Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist (PT)

In accordance with requirements of IDEA and WAC 392-172, the therapist works as part of a team to provide direct, indirect, and consultative therapy services, for identified students in areas of gross motor skills. The therapist conducts screening and evaluation in order to identify eligible students and design effective treatment programs as part of the IEP team.

Essential functions include:

• Providing direct, indirect, and consultative therapy services for identified students to achieve necessary goals within the educational setting.
• Providing services for both gross and fine motor skills.
• Assisting in the identification of students in need of therapy through screening and evaluation.
• Participating as a member of an IEP team in designing and implementing effective treatment programs as determined by the students' individual educational plan.
• Maintaining appropriate written records and reports for each student evaluated and/or served, and evaluating the effectiveness of the students' program, modifying and adapting as needed.
• Providing consulting services to family, school staff, and community agencies involved with the student regarding the therapy program and any adaptations needed to facilitate improved performance in the classroom.
• Maintaining professional competence through in-service and professional growth activities and providing in-service education for staff and support personnel.
• Establishing and communicating clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Observing and evaluating student's performance and development and providing appropriate feedback.
• Providing opportunities for students to self-reflect and track progress toward learning goals.
• Providing a safe, positive and effective environment that reflects and facilitates learning.
• Communicating effectively with a variety of audiences including communicating student progress in a timely and professional manner.
• Self-reflecting and evaluating the effectiveness of instructional performance to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses and adjust accordingly to reach maximum effectiveness.
• Performing other job-related duties as requested by the supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Must possess a Bachelor's degree in physical or occupational therapy.
• Must have a Washington State Physical Therapist license and an ESA certificate by start date.

Essential criteria include:

• Knowledgeable of the essential requirements with IDEA and WAC 392-172.
• Able to build a positive learning environment including modeling respect and honoring the dignity of all students, staff and parents.
• Able to work cooperatively with parents, teachers, and administrators in providing direct and indirect services to disabled students.
• Able to develop rapport with students.
• Able to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences including communicating student progress.
• Able to work collaboratively with a team, contributing in a positive way.
• Exhibit a commitment to on-going professional learning including demonstrating the ability to develop professionally in areas of the school and district focus.
• Ability to express thoughts concisely and effectively.

Desired criteria:

• Related experience or a minimum of pediatric affiliation with a strong interest in pediatrics is preferred.

Physical demands of the PT are considered Medium Work which involves exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. While performing the duties of this position, employees frequently stand or walk for long periods of time. The position requires occasional periods of kneeling, crouching or crawling, frequent use of hands for grasping, applying pressure and/or manipulating objects and requires the ability to routinely lift and/or move children within the classroom and sustain long hours of active work.

Terms of employment and salary are outlined by and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) of Mead Education Association (MEA) and Policies and Procedures of Mead School District. CBAs and Salary Schedules can be reviewed from the Human Resources page of the Mead School District website.