CHIEF PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Definition

Under direction of a physician, organizes, develops, directs, and has charge of the physical therapy program; does other related work.

Examples of work

• Under direction of a physician, plans, organizes, develops, and directs physical therapy program.
• Supervises scheduling of appointments for patients.
• Supervises clinical training of physical therapy student affiliates.
• Attends evaluative clinics.
• Accompanies physician on rounds.
• Under direction of physician, supervises and has charge of the physical therapy work performed by the staff.
• Oversees plans for the in-service training of staff members.
• Maintains a liaison with others interested in the work of the unit.
• Supervises planning individual programs of physical therapy under direction of a physician.
• Performs the most responsible work involved in administering treatment using the therapeutic properties of heat, cold, light, water, electricity, and sound, and functional physical restorative activities, including therapeutic exercise, mechanotherapy and therapeutic massage.
• Answers inquiries pertaining to physical therapy.
• Provides assignments and instructions to subordinate employees.
• Prepares reports containing physical therapy progress notes.
• Assists in the preparation of the physical therapy budget.
• Establishes and maintains records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Four (4) years of experience as a physical therapist, two (2) years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

License

Possession of a current and valid license as a Physical Therapist issued by the New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the assessment, remedial or therapeutic techniques appropriate to physical therapy.
• Knowledge of the use of and understanding of the limitations and restrictions of the devices, materials and procedures and techniques used in physical therapy.
• Ability to develop and implement direct physical therapy programs under medical supervision.
• Ability to provide assignments and instructions to staff and supervise the performance of their work.
• Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.