POSITION SUMMARY

Physical therapy is one of the related services under Part B of IDEA and is provided to support a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Physical therapists are members of a multidisciplinary school team that ensures a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities to prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.

Using their unique expertise in movement and function, particularly related to the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems. The school-based physical therapist promotes motor development and the student’s participation in everyday routines and activities that are part of the educational program.

The physical therapist performs therapeutic interventions, including remediation and prevention strategies and adaptations, focusing on functional mobility and safe, efficient access and participation in activities and routines in natural learning environments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Note: These duties and responsibilities are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The statements below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person. 

• Gathering appropriate information from students, parents and other team members regarding the child’s functional motor performance in school settings.
• Selecting, administering and interpreting a variety of screening instruments and standardized measurement tools;
• Examining and evaluating eligible students’ strengths and needs to establish their ability to participate in meaningful school activities and routines with or without assistance;
• Participating in team meetings, and in the IEP/§504 process, including collaboratively determining the need for physical therapy as a related service (IDEA) or as a reasonable accommodation (§504);
• Forming partnerships and working with other team members in the school setting to promote an effective physical therapy plan of care;
• Coordinating physical therapy interventions within the school program;
• Adapting environments to facilitate student access and participation in the educational program;
• Functioning as a consultant to other school personnel, parents, and students to coordinate the delivery of physical therapy services, which may include: interpretation of assessments and recommendations; explanation of the potential impact of developmental, medical and/or sensorimotor problems on schoolperformance; instructing staff members in the physical management of students, such as safe lifting, positioning, assisted ambulation, gross motor programs, vocational tasks, leisure activities, and/or equipment use; and selecting, modifying, or customizing adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
• Educating school personnel and families to promote inclusion of students within the educational experience by developing, demonstrating, training, and monitoring the effectiveness of strategies and intervention activities, using data to make decisions;
• Supporting the safe transportation of students;
• Referring students to other related service personnel and to healthcare providers as appropriate;
• Serving as a liaison among school, medical personnel, and medical equipment vendors.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Performs other related tasks as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Graduate from an approved school of Physical Therapy

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

License from the State to practice PT

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community; ability to speak clear and concisely in written or oral communication.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly sit, walk and stand. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being of students.

The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment.

The Livingston Educational Service Agency does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies should be directed to the Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services.