Doctors of Physical Therapy: Physical Therapist

2026-27 School Year

182 days/yr

7.5 hours/day
Purpose Statement:
The job of Physical Therapist was established for the purpose/s of providing support to the educational process with specific responsibility for assessing students' physical development level; providing appropriate treatment to meet individualized student objectives; and providing recommendations for program development and student placement.
Essential Functions

• Assesses and evaluates under a physician's prescription student's gross motor, development skills, and functional capabilities in the classroom and/or home environment (e.g. perceptual-motor, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations and/or placement.
• Collaborates with a variety of groups and individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, physicians, students, administrators, etc.) 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 and/or making recommendations.
• Counsels students, parents, and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.
• Develops under a physicians prescription a therapy plan for the purpose of restoring, maintaining, promoting functional mobility.
• Instructs teachers, para professionals, students, parents, etc. in the appropriate use of assisted devices for the purpose of ensuring proper use of assisted devices.
• Maintains a variety of confidential manual and electronic files and records (e.g. SEAS, Gold Tracker, etc.) for the purpose of providing up to date information and/or historical reference in accordance with established administrative guidelines and legal requirements.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g. professional learning community, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. IEPs, activity log, correspondence, therapy plans, providing information for Medicaid billings, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information.
• Procures adaptive equipment (e.g. gate trainers, standards, sitting devices, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring item's availability.
• Provides direct physical therapy services to students for the purpose of enhancing student's physical capabilities in compliance with established goals and objectives.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Responds with students and/or parents with teachers and/or other personnel for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems, and/or resolving conflicts.
• Schedules student therapy sessions for the purpose of providing services for students in various schools.
• Supervises other clinicians (e.g. physical therapy assistants and their caseload, student therapists, clinical fellows, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that standards are achieved and performance maximized.
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites (e.g. schools, homes, swimming pools, etc.) 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: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities (Minimum Qualifications)
Skill-Based Competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: preparing and maintaining accurate records; and adhering to safety practices.
Knowledge-Based Competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: principles of physical therapy;
health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; and age-appropriate activities.
Ability-Based Competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; and maintaining confidentiality.
Required Testing
None Specified
Certificates & Licenses
Missouri State Physical Therapy License
Valid Driver's License

Continuing Educ. / Training

30 hours of continuing education every 2 years
Missouri Board of Healing Arts
Clearances
Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
FLSA Status

Exempt