In State facilities, this class is accountable for the assessment, planning and administration of physical therapy services for persons with physical, mental and/or developmental disabilities.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the general supervision of a physical therapist or other employee of higher grade.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
May supervise/lead physical therapy staff of lower grade or other staff as assigned; provides training and consultation to direct care staff on activities related to the speciality.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Selects, plans and administers a physical therapy program for rehabilitation of persons with physical, mental or developmental disabilities; arranges client treatment schedules for habilitation and rehabilitation; refers clients to other disciplines such as speech or hearing for further assessment; selects diagnostic tools; provides inservice training to staff on physical therapy practices; serves as a consultant or clinical advisor to other staff, programs or units; coordinates physical therapy services with other disciplines such as occupational and rehabilitation therapy; leads unit staff meetings to discuss client progress and treatment plans; performs diagnostic tests to determine client level of functioning; writes and implements treatment plans; presents client cases at interdisciplinary team meetings; participates in an extensive program of physical therapeutic activities including corrective exercise and muscle training; transports and escorts clients to clinics for consultation with physician regarding treatment and patient progress; teaches and supervises physical therapy techniques to parents, assistants and direct care staff; fits and orders wheelchairs; orders supplies and equipment; assists in developing departmental procedures; maintains client records; writes client evaluations and progress notes; designs, repairs and may fabricate adaptive equipment; may serve as a resource person in a speciality area; may make home visits to assess client living situation and make recommendations for services; may serve as a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional; performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
Knowledge of principles and practices of physical therapy; knowledge of applied anatomy, physiology and kinesiology; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; skill in administering competent treatments and diagnostic tests; ability to instruct others in principles and practices of physical therapy.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
General Experience:
One (1) year of experience as a Physical Therapist.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
1.
Incumbents in this class must be registered as a licensed Physical Therapist in Connecticut or possess a temporary permit to practice physical therapy at the time of appointment.
2.
Incumbents in this class may be required to be fluent in a foreign language or proficiency in the use of American Sign Language in certain designated positions.
3.
Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Incumbents in this class may be exposed to danger of injury and to moderately disagreeable conditions while providing treatment to clients/patients.
Note:
Non-Examined refers to Section 5-219 of the Connecticut General Statutes which permits appointment of candidates to competitive positions without formal examination when a professional license, professional degree, accreditation or certificate is a mandatory requirement for appointment to a class.
This replaces the existing specification for the same class in the same Salary Group HC 23 approved effective September 1, 1999. (Revised to modify Purpose of Class)
