Physical Therapist

Full Job Description

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

This work unit exists to provide an active learning atmosphere in a safe and healthy environment for residents with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities. This work unit provides 24-hour treatment services in compliance with State and Federal regulations.

Requirements

About the Position:
The Physical Therapist (Therapist III) performs complete and/or specific physical therapy assessments for intellectually disabled people by adapting musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and gross motor development tests to meet their special needs, and relating these to functional and/or health outcomes. This involves selecting appropriate assessment tools from standardized and non-standardized tests for the Intellectually Disabled population to determine appropriate therapeutic intervention. Specifically, chooses from a variety of sources and adapts the tools as needed to conduct appropriate assessments that best determine the needs of the individuals and analyzes raw data to make recommendations to the Interdisciplinary team on needs to prioritize. Assessments include musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and gross motor development tests and evaluations for adaptive equipment related to safety needs.

Additionally, as a Therapist III, you can expect to:

• Determine which clients will benefit from PT intervention, based upon diagnoses and clinical evaluation after analyzing complicated data, and problem-solving issues related to time and equipment constraints to meet prioritized needs.
• Tailors primary Physical Therapy theories and principles to develop different approaches and plans to meet the unique needs of the intellectually disabled individuals served at the regional center.

Develops individualized training objectives tailored to meet the specific needs that comply with the unique behavioral and/or physical challenges the individual presents with.

The programs and objectives address deficits for residents who have cognitive and physical impairments that affect their musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and gross motor development.

• Develops a plan of care, service programs, or objectives for the identified needs. These needs include health and safety issues related to risks associated with contractures, gait problems/risk for falling, and multiple risks associated with immobility.
• Develops individualized learning and maintenance objectives/programs for the identified physical therapy needs of residents.
• Determines method of implementation based on tailoring existing guidelines for physical therapy to meet the unique needs of individuals served at the WRRC.
• Order or assist in developing adaptive positioning or therapy equipment and supplies for IID people to prevent further deformity, decrease pain, or improve function

Provide intensive training and role modeling to program and residential direct care staff for physical therapy programs.

This requires the use of creative and innovative techniques and approaches to ensure the individual’s participation as well as the correct implementation of the programs by direct care providers.

Provides ongoing monitoring and makes adaptations to programs as necessary to ensure progress occurs when expected and that skills and abilities are maintained when expected.

Examples of agency training needs include PT training for core skills refresher training sessions, new employee orientation classes, and annual competencies.

• Develop specific objectives and programs, design appropriate data points to collect and analyze data, and summarize information in the electronic health record.
• Documents progress and status of assigned individual’s programs and objectives in the electronic health record in accordance with WRRC policies.
• Determine needed revisions to flat-lined programs to assure further individual progress that often necessitates developing creative and unique strategies to increase interest and participation in the program. Directly implements selected programs and active treatment plans.
• Provides ongoing consultation and/or supervision for staff who follow the written programs to ensure the identified habilitation needs and intent of the programs are met.
• Participates in and provides input to the Interdisciplinary Team meetings, Department meetings, and the residents’ annual Individual Planning meetings (IPs).
• Makes recommendations to the ID team for goals, objectives, and programs in the area of physical therapy needs.
• Acts as a resource for the Physical Therapy Department with the agency's Interdisciplinary team members in a manner that supports the integrity and quality of therapy and support services for individuals served at the agency in accordance with the Physical Therapy Standards of Practice.
• Attends interdisciplinary meetings to clarify, describe, and discuss clients’ progress with team members.

Other duties as assigned; These include, but are not limited to, participation in peer review and clinic reviews as assigned.

Participates in committees as assigned to represent and advocate for the physical therapy department and assist with budgetary requirements.

Attends departmental and in-service meetings to clarify, describe, and discuss agency policies and procedures with department members and provides input to PT policy and procedures updates, revisions, and development of new procedures.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Current, valid licensure with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to practice Physical Therapy.

~AND~

TWO (2) years of experience in an occupational field related to the work assigned to the position.

Substitutions:
None

Conditions of Employment:

• [Standard/full] background check and reference check required

• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position.

• Motor Vehicle Check, if the employee will drive a state-owned vehicle, either in an ongoing capacity while performing their normal day-to-day job duties OR on occasion for training/meetings/client visits/etc.

• Must possess a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License

• Out-of-State Driver’s License holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days of employment start date.

• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:

  • Disclose that information on the application.

  • Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.

  • Provide your employee number from your prior State employment. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination, and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

• Must successfully pass a Tuberculosis (TB) test.
• Travel – Drive state car to various group homes, programming, admin & in the community
• Other – Requires Influenza immunization
CDHS Selection Process Explanation
Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements.




Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:

Relevant years of state service experience.


Minimum Qualification Screening Process
A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position. You must complete the official State of Colorado online application. Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process. Part-time work experience will be prorated..

Comparative Analysis Process

Structured Application Review: After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve a review and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from an eSkills Test. Your Work Experience/Job Duties

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent that you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications.

If listed, answer all supplemental questions, as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.

Supplemental Questions
Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

Appeal Rights


You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated. You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.




• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review.

• You can find the official appeal form here.

• You must deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:

  • By email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), or

  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or

  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or

  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.




Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or

• Refer to the Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage.




Additional Information

How to apply to the State of Colorado(Youtube Video, Runtime 3:59, Closed Captions Available)




The Assessment Process

For additional recruiting questions, please contact frank.marinaro@state.co.us.


About Us & Benefits

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS).

Our professionals strive to design and deliver high-quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado.

Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits, including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans

• Medical and dental health plans

• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account

• Paid life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave

• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center

• Employee Wellness program

• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more

• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions

• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.


Our Values

We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve.

We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide.

• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

ADA Accommodations
CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment.

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to cdhs_ada@state.co.us.

EEO Statement
The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services.

Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.

The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply.

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them.

Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application
Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g.

uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).

Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.