| Job Summary |
| The school-based physical therapist works as a member of the educational team, supporting the education of students suspected of and/or diagnosed with a disability in their least restrictive environment. The school physical therapist develops, implements and coordinates a physical therapy program within the local agency (LEA); providing screening, evaluation and intervention services. Skilled provision of physical therapy prevents injury (acute and chronic) of both students and educational staff. |
| Essential Job Functions |
- Working with students with disabilities and serious health impairments, the physical therapist is expected to analyze risk, problem solve effectively and demonstrate a high level of professional judgement when recommending and providing services and making environmental modifications.
- Consultation with educational and community personnel is also an essential component of the physical therapist's roles/responsibilities.
- The physical therapist, working as a team member serving students, is autonomous in applying principles of physical therapy and responsible for working within the South Carolina Physical Therapy Practice Act, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other legal mandates.
- Adheres to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice.
- Provides direct supervision of physical therapy assistants in accordance with South Carolina's Physical Therapy Act as assigned.
- Develops, implements and coordinates the physical therapy program within the LEA, including philosophy, vision, procedures and goals.
- Evaluates students using appropriate tests, skilled professional observation and supplementary information from other agencies and records.
- Interprets assessment findings and appropriately conveying information to parents and school teams.
- Participates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and 504 Plans.
- Develops and implements intervention strategies.
- Develops physical management plans for daily classroom routines and trains staff in its safe implementation.
- Plans for transition from school to community, preparing students to function independently from therapy service when targeted outcomes are achieved.
- Evaluates and reports on student progress.
- Communicates and consults with school staff, parents, administrators, physicians, community and other professionals.
- Serves as a resource for parents, school teams, staff and administration on disabling conditions and their effects on education.
- Collaborates with community-based therapists and other healthcare providers for effective coordination of services,
- Participates in planning safe transportation of students with disabilities.
- Provides consultation regarding emergency evacuation of students with disability.
- Participates with improving school accessibility and planning environmental modifications.
- Maintains student services, administrative and other departmental records in accordance with the Physical Therapy Practice Act as well as school district, state and federal policies.
- Participates in budget planning and policy development.
- Documents needs and advocates for personnel and equipment, materials and supplies.
- Seeks regular opportunities for professional growth.
- Demonstrates regular and prompt attendance.
- Maintain confidentiality in the conduct of district business, act ethically, set priorities, and work well under pressure with attention to detail.
- Performs other related duties as assigned or requested by the Principal or Superintendent of Schools.
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| Education and Experience: |
- Minimum of two years of physical therapy preferred. Previous experience in pediatric practice desired.
- Graduation from an accredited physical therapy program. Participation in recent continuing education programs related to pediatrics or school based physical therapy.
- Certification to practice in South Carolina as evidenced by current licensure as a physical therapist by the South Carolina Department of Labor, License and Regulation Board.
- Proficient in computers and word processing software; or any equivalent combination of training software and experience that provide required knowledge.
- Supports the vision, mission and beliefs of Hampton County School District.
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| Knowledge: |
- Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: physical therapy principles, theory, methods and evidence practice; effective practice, clinical decision-making, outcomes based intervention and their proper application in the educational environment; areas of practice specific to pediatrics, including child development and specific diagnosis; administrative management practices; current legal mandates, including federal and state law, compliance issues, confidentiality requirements, funding procedures and requirements.
- Knowledge of general computer applications and their utilization as related to specific tasks and responsibilities.
- Knows how to keep abreast of changes in policy, standards, procedures, and regulations pertinent to personnel and community related functions.
- Thorough knowledge of Business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, possession of an excellent vocabulary and mathematical computation.
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| Skills/Effort: |
- Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: selecting and providing a wide range of intervention strategies and monitoring their effectiveness; effective oral and written communication.
- Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: planning, implementing, administering and coordinating a physical therapy program from eligibility determination to exit, within the LEA; selecting and administering appropriate assessment tools and interpreting results of assessment; plan, coordinating and providing training and continuing education both formally and informally to parents, school administration, school staff and other medical professionals.
- Written and verbal communication skills necessary to handle difficult and emotional situations.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily activities.
- Ability to operate general office equipment in the performance of daily activities.
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| Working Conditions: |
- The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: generally the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing; and the physical ability to execute job responsibilities that may include transferring and/or lifting students or equipment, managing equipment. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.
- Job requires the operation of standard office equipment.
- Physical demands are restricted to general office activities requiring movement/lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Requires ability to work under a degree of stress related to duties that require meeting tight deadlines, considerable attention and working with both adults and students.
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| Disclaimer Statement |
| This job description is not intended as a complete listing of job duties. The incumbent is responsible for the performance of other related duties as assigned/required. The administration has the exclusion right to alter this job description at any time without notice. |
