Physical Therapist

BELLINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

BELLINGHAM, MASSACHUSETTES

POSITION - Physical Therapist - Full Time

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Physical Therapist is a school-based service provider for students in the Bellingham Public School district.  The Physical Therapist provides direct services, consultation services, inclusive services, collaborates with the other service providers and provides training to personnel in the needs of students identified with physical therapy services in the school setting.  The physical therapist is part of the evaluation process and support services provided in schools as it relates to the student’s ability to access education as planning occurs across the District for Students.

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide direct physical therapy services in the assessment of, educational planning for, monitoring of, and reevaluation of students in need of special services, in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local codes and regulations.
2. Provide consultative services across the district staff and with parents as required.
3. Write individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, accommodations, treatment plans and progress reports as well as maintain appropriate log of services and medicaid reports.
4. Travel to and from schools on a daily basis for services, consultations and Team Meetings
5. Lift, transfer and position students and equipment and demonstrate for others, as necessary, to provide services
6. Attend required staff meetings, professional development trainings, and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees
7. Complete in a timely fashion all records and reports as required by law and regulation or requested by supervisors.
8. Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences.
9. Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
10. Order and maintain inventory of assistive equipment for students in collaboration with administration.
11. Perform any duties that are within the scope of employment and certifications, as assigned by the Principal or Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job  Unless reasonable accommodations can be made while performing this job the staff member shall:

1. Use strength to lift, transfer and position students and equipment needed to perform the functions of the job.
2. Sit stand and walk for required periods of time

COMPENSATION:  Per the BTA Contract

JOB REQUIREMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physical therapy from a school accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association
2. Licensed to practice in Massachusetts
3. Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative
4. Have extensive experience in working with children and adolescents
5. Demonstrate knowledge and understand of interventions in the areas of sensorimotor processing range of motion, cardiovascular functioning, adaption of equipment, wheelchair mobility, postural awareness, ambulation and gait training, recommendation and monitoring of orthosis and assistive devices prevention of injury for studetns with disabilities.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of current rules and regulations regarding physical therapy services in a school-based setting with an understanding of state and federal regulations in special education.
7. Work in a collaborative manner with teachers, other related service providers, paraeducators parents, administration and outside professionals such as physicians.
8. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
9. Demonstrate the ability to use electronic equipment for word processing, data management, information retrieval, visual and audio presentations, and telecommunications.
10. Provide training to small and large groups of staff regarding student needs related to physical therapy.