Pediatric Physical Therapist

Overview

Under medical direction, the physical therapist plans and performs therapy for physically disabled clients ranging in age from birth to 21 years who are eligible for services through the California Children’s Services Medical Therapy Program. Services are primarily provided in an outpatient clinic setting but may also be provided in the public-school setting, via telehealth, or within the home/community to address equipment needs and caregiver training. This classification requires specialized knowledge in pediatric care, physical therapy laws and regulations, and will work independently and on an interdisciplinary team with parents and other professionals. The physical therapist is expected to exercise professional judgement, critical thinking, and requires the ability to adapt procedures and plan of care for the more complex cases based on responses to the treatment plan.

 

This position is within a dual classification for the Physical/Occupational Therapist. Currently, we are recruiting for the Physical Therapist I/II. At this time, any candidates who qualify for an Occupational Therapist may be put on an eligible list for future recruitments.

Typical Tasks

Physical Therapist I/II

• Provide physical therapy evaluations and appropriate treatments
• Design treatment programs for patients that include realistic, functional goals based on therapist’s evaluation and appropriate precautions
• Review clinical record, medical prescription and/or physician referral to develop treatment plans
• Monitor patient’s progress and work with an interdisciplinary team to modify treatment plans
• Maintain accurate clinical records and prepare written patient progress reports
• Attend clinics, case conferences, staff meetings, and in-service training
• Evaluate for and order adaptive and durable medical equipment and instruct patients and caregivers in its use
• Provide therapy recommendations
• Consult with patient’s caregivers and any other agencies involved in the care of assigned patients
• Participate in the IEP process and represent the Medical Therapy Program
• Provide general direction to Therapy Aides, volunteers and student interns for labor relations purposes.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge

• Principles, methods, materials and equipment used in physical or occupational therapy
• Possible reactions of and hazards to patients during treatment, and precautionary and remedial measures
• Anatomy, physiology, neuromuscular function and dysfunction, kinesiology, and neuromotor development
• Pathology and injuries which result in physical impairment
• Current trends and new developments in therapy techniques
• The growth and development of children

Skills/Abilities

• Organize and implement therapy treatment plans
• Explain the techniques involved in a wide variety of therapy modalities and procedures
• Interpret and adapt physician orders and/or written reports
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with patients, staff, and others
• Perform essential physical/mental requirements
• Prepare and maintain accurate case records and reports

Education & Experience

Physical Therapist I:

PATTERN I

• Current licensure with the Physical Therapy Board of California.

PATTERN II

• Be in possession of a letter of authorization from the Physical Therapy Board of California to take the licensing examination to perform as a “physical therapist license applicant” under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist for 90 days pending the results of the first licensing examination administered.

PATTERN III

• Current licensure with the California Board of Occupational Therapy.

PATTERN IV

• Be in possession of a Licensing Permit from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy to work under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist for 90 days pending the results of the first licensing examination administered.

*No experience required for any of the above patterns for the Physical Therapist I.

 

Physical Therapist II:

PATTERN I

• Current licensure with the Physical Therapy Board of California.
• One (1) year of full-time experience as a fully licensed professional Physical Therapist

PATTERN II

• Current licensure with the California Board of Occupational Therapy; and
• One (1) year of full-time experience as a fully licensed professional Occupational Therapist

 

For more information about the position and to apply, please click on the application link directing to Government Jobs website.