Physical Therapist

Job Description

Title: Physical Therapist

Department: Early Intervention/Early Childhood Education

Classification: Licensed

Work Year: 191 days (or as assigned by Superintendent)

Starting Date: Immediately

The Physical Therapist provides physical therapy diagnostic/prescriptive expertise for children ages birth through twenty-one who have identified gross motor, mobility, orthopedic, neuromuscular, and functional movement delays that impact educational performance and access to educational programs and environments.

• Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Oregon Physical Therapist License
• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance
• Valid Driver’s License and evidence of insurability
• Successfully pass district background screening

• Knowledge across developmental domains of typical child development, the characteristics of delayed development, and patterns of atypical development associated with disabilities.
• Knowledge of physical therapy theories, models of practice, principles, and evidence-based interventions.
• Knowledge of orthopedic, neurological, muscular, skeletal, and developmental conditions affecting student mobility and participation.
• Ability to select, administer, and interpret appropriate screening and assessment tools for determining eligibility, service needs, and educational impact.
• Ability to evaluate posture, muscle strength, muscle tone, range of motion, balance, coordination, gait, endurance, mobility, and functional motor performance.
• Ability to analyze environmental barriers and make recommendations that improve student access, participation, and safety.
• Knowledge of adaptive equipment, positioning systems, orthotics, prosthetics, wheelchairs, and mobility devices.
• Ability to assess the need for adaptive equipment and provide written recommendations and justification.
• Ability to articulate the role of physical therapy in evaluation, intervention planning, and educational programming.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with families, educators, administrators, medical providers, and related service personnel.
• Ability to develop and implement individualized therapy programs that support educational goals and functional participation.
• Ability to train staff and families in positioning, transfers, mobility techniques, equipment use, and therapeutic activities.
• Skill in gathering screening and evaluation data, completing checklists, histories, observations, and interviews.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records, progress reports, service logs, and Medicaid documentation.
• Ability to maintain safe environments, equipment, and materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state special education laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and ethical standards.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current research and best practices in pediatric and school-based physical therapy.
• Initiative, strong work ethic, and the ability to positively interact and collaborate in a team environment.
• Willingness to participate in professional development and training related to assigned programs and services.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Provides evaluation and intervention services for children and students with disabilities whose educational performance is affected by physical, motor, or mobility impairments.
• Conducts screenings, assessments, and evaluations to determine eligibility, educational impact, and therapy needs.
• Determines level of service based upon current assessment data and provides direct therapy, consultation, monitoring, and collaborative services as appropriate.
• Participates in the development, implementation, and review of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
• Evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions; documents, monitors, and reports student progress toward goals.
• Maintains case notes, service logs, Medicaid documentation, progress reports, evaluation reports, and other required records in a timely manner.
• Assesses…