Physical Therapist

Position: Physical Therapist

Department: Special Programs

Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt

Immediate Supervisor(s):Coordinator of Evaluation and Related Services

Pay Grade:Per Compensation Manual

Days Employed:Per Compensation Manual

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Plan and provide physical therapy to students with physical disabilities
• Assess students and plan therapeutic intervention to address problems or impairments that interfere with a students ability to derive full benefit from the educational program

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor Master or Doctorate degree in physical therapy
• Valid Texas license as a physical therapist granted by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of medical information and indications for physical therapy treatment
• Skilled in the use of tests and measurements for assessing physical function
• Ability to administer physical therapy treatments
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Ability to instruct staff regarding a students physical therapy needs
• Excellent organizational communication and interpersonal skills

Experience:

• Minimum one-year experience as a physical therapist

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Therapy:

• Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with physical therapy goals contained in a students Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of physical therapy services
• Design construct alter and provide students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote maximum independence

Assessment:

• Assess student with physical disabilities & determine eligibility for services (including PT/ Adaptive PE) including recommendations for student success
• Participate in the Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with the interpretation of assessment data appropriate placement and goal setting for students with physical disabilities according to district procedures
• Adapt or recommend adaptation of the school environment

Consultation:

• Consult with educational staff and parents regarding the use of specialized equipment and materials
• Consult with district and outside personnel including private therapists and other medical staff regarding the physical and medical needs of students
• Provide staff development training in assigned schools to help school personnel understand students with physical disabilities
• Consult with parents teachers administrators and other relevant people to enhance their work with students
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level interests and needs of the student
• Assist ARDC in determining appropriate adaptive PE needs/provide instruction regarding adaptive physical education to staff

Program Management:

• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the physical therapy program and implement changes based on the findings
• Assist in the selection of equipment and adaptive material
• Provide Fire Evacuation training of wheelchair-bound students to staff

Administration:

• Compile maintain and file all physical and computerized reports records and other documents required
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law State Board of Education rule and local board policy
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations
• Effectively communicate with colleagues students and parents
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Related Services Team Leader Coordinator of Evaluation and Related Services and/or the Director of Special Programs
• Keep updated paperwork regarding services provided as required by the licensing board and required for Medicaid and SHARS billing
• Follow the A-Z Special Education Operating Guidelines

EXPECTATIONS OF MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

• Tools/Equipment Used:Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students
• Motion:Frequent walking and reaching frequent standing; kneeling/squatting bending/stooping pushing/pulling and twisting
• Lifting:Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities controlling behavior through physical restraint assisting non-ambulatory students and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment
• Environment:Work inside and outside (exposure to sun heat cold and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (body fluids bacteria communicable diseases)
• Mental Demands:Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; Ability to interact positively and proactively with students with behavioral concerns communicate verbally and inwriting instruct and maintain emotional control under stress
• Professional Dress: Dress must be clean neat in a manner appropriate for his or her assignment and in accordance with any additional standards established by his or her supervisor and approved by the Superintendent. During work hours visible body piercings (except earrings) will not be allowed.

EVALUATIONS:

• Performance of this position will be evaluated annually

Required Experience:

IC