What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Therapist- Division Wide position at Rockbridge County School District?
Purpose
Physical Therapists (PTs) are responsible for the development, implementation, evaluation, and coordination of physical therapy services within educational settings for students whose disabilities interfere with their educational performance and ability to benefit from their educational programs. The PT promotes motor development and supports student participation in daily routines and activities integral to the educational environment. The PT designs and implements therapeutic interventions—including compensatory, remedial, and preventive strategies and adaptations—focused on functional mobility and ensuring safe, efficient access to and participation in educational activities within natural learning environments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as an integral member of a multidisciplinary school team by participating in the IEP and/or 504 process, including collaboratively determining the need for physical therapy as a related service under IDEA or as a reasonable accommodation under Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Assess students’ functional capabilities and classroom environments to determine functional performance in school and school-related activities and to develop appropriate recommendations for curriculum access.
Select, administer, and interpret a variety of screening instruments and standardized assessment tools to identify deficits related to school functioning and to develop recommendations.
Collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to evaluate eligible students’ strengths and needs and determine their ability to participate in meaningful school activities and routines, with or without assistance.
Design and implement physical therapy interventions that enable students to benefit from their educational programs.
Function as a consultant to school personnel, families, and students to coordinate the delivery of physical therapy services, including:
Interpreting assessment results and providing recommendations;
Explaining the impact of developmental, medical, and/or sensorimotor impairments on educational performance;
Training caregivers in physical management techniques (e.g., safe lifting, positioning, assisted ambulation, gross motor activities, vocational and leisure tasks, and equipment use);
Establishing realistic expectations for student performance in the school setting; and
Selecting, modifying, or customizing adaptive equipment and assistive technology for educational use.
Adapt environments to facilitate student access to and participation in educational programs.
Prepare a variety of written materials (e.g., activity logs, correspondence, treatment plans, evaluations). May be required to complete Medicaid billing.
Participate in ongoing professional development and research best practices in physical therapy to support continuous growth and determine the most effective approaches for addressing student needs.
Educate school personnel and families to promote inclusion by developing, demonstrating, and monitoring intervention strategies, and using data to inform program modifications.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing school-based services, including the structure and function of school systems and related agencies.
Understanding of the special education process and the developmental and learning characteristics of children with disabilities that may impact student performance.
Ability to establish rapport and work effectively with students, staff, families, and administrators.
Proficiency in basic computer applications and knowledge of assistive technology for students with disabilities.
Ability to work independently across a variety of school settings, age groups, and diagnostic categories.
Ability to travel between multiple work locations throughout the day.
Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to transport or arrange for the transport of necessary supplies and equipment.
Ability to translate therapy data into meaningful educational strategies and activities.
Strong organizational skills, including flexibility, prioritization, and time management, to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines.
Qualifications / Education and Experience
Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited college or university recognized by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Successful completion of the National Physical Therapist Examination (NPTE).
Licensure through the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy or eligibility for licensure in Virginia.
Ongoing professional development to meet continuing education (CEU) requirements for licensure.
Valid Virginia driver’s license.
Minimum of two years of experience as a Physical Therapist preferred, ideally in a school-based or pediatric setting.