Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

The job of Physical Therapist is done for the purpose of assessing students' physical development and skill level; planning and implementing appropriate treatment to meet individual student goals and objectives; identifying environmental barriers and equipment needs; providing recommendations for safety and accessibility; program development and providing direction to supportive staff as indicated.

This job reports to Exceptional Student Services Director.

Essential Functions

• Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services, making recommendations and/or coordinating physical therapy services with those of other disciplines.
• Develops treatment plans, interventions and/or educational materials for the purpose of addressing the students' motor skill deficits and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Directs the work of assigned support staff for the purpose of providing guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved.
• Evaluates students' gross motor development skills for the purpose of determining their needs and developing recommendations.
• Evaluates students' functional capabilities and classroom environment for the purpose of optimizing student's level of participation and developing recommendations.
• Identifies structural issues for the purpose of removing barriers for students with physical limitations and/or identifying appropriate assistive technology.
• Instructs students and staff for the purpose of providing information on medical/behavioral attributes, use of assistive devices and/or implementing plans for remediation of functional limitations.
• Interprets medical reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Maintains files and/or records for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for references and/or compliance.
• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Performs site visits at multiple work sites including home visits for the purpose of providing in direct therapy interventions and assistance as required.
• Researches resources and methods for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Responds to inquiries for the purpose of providing information and/or referral as appropriate.
• Supervises interns, practicum students and others for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall objectives of school's curriculum.
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed.

Other Functions: Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: physical therapy competencies evaluation, treatment, etc., preparing and maintaining accurate records; adhering to safety practices.; adhering to safety practices and procedures; applying assessment instruments; and facilitating meetings.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: principles of physical therapy; current PT treatment interventions; health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; age appropriate activities; assessment instruments and techniques; current and emerging technology; job-related codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; recordkeeping and record retention practices; stages of child development; and treatment modalities.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality.; adapting to changing work priorities; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; translating therapy data into meaningful educational activities and working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.

Working Environment: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 34% sitting, 33% walking, and 33% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience: Job related experience within a specialized field is required.

Education: Masters degree in job-related area.

Equivalency Required: Testing

Certificates: Arizona State Physical Therapy License

Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability

Continuing Educ./Training: Clearances

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses: Hepatitis B Clearance

Tuberculosis Clearance

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: VI