Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

Physical therapist are related service professionals who provide educationally related services to special education students ages 3 through 21 when these services are needed for a student to benefit from the educational program.

Qualifications:

• Holds a degree as a physical therapist from an accredited training institution and be registered in the State of Illinois. Ongoing continuing education is expected to maintain updated knowledge and skills for practice as a school-based therapist.
• Have experience in physical therapy for handicapped children.
• Exhibit a desire to work within an educational setting and to participate in a team approach to children with educators and parents.
• Demonstrate ability to direct and supervise physical therapy assistants.

Reports To: Technical Assistant Supervisor and the administrator in assigned schools. There will be a primary Tri-County Special Education supervisor assigned to each Physical Therapist for line and staff supervision.

Terms Of Employment: 180 workdays, 7.5 hours per day, as teachers are in attendance.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Travel to assigned schools
• Responds to request for consultations on students or consults on specific program needs
• Responds to evaluation referrals for students with disabilities. The therapist selects appropriate evaluation tools, evaluates students, interprets findings, and report results
• Develops a present level of function and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals objectives in conjunction with the IEP team.
• Implements service delivery on assigned students based on the goals, objectives, percentage of time, and placement as determined by the IEP team
• Makes scheduling decisions for service delivery based on individual student and school needs
• Utilizes an approach that encourages student participation in the least restrictive environment
• Exhibits knowledge of clinical theory and its application as it relates to the student educationally
• Uses knowledge of the program of studies 9POS)/standards of learning (SOL) to suggest adaptation of strategies and materials
• Maintains oral and written communication with educational personnel, parents, and community agencies regarding assigned schools and students. This can include, but is not limited to telephone calls, year-end reports, informal notes, and home programs
• Obtains a physician's referral and parent permission for release of information on assigned students prior to beginning service delivery
• Works cooperatively with educational staff to identify areas where support is needed and provides training in the therapeutic management of students, such as positioning, safety. and use of mobility equipment
• Provides suggestions for classroom, recess, physical education, and community activities
• Maintains records on referred students including dates of referral, dates of response, and outcomes
• Maintains a current schedule which is shared with assigned schools and the PT/OT program office staff
• Maintains organized working files on assigned students
• Follows documentation guidelines for student attendance and intervention notes
• Supervises therapist assistants as per state regulations
• Participates in the clinical supervision of physical therapy students and physical therapist assistant students
• Recommend equipment, materials, and test supplies necessary for assigned schools and students
• Serves on committees that benefit the learning environment for students, therapists, and other school personnel
• Attends scheduled meetings for staff development and training
• Demonstrates continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
• Therapist plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by available software and technology.
• Therapist implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning in the curriculum of one's subject area(s) and/or grade level(s).
• Therapist will apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.
• Therapist use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practices including word processing, database, spreadsheet, telecommunications and print/graphic utilities, Individual Education Plan (IEP) programs.

Compensation and benefits are governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, however salary for this position is negotiable.