Job Description

Title:   PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Position Type: Exempt

Primary Function:

Develop, implement, evaluate, and coordinate the delivery of direct and indirect school-based physical therapy services for students with disabilities whose skills and functional performance significantly limit access to their education program.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in physical therapy, from an accredited university.
• Appropriate license as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Physical Therapy.
• Experience as a physical therapist, school-based or pediatrics preferred.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a National Provider Identification (NPI) number prior to employment.
• Possession of a valid Virginia Driver’s License and use of a personal vehicle.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of federal and state regulations which impact school-based therapy practice and knowledge of childhood disabilities and health conditions which may impact student performance.
• Time management and organizational skills to handle multiple responsibilities, caseload demands, and meet required deadlines.
• Ability to use computer technology to perform basic job functions and knowledge of assistive technology applications for students with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, students, and parents.
• Timely and regular adherence to established work schedules.
• Ability to travel to more than one work location during the day. May include off campus sites including private/public day schools, field trips/community-based instruction, or job/work sites.
• Ability to work independently in a variety of settings across age and diagnostic categories.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Choose activities to improve student performance in the skill areas (e. functional mobility, gross motor, positioning, strength, range of motion, muscle tone, daily living, etc.) necessary for accessing curriculum, learning and functioning within the school environment
• Use resources, clinical reasoning, and professional judgement to support students, and collaborate with staff to promote a positive, safe, student-centered environment that is conducive to learning.
• Provide training and ongoing coaching to educational teams and support staff to promote safe management of students with physical disabilities including transfer training, proper equipment use training, emergency drill planning, and assessing building accessibility related to individual student needs
• Order supplies and equipment in conjunction with other therapists and classroom teachers as needed and maintain inventory/storage of essential department equipment
• Maintain a commitment to professional ethics and standards as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association and participate in meaningful and continuous professional growth.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education/Associate Director of Special Education and/or Lead Therapist

Job Specifications:

Serve as a member of interdisciplinary teams (e. Child Study, Eligibility, 504, and/or IEP) to support participation and achievement for students with disabilities in accordance with their Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or program initiatives.

Assess students using appropriate evaluation tools including standardized tests, clinical observations, and review of medical and educational reports and interpret those findings for the educational team.

Implement and deliver mandated physical therapy services and/or accommodations aligned with evidence-based practices, student/staff needs, and IEPs/504s.

Identify, acquire and support use of accommodations or equipment necessary to facilitate student access to curriculum and learning environment(s)

Assist with modification of school tasks and activities to accommodate the needs of students

Review and participate in development of IEPs, evaluation, assessment and progress reports

Document and maintain essential records as required including progress reports, and session documentation notes. Follow guidelines for Medicaid billing.

Submit records, reports and assignments promptly and efficiently

Establish and monitor caseloads, procedures, and resources to manage school-based physical therapy services

Travel between locations where students require services.

Support and implement district policies, regulations, procedures, and administrative directives

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

Must have sensory skills to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public using telephone and personal contact as defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls.

Position may require frequent sitting, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing, grasping, repetitive motion, and reaching.

Position requires the ability to support individuals with impaired weight bearing or unsteady gait, and repositioning individuals in therapeutic equipment, including use of hydraulic lifts with assistance.

Physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds to shoulder height and 50 pounds to waist height.

Reports to:

Lead Therapist/Associate Director of Special Education

Terms of Employment:

10 or 12 months per year, based on position. Salary according to School Board Pay Plan.

Evaluation:

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of certificated personnel.

1/29/2024