Physical Therapist

REPORTS TO:
Director of Special Education

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Provide physical therapy services to students with physical disabilities and high support needs in order to promote motor development, functional mobility, safety, and access to the educational environment.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Ability to assess student needs related to gross motor development, mobility, balance, strength, and functional movement
• Knowledge of IDEA, special education procedures, and related service requirements
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to explain evaluation information and goals in clear understandable way to audience
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, families, administrators, and related service providers
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals and progress
• Ability to work with students requiring physical assistance, adaptive equipment, mobility devices, and positioning supports
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively to medical, behavioral, or mobility-related situations
• Ability to use technology and data systems for documentation, reporting, and progress monitoring
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and families

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides Physical Therapy Services

• Evaluates students to determine eligibility and need for physical therapy services
• Conduct appropriate evaluation of students referred for services by selecting, administering, and interpreting a variety of screening instruments and standardized measurement tools; identify need for physical therapy services based on evaluation results
• Develops and implements IEP goals and objectives related to mobility, gross motor development, balance, strength, and functional independence
• Provide direct and indirect physical therapy in individual and group settings and coordinate physical therapy interventions within the school program
• Supports student participation in classroom routines, transitions, and school-based activities
• Recommends and trains staff on mobility equipment, positioning systems, assistive technology, and environmental modifications
• Monitor student progress and adjust goals and interventions based on analysis of progress
• Adapt school environments to facilitate student access and participation in the educational program

Supports Students with High-Needs and Life Skills

• Addresses functional mobility skills such as walking, transfers, navigating school environments, and safe movement
• Supports motor planning, coordination, and postural control for students with complex needs
• Assists students with use of walkers, wheelchairs, standers, gait trainers, and other adaptive equipment
• Collaborates with staff to ensure consistency of strategies across settings

Collaborates with Staff and Families

• Participates in IEP meetings, case conferences, and multidisciplinary team meetings
• Consults with teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff to embed PT strategies into daily instruction
• Provide information and instruction to staff and parents which may include: interpretation of assessments and recommendations; explanation of potential impact of development, medical and/or sensory-motor problems on school performance; instruction in the physical management of students, such as safe lifting, positioning, assisted ambulation, gross motor programs, vocational tasks, leisure activities, and/or equipment use
• Gather appropriate information from parents, students, and other team members regarding the student's functional motor performance in school settings
• Communicates regularly with families regarding student progress and strategies
• Direct physical therapist assistants (PTAs) for the purpose of providing guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved
• Provides training and guidance to staff as appropriate
• Serve as a liaison among school, medical personnel and medical equipment vendors

Compliance and Documentation

• Compile and maintain…