PHYSICAL THERAPIST (State)

Code: 03691 State Competitive Range: P21 (FY 2027) Hire up to Step 9 Work week 40: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $66,592.01 - $97,353.91/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

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 the direction of a physician and the close supervision of a higher level physical therapist in the Department of Human Service and Department of Health, assists in the development and implementation of client evaluations, therapeutic plans, and direct treatment; does other related work.

Examples of work

• Surveys patients to identify those with previously undetected problems and/or reviews written or verbal information concerning patients to assist in determining of the need for physical therapy services.
• Conducts individualized and documented assessments of patients known or suspected of having handicapping conditions, utilizing evaluative tools and skills unique to physical therapists.
• Assists in evaluations to aid in establishing diagnosis, prognosis, problems, goals, placement, and treatment plan.
• Establishes objectives and specific remediation techniques for patients receiving physical therapy services.
• Assists in the development of plans and preparation of written treatment programs based on evaluation of available patient data.
• In educational settings, participates in Individual Education Plan (IEP) committees for students requiring physical therapy services.
• Administers treatment procedures based upon results of evaluation procedures, compatible with the treatment plan, and designed to achieve treatment goals.
• Maintains appropriate patient and other records.
• Educates and assists patient's family in providing follow-up care.
• May direct and supervise the activities of Physical Therapy Assistants, Therapy Aides, and/or volunteer workers.
• Attends IEP meetings in an educational setting.
• May attend and participate in Intermediate Care Facility meetings as assigned.
• May be required to supervise student affiliates from accredited programs as assigned.
• May be required to provide elementary in-service programs related to routine daily activities.
• Attends staff conferences and confers with staff and specialist consultants.
• Implements a patient care delivery system in conjunction with appropriate medical staff.
• May assist in departmental clinics.
• Performs minor repairs and adjustments related to rehabilitation/habilitation equipment.
• Maintains program implementation standards according to state and federal laws and regulations.
• May be required to engage in lifting clients when working in a setting which provides direct services to clients who are non- ambulant, or who are semi-ambulant and/or have severe physical handicaps.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronics and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

License

Applicants must possess a license as a Physical Therapist issued by the Department of Law and Public Safety, Board of Physical Therapists.

Applicants to positions in day training centers and other educational facilities under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Education will also be required to possess a license as a School Physical Therapist issued by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Appointee 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 the essential duties of the position.

SPECIAL

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of physical therapy.
• Knowledge of the equipment used in physical therapy treatment.
• Knowledge of the effects of physical therapy treatment procedures, indications, and contraindications for treatment, and precautionary measures to observe when treating patients.
• Knowledge of the methods used to conduct patient assessments and evaluations.
• Ability to evaluate patients to determine the type of physical therapy treatment required.
• Ability to perform appropriate physical therapy treatment procedures.
• Ability to observe and accurately record patient's reactions and progress.
• Ability to fit and adjust orthotic and prosthetic appliances.
• Ability to evaluate for adaptive equipment.
• Ability to adjust and make minor repairs to physical therapy equipment and apparatus.
• Ability to identify potential hazards and dangerous situations and take corrective measures.
• Ability to interpret rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain appropriate records and files.
• Ability to work effectively with associates and patients.
• Ability to learn 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, or communicate in English and Spanish sufficiently to perform the 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 the 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.

Ability to physically lift, move and position clients as needed.