Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

Qualifications:

• Graduated from a four-year accredited program for physical therapy.
• Licensed as a physical therapist by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy.
• Two years of pediatric experience is preferred.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license.

Reports to: Director of Exceptional Children and Related Services

Supervises: (N/A)

Job Goal: To develop, implement, and coordinate a physical therapy program within Carteret County Public Schools; provide screening, evaluation, and intervention services for students.

Performance Responsibilities:

1. Follow all rules, policies, and procedures of Carteret County Public Schools, along with state and federal regulations, including IDEA and the North Carolina Physical Therapy Practice Act.
2. Assess students using appropriate evaluation tools including standardized tests, clinical observations, and review of medical and educational reports to determine the need for therapy intervention.
3. Participate in developing the individual education plans for each eligible student in collaboration with the classroom teacher, parent, LEA representative, and other pertinent professionals.
4. Develop and implement individual therapy; use appropriate diagnostic tools and therapy techniques.
5. Team with support specialists, teachers, and other school personnel in the delivery of services; plan, conduct, and assist in staff development activities.
6. Participate in continuing education and professional growth activities.
7. Adapt, fabricate, and maintain specialized equipment required for therapy services or student needs. Investigate and recommend types of equipment available to meet student needs, funding sources, and vendor options, including insurance forms and letters of justification.
8. Organize the school program, cooperate with others to accomplish its goals, coordinate program services with other student services, and maintain records in accordance with established rules, regulations, and ethical standards.
9. Maintain Medicaid billing profiles and therapy notes on all Medicaid eligible students using the designated billing service for the district.
10. Provide consultation to parents, teachers, and other appropriate school personnel; seek the assistance of teachers, parents, and others to meet the needs of students.
11. Advise staff regarding lifting and carrying techniques, architectural barriers, and adapted equipment; oral motor techniques and precautions; medical precautions; and feeding issues.
12. Perform related duties and responsibilities as requested by the Director and/or principal.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so employed.

Terms of Employment: Ten month year/ At Will /FSLA Non-Exempt

Starting Salary and/or Grade: Salary based on state salary scale.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with Carteret County Board of Education policy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles, and methods of physical therapy and their proper application in the educational environment.
• Ability to screen, evaluate, and provide required physical therapy services.
• Proficiency in providing a wide range of treatment activities.
• Considerable knowledge of equipment and assistive technology for use in therapy.
• Considerable knowledge of feeding issues, oral motor functioning, specific feeding techniques, and adaptive equipment.
• Ability to make decisions that may have medical, orthopedic, or neurological implications.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work.
• Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to communicate with staff while complying with the confidentiality requirements in local, state, and federal policies and statutes.
• Maintains excellent organization skills and high attention to detail.
• Physical ability lift up to 40 pounds and dexterity to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job, such as, walk, lift, stoop, stand, grasp, kneel, crouch and key requiring repetitive motions.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. The individuals currently holding this position perform additional duties and additional duties may be assigned.