Description

Abilities First, Inc., has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for almost sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services including school and preschool programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, and employment services.

Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds to and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Abilities First is seeking a Physical Therapist in our School Program located in Poughkeepsie, with satellite classes in Hyde Park NY. This position determines and implements appropriate physical therapy programs for each student assigned, under the supervision of school administration.

Schedule: This position follows the school calendar (September – June), with a 6-week summer program. Salary Range: $44-$52 with Ph.D. credit given for experience including ATP, NDT & SI Certification. $34.34-$42.00 master's degree

Responsibilities include:

• Evaluates those students on assigned caseload and determines appropriate program goals (both long and short term).
• Evaluates new referrals to determine need for service/appropriate level of service.
• Provides direct treatment to students on assigned caseload.
• Schedules assigned caseload in conjunction with classroom staff and other related services.
• Submits all written documentation in accordance with School and Preschool policies. Must adhere to paperwork deadlines, agency forms, and content.
• Periodically reassesses student's progress toward goals, and adjusts goals as necessary.
• Assesses student's need for equipment (in collaboration with clinical and educational staff).
• Responsible for recommending, fabricating, and adapting equipment for assigned caseload, according to Abilities First, Inc. policies and with assistance from equipment technician as indicated.
• Communicates regularly with parents, classroom staff and related service personnel regarding individual student's program and progress.
• Instructs parents, classroom staff and related service personnel in proper positioning, lifting and carrying techniques, ambulation and transfer techniques, and activities to otherwise implement carryover of treatment goals.
• Informs appropriate staff and parents/primary caregivers of need for periodic reassessment by the child’s physician.
• Participates in staff meetings, team meetings, and parent/teacher conferences as indicated.
• Supervises Physical Therapy Assistants, as assigned by administrative staff through weekly meetings.
• Trains and supervises affiliating student physical therapists, as assigned by administrative staff regarding department policy, professional conduct, evaluation and treatment.
• Attends CSE annual reviews as requested to provide input relating to child's therapy needs in educational setting.
• Assists in maintenance of treatment sites.
• Provides department in-service when indicated.
• Adheres to APTA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
• Demonstrates proficiency in all goals and skillsets outlined in the NYS DSP Core Competencies, on which performance will be evaluated.
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications required are current, and seeks further support and training where needed.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Will incorporate CORE concepts of CQL’s person-centered excellence by respecting people’s concerns and responding accordingly and will use “teachable moments” to assist people in understanding and exercising their rights.

This is a full-time position eligible for these benefits.

Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off (vacation & holiday paid time off following the school calendar)

· Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options

· 401(k) plan with employer match

· Employer paid life insurance

· Tuition Reimbursement and Continuing Education 

· Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support

· On Demand Payment – access your earnings as early as the next day

· Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.

· And InsureChoice Discounted Insurance including Home/Auto/Life & Pet and free Virtual Pet visits for 1 year. 

Requirements

• Doctoral Degree or Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited school.
• Licensed with NYS Department of Education, or eligible for licensure (temporary permit).
• Have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs, push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Valid NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.