therapy evaluation and treatment services. Some employees in this class have regular in-person or telephone contact with families of patients, community agencies, or community professionals to provide instruction or consultation regarding physical therapy treatment techniques. Some employees in this class have regular in-person contact with other agency health care professionals to discuss patient/resident progress and coordinate treatment goals and programs.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

These employees work under the general supervision of a therapy supervisor or manager who assigns work verbally and occasionally in writing. Work is reviewed for quality of work and achievement of treatment goals through weekly meetings, review of written reports, and informal review of problem areas and observation of patients' progress. Guidelines for decisions regarding physical therapy treatment and evaluation activities include American Physical Associates standards, State laws governing physical therapy, administrative rules and policies, and departmental procedures manual.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A license with the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board as a Physical Therapist; OR
• Completed an accredited physical therapy educational program and be eligible to obtain an Oregon Physical Therapy license or temporary permit.