Doctors of Physical Therapy: Physical Therapist

SUMMARY:

To develop and maintain skills of educationally handicapped students so they are able to perform tasks and functions essential to educational and daily living skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides meaningful therapy to students requiring physical therapy as determined by a doctor's prescription and the IEPC recommendations
2. Follows the policies of the district and communicates her/his knowledge of the differences between medical, life support and physical therapy needs versus those required to support the instructional goals of the special education program
3. Evaluates the student's performance capacities and deficits relative to development, sensory motor, gross motor, muscle strength, range of motion, postural reflexes and needs for adaptive equipment in those areas determined by the therapist and medical doctor to be appropriate
4. Maintains a close working relationship with parents for follow-through of physical therapy treatment goals in the home, when appropriate
5. Establishes and maintains appropriate records, reports, and procedures
6. Maintains a positive and open communication with parents, school personnel, and medical/community personnel
7. Conducts self in a professional manner and maintains a positive image during the work day and at all work related activities
8. Perform other duties as may be assigned by administration

EDUCATION and /or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree from a certified school of Physical Therapy with a current license from the State of Michigan
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on content, curriculum and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents; skilled in oral and written communication. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.

WORKING CONDITIONS - 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: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; age appropriate activities; content knowledge; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; and behavioral management strategies.

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 work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize specific, job-related equipment. 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 moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting tact and patience; working flexible hours; and ability to withstand the physical and mental rigors of teaching.

RESPONSIBILITY

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; and tracking budget expenditures. Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is opportunity to significantly impact the organization's services.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires sitting, walking and standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment. Noise level may vacillate from quiet to loud in varying degrees. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are performed mainly indoors and occasionally outdoors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk and sit. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 50 lbs such as boxes of books and educational equipment. The employee is directly responsible for safety, well-being, or work output of other people. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with students, the public and other staff.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.