Physical Therapist

Title:   Physical Therapist

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Lead Physical Therapist, to support the education of students with disabilities or physical impairments in their least restrictive environment by developing, implementing and coordinating a physical therapy program, and providing screening, evaluation and intervention services.

Essential Functions

• Develops, implements and coordinates the physical therapy program within the school district, including philosophy, vision, procedures and goals.
• Evaluates the physical therapy needs of students, using appropriate tests, professional observations and supplementary information from other sources.
• Interprets assessment findings and conveys information to parents and school staff.
• Participates in the development of Individualized Education Programs.
• Develops and implements intervention strategies.
• Develops physical management and environmental modification plans for daily classroom activities and trains staff in its safe implementation.
• Plans for transition from school to community, preparing student to function independent from therapy service when targeted outcomes are achieved.
• Evaluates and reports on student's progress.
• Consults with school staff, parents, administrators, physicians, community and other professionals in order to gather and communicate information to meet the physical therapy needs of students.
• Serves as resource to parents, school staff and administration on the disabling conditions and their effects on education.
• Collaborates with community therapists and other healthcare providers for effective coordination of physical therapy services.
• Assesses the need for assistive technology and equipment and makes recommendations for its use at school to help students function as independently as possible.
• Assists with planning the safe transportation and emergency evacuation of students with disabilities or physical impairments.
• Provides consultation regarding the emergency evacuation of students with disability.
• Participates with improving school accessibility and planning environmental modification.
• Documents physical therapy services and maintains records in accordance with school district policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships.

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Lead Physical Therapist and other administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note:         The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of physical therapy principles, theory, methods and evidence based practice.
• Knowledge of effective practice, clinical decision-making, outcomes based intervention and their proper application in the educational environment.
• Knowledge of areas of practice specific to pediatrics, including child development and specific diagnoses.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Section 504, and other federal and state laws and regulations regarding education and students and physical therapy practice in schools.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Skill in selecting and providing a wide range of intervention strategies and monitoring their effectiveness.
• Effective computer skills as needed for work (e.g., ability to effective use Microsoft Office suite).
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.

Note:   Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

Qualifications Profile

Certification/License:

• State Certification to practice as evidenced by current state licensure as a Physical Therapist.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education:

• Masters or Doctorate  from an accredited college or university in related field.
• Graduation from an accredited program of physical therapy.

Experience:

• Successful prior experience working as a Physical Therapist, preferably in an educational or other pediatric practice setting.

     
     Contact:     Marian Perillo - Lead Physical Therapist
                        marian.perillo2@ucps.k12.nc.us

 

FLSA Status:             Exempt