PHYSICAL THERAPIST (Local)

Code: 02671@ Local Non-Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under supervision of a Senior Physical Therapist or other supervisor, administers varied types of physical therapy treatments under a physician's referral to patients to restore function, prevent disability, and help patients reach maximum performance; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Surveys patients to identify those with previously undetected problems.
• Reviews written or verbal information concerning patients to determine need for physical therapy services.
• Under direction of a physician, administers treatment using therapeutic properties of heat, cold, light, water, and electricity.
• Applies diagnostic and prognostic muscle, nerve, joint, and functional ability tests.
• Directs and aids patients in active and passive exercises, muscle reeducation, and gait and functional training utilizing pull up and weights, steps, and inclining surfaces.
• Treats patients with the use of ultraviolet and infrared lamps and bakers.
• Gives whirlpool and paraffin baths and applies hot packs.
• Directs patients in care and use of steel chairs, braces, canes, crutches, and prosthetic and orthotic devices.
• Gives instruction in posture and procedures to be continued at home.
• May administer other types of functional physical restorative activities, therapeutic exercises, and mechanotherapy and therapeutic massage.
• 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.

License

Appointees must be registered as a Physical Therapist by the New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapists.

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 standards, theory, principles, methods, and commonly used equipment of physical therapy treatment. Knowledge of effects of physical therapy treatment procedures, indications, and contraindications for treatment, and precautionary measures to observe when treating patients.
• Ability to evaluate patients to ascertain type of physical therapy treatment required.
• Ability to perform appropriate physical therapy treatment procedures.
• Ability to observe and accurately record patients' reactions and progress.
• Ability to fit and adjust orthotic and prosthetic appliances.
• Ability to evaluate patient for adaptive equipment.
• Ability to adjust and make minor repairs to physical therapy equipment and apparatus.
• Ability to recognize potential hazards and dangerous situations and to take those measures required to ensure their removal and/or connection.
• Ability to work harmoniously and cooperatively with associates and patients.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain records and files.
• Ability to read and understand the New Jersey Physical Therapy Practice Act and the legal aspects of the practice of physical therapy in New Jersey.
• Ability to ready and understand the Code of Ethics, Guide for Professional Conduct, and Standards for Physical Therapy Services of the American Physical Therapy Association.
• 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.