Physical Therapist

Department: Student Services


FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt): Exempt; Unit A

Reports to: Assistant Director of Student Services

In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual's qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY:


This position provides school-based physical therapy as a related service in the least restrictive environment for the purpose of enhancing student ability to physically access their learning environment and/or curriculum.This position facilitates student functional mobility and independence within the school environment through adaptations, accommodations, and PT intervention (direct, consult).


Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum of 5-years' experience in PT; school setting preferred
• Ability to handle multitude of varying and complex issues
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Solid technical skills
• Demonstrated Organizational skills
• Ability to work autonomously as a PT as part of a larger varied team

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrates the ability to adapt quickly and easily to change, the unexpected, and obstacles.
• Demonstrates the ability to be creative and flexible
• Demonstrates the ability to be both confident and compassionate
• Demonstrates strong conflict resolution and management skills

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• Evaluate and determine the need for PT services by identifying the motor delays or underlying impairments that limit/prevent a student from accessing the educational curriculum.
• Evaluate and determine needs related to functional mobility.
• Work through tiered instruction to provide support through regular education. (RTI model)
• Provide consultation with the teachers, aides, and team members. In consultation, the therapist and teacher form a cooperative partnership and engage in a reciprocal problem solving process. The goal of consultation is to support the student and the team in enhancing student skills, in addressing obstacles that might be limiting a student in the educational environment, and in thereby improving academic performance.
• Use direct and indirect service and collaboration with families, teachers, school staff, outside providers and teams, and other team members to help design and implement a child's special education program.
• Provide consultation to/collaboration with teachers regarding specific special education students, best instructional strategies and classroom accommodations
• Recommends and implements adaptations to environment in order to maximize student performance
• Support students in accessing their school environment and curriculum
• Develop plans/ course of action to improve skill area
• Determine ways to adapt the curriculum or school demands in order to fit with current level of functioning
• Evaluate and address motor skills that limit the student's ability to participate and succeed at school. Factors limiting education, socialization at school and independent functioning at school should all be included.
• Provide direct or consultative services; modify or adapt school environments, tools, or materials as needed in order to support a student in accessing the educational curriculum and environment as independently as possible
• Provide service within the least restrictive environment
• Adapt as needed to changes in student and/or team response, available treatment locations, and educational activities.
• Consistent and on-time attendance is required for supervision and instruction of the students
• Responsible for implementing "other job-related duties" as needed

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

• While performing the duties of this job the teacher is frequently required to kneel, stoop, bend, and crouch. The teacher is periodically required to stand;while talking and listening. The teacher is occasionally required to sit; walk; lift; or carry. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Rarely absent or late unless the situation is of an emergency nature.

Physical Requirements:

• Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.