Physical Therapist

Job Title: Physical Therapist


Reports to: Director of Special Services


Dept./School: Special Services


Pay Grade: Professional - PG 5


Wage Status: Exempt


Days: 187

Primary Purpose:


Plan and performs therapeutic interventions, including compensation, remediation and prevention strategies and adaptations, focusing on functional mobility and safe, efficient access and participation in activities and routines in natural learning environments.

Education/Certification:


Master's degree in physical therapy or related program


Valid Texas license as a physical therapist granted by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of pediatric evaluation techniques and research-based interventions
• Knowledge of current Texas law regarding physical therapy practice
• Knowledge of special education procedures, rules and laws
• Knowledge of medical information and indications for physical therapy treatment
• Skill in use of tests and measurements for assessing physical function
• Ability to administer manual exercises and physical therapy treatments
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use technology to support job duties
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, and colleagues

Experience:


One year experience as a physical therapist preferred


Experience with physical therapy in educational settings preferred.

Essential Job Functions:


Evaluation and Therapy

• Evaluate to determine student's level of functioning in neuromotor development, strength, flexibility, posture and functional motor performance in school settings.
• Interpret standardized assessments and/or functional performance assessments and compose results of evaluation into the integrated report in accordance with district timelines.
• Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with physical therapy goals contained in students' Individual Education Plans (IEP). Evaluate student progress and make recommendations regarding physical therapy services.
• Assess student to determine functional need for adaptive equipment within the school environment (e.g., adapted chairs, standers, wheelchairs) and assist in obtaining the equipment for school use.
• Instruct students and appropriate school staff in the use of a variety of strategies, adaptive devices, and/or assistive technology to facilitate academic access. Monitor ongoing effective use of strategies, equipment, and/or technology.
• Adapt environments to facilitate student access and participation in the educational program and special transportation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned within the appropriate skill and experience capabilities expected for this position.

Consultation

• Consult with district and outside personnel including referring healthcare provider, private therapists, and other medical staff regarding the physical and medical needs of students.
• Collaborate with the IEP/504 team to develop the IEP and to determine the need for physical therapy as a related service (IDEA) or as a reasonable accommodation (504)
• Present staff development in assigned schools as requested. Conduct one-on-one consultation with teachers, aides, parents, and others to apprise them of individual student needs and requirements related to the student's physical therapy.

Student Management

• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student.
• Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.

Program Management

• Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretations of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with physical disabilities according to district procedures.
• Procure, maintain and inventory equipment, materials and supplies
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the physical therapy program and make changes based on the findings.

Administration

• Compile, maintain and file documentation of services and progress notes, intervention plans, SHARS reimbursements, and IEPs in accordance with the Physical Therapy Practice Act as well as state and district policies.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy. Comply with all district and assigned campus routines and regulations.
• Seek appropriate training opportunities to update skills and knowledge base in Physical Therapy and to fulfill PT license requirements
• Act in a professional manner and maintain confidentiality of student information.

Supervisory Responsibilities:


Supervise the work of physical therapy assistant(s).

Equipment used:


Personal or laptop computer, printer, copier, fax machine, shredder, calculator, telephone, electronic mobile devices, projector, video display monitor

Working Conditions:

Physical Demands /Mental Demands/ Environmental Factors:


The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.


Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned. Regularly sit, talk or hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; frequent repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer; occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-50 pounds; occasionally required to stand, walk reach with hands and arms; vision abilities include close vision; and color vision, regularly work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress; the noise level is usually moderate. The employee may spend long hours in intense concentration which requires attention to detail. There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress. The employee must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

CSISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin or disability. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.