Abolished 10/07

PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

8321F2

Pay Grade: 18

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is paraprofessional work providing selected physical therapy treatments.

Work involves the performance of physical therapy treatments under the direction of a registered physical therapist.

Work includes responsibility for assisting the patient in completing a habilitative or rehabilitative task in the development, maintenance, and/or re-education of a portion of the human anatomy.

Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision..." Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks.

Difficulty - LEVEL A: Routine - Where the work is usually repetitive and the employee works from detailed instructions, the difficulty is usually limited to accuracy and speed.

Complexity - LEVEL B: Work is of a structured nature including duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data, identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations. Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to determine the actions which need to be taken.

Consequences of Actions and Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant.

Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level.

Physical Demands - LEVEL D: The work requires considerable physical exertion.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the evaluation of work performance.

Differs from the Physical Therapist I class which is professional level evaluative and treatment work applying a full range of established physical therapy procedures.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Administers standardized physical therapy procedures; interviews patients regarding skills and interests; assists patients in completing exercises and activities to develop, redevelop, or maintain gross motor skills within a pre-determined therapeutic plan.

Exercises patient to develop, maintain, or retrain range of motion; uses various modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultra-sound, ultra-violet or infra-red to relieve pain or alter physiological status; may administer hydrotherapy, massage, or exercise treatments; observes and documents patient participation and progress; makes recommendations for changes in treatments.

May supervise the work of lower level non-professional or paraprofessional staff; may plan and participate in the presentation of orientation, in-service, or volunteer training; recommends departmental expenditures.

Constructs splints, adaptive equipment, and other self-help devices; maintains program area, equipment, and supplies; recommends requisitions.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Knowledge

*Knowledge of human growth and development.

*Knowledge of physical therapy principles, techniques, and equipment.

*Knowledge of the care and operation of physical therapy equipment.

Abilities

Ability to accurately observe and record client/patient behavior and progress in a physical therapy program.

*Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

*Ability to recognize contraindications of treatment.

*Necessary at Entry

Registration/temporary permit to practice as a certified physical therapy assistant in the State of Kansas at the time of hire.

Necessary Special Requirements:

Some positions require an approved drug test unless promoting, transferring, or demoting from another designated position within the same agency.

NC: 06/93
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 09/03
REV: 08/05