Physical Therapist - Extra Help

Under direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, and administers professional physical therapy services for eligible patients in a medical unit/program operated by the County's Department of Public Health; assists physicians in patient assessment, reviews clinical records, and develops individual treatment programs based on goals and objectives; administers various exercises and provides instruction to patients, families, and caregivers on appropriate exercises and activities; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from assigned management or supervisory personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Types of work performed shall be within the scope and licensure (if required) for the classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.

• Plans and performs physical therapy treatments for patients with neurological and physical disabilities, such as soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, gait training, and muscle reeducation through corrective exercises.
• Conducts and schedules evaluations and home assessments for equipment needs; consults with physicians and supervisors to determine treatment plans for each patient.
• Reviews clinical records and/or referrals to develop individual treatment programs based on goals and objectives; instructs clients, family and caregivers regarding home exercise programs and equipment needs.
• Administers tests such as manual muscle tests, joint range of motion, reflex testing, postural assessment, gait analysis, and functional mobility.
• Observes, evaluates and records patient's treatment, reactions, and progress in a clinical record; reports changes in status to physicians and modifies treatment plan in response to changes in patient's condition.
• Evaluates and orders appropriate mobility equipment and orthotic devices as prescribed.
• Attends appropriate and related clinics, meetings, and conferences to discuss patient status and as requested.
• Maintains records and prepares written reports as required; completes quality improvement audits and provides feedback; assists in the maintenance of program clerical administration, equipment, and supplies.
• Observes and complies with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• May assist in training therapy assistants, coordinating and monitoring the workflow of assigned staff and/or students administering physical therapy treatment programs; ensures that work is completed on time and is consistent with the work quality standards.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• The therapeutic principles, techniques and equipment used in physical therapy.
• Anatomy, physiology, and basic pathology involved in diseases, syndromes or injuries resulting in physical, neurological, or mental disabilities.
• Treatments directed toward the range of joint motions.
• Increasing muscle strength and assisting coordination of movements.
• Accepted and effective methods, goals, and objectives of therapy interventions; kinesiology and modalities.
• Current research in new treatment modalities and equipment design.
• Development, design, and construction as well as the use and care of orthopedic appliances and special equipment.
• Principles of providing functional direction and training.
• Therapy quality management methods.
• Physical and psychological problems of therapy patients and their effects on the family.
• Social determinants of health.
• Impacts of socioeconomic and cultural differences in public health.
• Principles of health equity as it applies to public health practice.
• Preparing a variety of documents and educational materials.
• Safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Understand the functions and operations of California Children's Services Medical Therapy unit and related operations.
• Plan, organize, and conduct therapy treatment programs.
• Explain and interpret goals, objectives and methods to patients, caregivers, and family members.
• Adapt various functions to the therapeutic requirements of individual patients.
• Exercise appropriate independent judgment and monitor quality of own practice.
• Demonstrate strong professional ethics.
• Collaborate with other professional staff to secure continuity in the treatment and training of patients.
• Analyze data, interpret directions, procedures, and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.
• Prepare and maintain accurate, concise case records and other necessary reports, documents, and files.
• Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and County regulations.
• Follow and efficiently adapt to current and changing program policies, procedures, software, and forms.
• Recognize and respect the impact of cultural differences on health care practices.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to the work performed.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff and/or students.
• Effectively provide staff leadership, training, and work direction.
• Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to the work performed.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in occupational therapy, physical therapy, kinesiology, or a closely related field.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid license to practice as a Registered Physical Therapist in the State of California.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid CPR certificate.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate California driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in office and clinic settings, treat patients, and use varied medical and office tools and equipment, including a computer; vision to evaluate patients and read printed materials and computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office and clinic environment with moderate noise levels and variable temperature conditions. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Employees must be willing to travel to different sites and locations.

The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training and experience relative to the required knowledge and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.

Only the most qualified applicants, who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the examination process which may be administered by a written examination, oral interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.

Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for the assessment listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section.

THE APPRAISAL PANEL (100%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2025.

To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website All job postings are also included via the TDD phone at ... and the 24-hour job line at .... Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded), licenses and certificates to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.

Those applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 form along with the application. Candidates who attain ranking on an eligible list and are involuntarily called to active duty may be considered for eligibility reinstatement upon their return.

Placement on Eligible List:

The Civil Service Commission may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the examination process. If two or more candidates have the same total final score on an examination, they shall be ranked in order of their scores in that portion of the examination which has the greatest weight. The names of two or more eligibles having final ratings which are identical shall be grouped on the eligible list as tie names with equal rank for certification and appointment purposes.

Candidates who are successful in all phases of the examination process will be placed on an eligible list, in rank order based on a calculation of their total score from the examination process. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of six (6) months or one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to section 6-4 (b) and may be extended for up to an additional year by the Commission.