2026-27 Physical Therapist (0.5 FTE)

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Licensed by the Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy. Possesses a Master’s, or Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy.  Valid Arizona Department of Public Safety fingerprint clearance card. Up-to-date or ability to obtain Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)/restraint certification.       

REPORTS TO:

Principal/Executive Director of Student Services

JOB GOAL:

Identifies students whose ability to function is limited by gross motor delays and/or physical deficits.  Provides direct, indirect, or consultative services to enable students benefit from their educational program.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Screens and evaluates students’ gross motor functioning skills based on formal and informal evaluations.
2. Develops physical therapy objectives and activities that can be implemented by teachers and assistants.
3. Develops therapy schedules and provides therapy for students who have delays in gross motor functions.
4. Identifies students’ needs for adaptive equipment and classroom accommodations/modifications.
5. Instructs students, family, and school staff members in all the use of special equipment.
6. Participates in multidisciplinary conferences to develop Individualized Education Programs for students entering or continuing in special education programs.
7. Determines appropriate physical therapy equipment and supply needs, makes purchase requests for equipment and supplies as appropriate, and maintains inventory of physical therapy equipment, assistive technology, and supplies.
8. Evaluates individual student progress in therapy programs on a regular basis, communicating findings to teachers, parents, and others involved through direct consultation or written reports.
9. Completes quarterly and other reports formally requested by the Director of Student Services.
10. Attends appropriate professional conferences, workshops, and in-service training programs.
11. Provides professional development to staff members.
12. Maintain records and bill Medicaid in Public Schools.
13. Adhere to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice.
14. Perform other job duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

1. Perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios.
2. Read a variety of manuals; writes documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others.
3. Understand multi-step written and oral instructions.
4. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: recordkeeping principles; and office equipment/software.
5. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
6. Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional situations; Responds promptly to student, staff, and public needs.
7. Interpersonal Skills - Maintains confidentiality; Creates and maintains a positive and conducive work environment.
8. Oral Communication - Responds well to questions.
9. Written Communication - Edits work for spelling and grammar.
10. Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences.
11. Ethics - Treats people with respect.
12. Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures.
13. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful and positive manner.
14. Safety and Security - Uses equipment and materials properly. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

1. Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, and memos.
2. Ability to write correspondence.
3. Ability to work with a variety of people and maintain confidentiality of information.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:

1. To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet software, preferred accounting used software and Microsoft office (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, and other appropriate technology software).
2. The ability to type 40 wpm.
3. Knowledge of appropriate business machines and telephones.
4. Monitor special system(s), not limited to, including security and fire alarm systems.             

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
2. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions as long as the accommodations do not interfere with the ability to perform essential functions.
3. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
4. The employee must be able to transfer weights up to 50 pounds including but not limited to dependent, assisted, stand, pivot, slide board, and two persons lifts.
5. The position includes daily carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; ability to work on the floor or at the level of small children.
6. The employee must be able to push and pull equipment including wheelchairs, gait trainers, bikes, mobile standers.
7. The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: requires sitting, walking, and standing.
8. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Ten-month, full time, employee pay and benefits in accordance with Board policy.
2. FLSA: Exempt
3. Full Time Employee Benefits: Sick leave, holidays, retirement, workers’ comp, life, and medical. Optional benefits (employee’s cost): Increase life insurance, flexible spending account, short term disability, dental, and/or vision.

EVALUATION: 

1. Performance to be evaluated in accordance with the Board policy on evaluation of support personnel.