Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

The physical therapist is responsible for creating a supportive learning environment that fosters academic, social, and emotional growth of students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

I. Assessment

A. Screenings

1. The PT will consult/collaborate/inservice district Problem Solving Teams (PST)/RTI.

2. The PT will consult/collaborate/inservice district staff on screening methods, guidelines, and procedures.

B. Evaluation

1. The PT will assist with classification and placement decisions by performing functional motor abilities assessments to address concerns noted in the evaluation domain sheet and expressed by team.

2. The PT's evaluation of functional motor skills may include how strength, range of motion, respiratory functioning, ability to perform coordinated movements, posture, etc, affect abilities to participate in educational settings.

3. The PT's evaluation may also include adapted equipment use, and pre-vocational functioning, as appropriate.

II. Team process in relation to student program development.

A. The PT, along with the team, will identify long term goals and objectives.

B. The PT will develop therapeutically based interventions and strategies and adapt equipment in collaboration with the educational team to carry out IEP goals and/or interventions.

C. The PT will assume responsibility for development and monitoring therapeutic interventions provided by self or other team members.

D. The PT will update and assist with writing IEP goals and objectives as an educational team member.

III. Program Implementation PT will provide physical therapy services as determined on the IEP. The amount of minutes provided includes direct and indirect. Indirect services include monitoring of students' abilities to perform necessary functional skills, classroom staff's ability to provide recommended strategies and interventions and overall education and consultation to all staff as needed, regarding the student's needs. Direct services include working with the student individually or as part of a group. Staff inservicing may be required dependent upon individual student needs.

IV. Professional Responsibilities

A. The PT will maintain current and accepted competencies of practice in skill as required by program needs by attending professional workshops, courses, conferences and inservices. Updated 2025

B. The PT will maintain ethical standards as required by the national and state professional organizations, and Antioch District 34.

C. The PT will project a positive professional image to the community, e.g. participate in district and building activities, serve on district and building committees.

D. Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work environment.

V. Professional Responsibilities

A. Records

1. The PT will maintain her/his inventory of materials and equipment that was purchased/assigned to each student and/or building.

2. The PT will maintain his/her schedule and inform all building Administrators and Director of Student Services of changes.

3. The PT will keep travel records.

4. The PT will maintain student files of progress notes, attendance, intervention plans, anecdotal records, IEP goals, RTI, interventions, etc.

5. The PT will write assessments and programs (e.g. home, database, gross motor, etc.)

6. The PT will assist the educational team with data collection and writing IEP goals.

7. The PT will complete necessary administrative paperwork (Medicaid/Fee for Service, conference requests, within noted timelines.

8. The PT will write intervention plans on all students, placing them in students blue special education folders or Student RTI intervention folders.

Qualifications:

Licenses: Physical Therapist issued by the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation

Physical Demands:

The role requires the ability to perform various physical tasks, including standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, lifting, and bending, as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities. The work environment may involve exposure to typical levels of noise and activity associated with a school and on a school bus setting. This overview is not exhaustive of all physical requirements and responsibilities inherent in the role.

Terms of Employment:

Reports to: Director of Student Services

Benefits:

Sick leave and personal days

Salary, length of work year and ongoing service shall be determined by the Board of Education.

Employer contributions to the Teachers Retirement System (TRS)

HMO insurance and dental benefits

Opportunities for professional development and growth within the district.