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.

Position location is dependent upon student need. Locations will be assigned yearly and are subject to change.

Essential functions include:

• Provide direct, indirect, and consultative therapy services for identified students to achieve necessary goals within the educational setting.
• Provide services for both gross and fine motor skills.
• Assist in the identification of students in need of therapy through screening and evaluation.
• Participate as a member of an IEP team in designing and implementing effective treatment programs as determined by the students' individual educational plan.
• Maintain appropriate written records and reports for each student evaluated and/or served, and evaluate the effectiveness of the students' program, modifying and adapting as needed.
• Provide 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.
• Maintain professional competence through in-service and professional growth activities and provide in-service education for staff and support personnel.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Observe and evaluate student's performance and development and provide appropriate feedback.
• Provide opportunities for students to self-reflect and track progress toward learning goals.
• Provide a safe, positive and effective environment that reflects and facilitates learning.
• Communicate effectively with a variety of audiences including communicating student progress in a timely and professional manner.
• Self-reflect and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional performance to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses and adjust accordingly to reach maximum effectiveness.
• Perform other job-related duties as requested by the supervisor.

Qualifications include:

• 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 include:

• 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.