Physical Therapist

The following responsibilities represent the essential functions of the position. An employee in this classification is responsible for carrying out the following functions:

1. Function independently and autonomously in providing home and/or clinic based physical therapy services to infants, toddlers, and families.
2. Use a family-centered approach while integrating parent coaching into every session.
3. Coordinate schedule for planning and conducting visits.
4. Maintain appropriate treatment records and documentation as required.
5. Maintain productivity of 75% based on caseload.
6. Conduct assessment and evaluation addressing gross motor skills and physical development.
7. Perform comprehensive physical assessment of infants and toddlers including muscle tone, range of motion, reflex development, and movement patterns. 
8. May provide clinical oversight to physical therapy students working toward licensure.
9. Establish appropriate communication goals and objectives and provide updated communication-related developmental information at scheduled IFSPs.
10. Develop and maintain rapport with all family members assigned to caseload
11. Work collaboratively and act as a consultant to other agency professionals including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and developmental specialists as well as with Regional Center staff, physicians, and outside agencies regarding developmental/health-related issues and resources for families served.
12. Participate in monthly scheduled staff meetings, provide input, and present in-service trainings as needed.
13. Act as a mandated abuse reporter.
14. Independently recognize families in crisis and provide appropriate consultation and referral regarding issues related to child abuse, domestic violence, parental stress/conflicts, and substance abuse.
15. May perform other duties as assigned to ensure efficiency of the program.

Doctorate in Physical Therapy, unless grandfathered in with a master's degree and licensed to practice in California. 1+ years of related experience working with children or people with disabilities, and/or bilingualism preferred.

The Physical Therapist must have knowledge/skills in the following areas:

1. Family Support
   1. Communicating effectively
   2. Promoting collaborative decision making and problem solving
   3. Supporting access to community resources, both generic and specialized
   4. Supporting the development of family self-advocacy and empowerment
2. Child Development
   1. Must have a strong base of knowledge in both typical developmental patterns of infants and toddlers and atypical development due to disabilities or risk factors
3. Evaluation and Assessment
   1. Use evaluation/assessment practices appropriate to infants and toddlers with special needs
   2. Interpret and report evaluation and assessment results accurately and appropriately
4. Basic computer skills
5. Ability to utilize critical thinking skills in decision making situations and to demonstrate independent judgment
6. Solid organizational and documentation skills – ability to observe, evaluate, document, and communicate effectively verbally and in writing
7. Ability to accept supervision and work cooperatively as a team member with colleagues, clients, and families
8. Understanding and ability to work within team and family dynamics
9. Ability to be flexible with scheduling and prioritizing tasks

Considerable travel in the community, primarily performs work in the client's home; sometimes at the office. Lifting, moving, stretching, walking, and crawling during training activities with the child and family. Exposure to outdoor conditions, dust, and pollen. Some computer work and periods of intense concentration.