Physical Therapist

FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2026-2027 TRI-COUNTY SPECIAL EDUCATION JOINT AGREEMENT JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: Physical Therapist Physical therapist are related service professionals who proved 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 The registered physical therapist works on the acquisition of basic motor skills necessary for functional mobility and gait in the school environment as well as the student's physical capability for participating with peers during physical education, recess, and community integration activities. More specifically, the physical therapist focuses on motor skill development, sitting posture, wheelchair use, ambulation, and transfer skills as they relate to accessing the school environment. To improve school functioning, the physical therapist emphasizes work on strength, range of motion, balance, and endurance. He/she is directly responsible for the supervision and direction of the physical therapy assistants. GENERAL 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 reports results. Develops a present level of function and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals objectives in conjunction with the IEP team. SERVICE DELIVERY 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. Participates in the selection, design and/or construction of necessary adaptive equipment. COMMUNICATION 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. PROGRAM MANAGEMENT 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. INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr