Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist develops, plans, and implements appropriate physical therapy programs for identified students in the district. Through formal and informal evaluation and observation, they identify students whose ability to function within the classroom and school setting is impeded by physical and/or sensory deficits. The therapist is responsible for developing individualized therapy plans to provide direct or indirect services, enabling each child to achieve greater success in their educational experience.

Qualifications:

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Arizona Physical Therapist Certificate
• Valid Arizona Driver's License
• Valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Certification in CPR & First Aid from an accepted agency
• Experience with diverse student populations
• Knowledge of physical therapy evaluation and treatment of children
• Knowledge of child development
• Knowledge of State and Federal guidelines regarding physical therapy and students with disabilities
• Knowledge of District policies, procedures, organizational structure, and school requirements
• Language & Communication: Strong English literacy skills; knowledge of Spanish is preferred; ability to exchange information effectively with staff, parents, and medical professionals.
• Ability to comprehend and perform functions from written and verbal instructions
• Experience as a Physical Therapist working with children in an educational setting is preferred

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist teachers in referring students with suspected motor deficits or impairments
• Participate in the Child Study Team process
• Screen, administer student assessment(s), analyze and interpret data for parents and teachers
• Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) to meet the specific needs of students qualifying for services.
• Write and submit reports, including diagnosis and an intervention plan with specific objectives and goals and recommendations of services to be provided to the student
• Prepare and submit assessment reports on all students evaluated for physical therapy
• Share in the responsibility of reviewing records of incoming students and attending multidisciplinary conferences as required.
• In consultation with parents, refer students with severe problems to appropriate outside agencies as needed
• Provide appropriate individualized service as prescribed in the IEP for each student requiring physical therapy
• Identify student(s) who need adaptive equipment and/or prosthetic devices
• Instruct students, family, and school staff in the use of special equipment and/or prosthetic devices
• Assist the staff with training regarding continuing occupational therapy strategies and routines for identified students in the classroom
• Assist parents with training regarding continuing physical therapy strategies and routines for identified students in the home
• Maintain appropriate student records, data, and documentation on services provided to students
• Use data to monitor and evaluate each individual student's progress and adjust treatment and services when necessary
• Provide information and support to parents and families when appropriate
• Prepare progress reports for parents as required by the district
• Provide in-service education and serve as a consultant to teachers and school staff on topics concerning muscle strength, coordination, motor planning, sensory processing, etc.
• Create and maintain a current service log and a required documentation file for Medicaid in the Public School (MIPS) program
• Maintain compliance with federal and state statutes and district policies and procedures
• Collaborate with the administrator and school staff to develop a variety of strategies to meet the educational needs of students who require modified classroom equipment and/or settings
• Recommend appropriate materials and equipment needed to meet the needs of children receiving physical therapy services
• Maintain inventory of physical therapy equipment and supplies
• Clean and sanitize equipment after the completion of each child's therapy session
• Assist with the screening activities of students who are coming to the district with an existing identified disabling condition
• Assist in developing new programs to better meet the needs of students requiring physical therapy.
• Provide technical assistance to repair and/or modify assistive devices that may be used to meet the specific needs of students receiving physical therapy
• Complete mid-year, end-of-year, and other reports requested by the Director of Special Education
• Keep open communication with the school administrator, staff, school nurse, District Special Education Director, and district psychologist
• Participate in district-sponsored professional development workshops/inservices, attend professional meetings, read professional journals and publications, etc., for continued professional development
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism and strict confidentiality when working with all district personnel, student, and family records and/or information
• Support and follow the rules, regulations, and policies set by the School Board, the assigned school(s), and the District
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Governing School Board, the Director of Special Education, or his/her designee

Length of Employment:

• Nine (9) months
• Days worked will be determined by the school calendar

Reports to: Director of Exceptional Student Services

Evaluation: Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Board Policy GDO