Physical Therapist Assistant

Residence Requirements:

RESIDENCE REQUIREMENTS: THERE ARE NO RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS EXAMINATION.  The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies at the Erie County Medical Center ($16.72 - $21.99 per hour) and Erie County School Districts. Salaries vary among the School Districts.

Preference may be given to successful candidates who have been residents of the municipality in which the appointment is to be made for one month preceding the date of the certification of the eligible list and who are residents of the municipality at the time of appointment.  Non-residents may be required to become a resident of the appointing municipality if local law so states. * Candidates who reside in a school district which, for civil service purposes is administered by the Erie County Personnel Commissioner, but who are not legal residents of Erie County may apply for examination. However they will be certified for appointment only in the school district in which they are legal residents.  Salaries vary among the school districts.

If you pass the examination, your name will appear on the continuous eligible list for one year. After one year, your name will be removed from the list. You may apply for retest at six month intervals.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, supplemented by completion of a two year college program for Physical Therapist Assistants recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS: Certification as a Physical Therapist Assistant or eligibility for certification as a Physical Therapy Assistant in New York State.

NOTE: Your degree and/or college credit must have been awarded by a regionally accredited college or university or one recognized by the Ne w York State Education Department as following acceptable educational practices. A grade of “D” or better is necessary for a course to be credited as successfully completed. If your degree and/or college credit was awarded by an educational institution outside of the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. You can write to this Department for a list of acceptable companies providing this service; you must pay the required evaluation fee.

NOTICE: Erie County no longer maintains a file of applicant transcripts. Exam applicants must be prepared to provide documentation of educational qualifications (transcript, diploma, etc.) to the hiring agency prior to appointment. Documentation may also be submitted with the exam application.

Examples of Duties:

DUTIES: A Physical Therapist Assistant assists in administration of physical therapy treatments to patients as prescribed by a physician; assists the physical therapist in carrying out complex procedures and programs; performs treatment procedures in accordance with t he planned program; assists with the administration of skilled treatment procedures including, cervical and lumbar traction, hydrotherapy, ultrasound, hot packs and electric stimulation; administers massage, muscle training and coordination, corrective exercises, goniometry and gait training; maintains patient records and observes patient responses for treatments; supervision and modification of specific treatment procedures in accordance with changes in patient status; trains and assists patients in use of supportive or assistive devices, prostheses and other ambulation aids and all exercise equipment; maintains equipment and work areas in clean, orderly condition; maintains documentation and communication of treatments within medical record.

A medical examination may be required before appointment.

Subjects of Examination:

SUBJECT OF EXAMINATION: The only subject of examination will be an evaluation of your training and experience. You are therefore, asked to include in your application a summary of all pertinent training and experience in sufficient detail so that your background may be evaluated against the duties of the position.

In your summary of training include all college course work, formal in-service training, and seminars you have attended. You must specify either the number of credits received or the number of contact hours and dates of attendance. Also include a copy of your professional license. Specify the date that your license was first issued.

In your summary of experience, you must specify the dates of your employment, the number of hours worked per week, your title, and the main duties for each. Be specific; vagueness and ambiguity will NOT be resolved in your favor. Candidates who submit incomplete applications or documentation may be disqualified.

Notes:

WHERE TO APPLY: You must obtain Form P.O. 30X, “Erie County Application for Examination or Appointment” at the Erie County Civil Service Commission/Personnel Office web site located at www.erie.gov. Click on “Erie CountyCivil Service /Dept. of Personnel” then “How to Apply” then “Applications”. If you do not have internet access you may pick up an application form at the Erie County Personnel Department, 95 Franklin Street, Room 604, Buffalo, New York 14202. Forms are also available at Buffalo and Erie County Public Libraries and at Town, Village and School District administrative offices.

Completed forms should then be returned to the Erie County Personnel Department. In addition, candidates must request their colleges to send transcripts to the Erie County Personnel Department or attach transcripts to your application. No applications will be evaluated until all the above information, including transcripts, is received.

REISSUED: 03/14

This examination is prepared by the New York State Department of Civil Service and held in compliance with the New York State Civil Service Law and the rules and regulations of the New York State Department of Civil Service.

**IMPORTANT APPLICATION FEE - READ CAREFULLY**

A $15.00 filing fee is required for this exam. The required fee must accompany your application. Send or bring check or money order made payable to Erie County Personnel Department and write the examination number(s) on your check or money order. Do not send or bring cash, as the County cannot be responsible for cash payment. As no refund will be made, you are urged to compare your qualifications carefully with the requirements for admission and file only for those examinations for which you are clearly qualified.