ESY Physical Therapist K-8

Physical Therapist (K-8), Extended School Year

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Special Education Program Administrator and Director of Instructional Support, to lead the process in the development, implementation, and coordination of the school district's physical therapy program for students with disabilities or physical/mental impairments by developing individualized programming based on occupational performance deficits activities of daily living, including personal care, interaction skills, community integration, work, and communication.

Essential Functions

• Screens, evaluates and monitors students with disabilities or physical mental impairments for the purpose of providing educational programs, therapeutic intervention, and transition and exit planning and enhancing their ability to perform activities of daily living or participate in desired occupations.
• Collaborates with staff to ensure team understanding of student occupational performance strengths and needs, as well as student outcomes.
• Evaluates the student's ability and formulates the student's occupational profile, providing written reports that reflects strengths and barriers to student participation in the educational environment and guides evidence-based intervention.
• Participates in the development of Individualized Education Programs.
• Provides targeted, evidence-based therapeutic intervention to facilitate student participation and occupational performance within the school environment.
• Assesses the need for assistive technology and equipment and makes recommendations for its use at school to help students function as independently as possible.
• Documents occupational therapy services, and maintains records in accordance with school district policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Plans, coordinates, and conducts continuing education for school staff, parents, and students.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships.

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Directors and other administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of human development throughout the life span
• Ability to articulate the role of the physical therapy in the evaluation, intervention planning, and intervention process
• Ability to analyze tasks relative to areas of occupation, performance skills, activity demands, contexts, and student factors to implement the intervention plan
• Ability to recognize performance deficits in the areas of physical access to the school setting
• Skill in gathering screening and evaluation data, completing checklists, histories, and interviews
• Ability to select, adapt, and sequence relevant occupations and purposeful activities that support intervention goals
• Skill in effective oral and written communication
• Ability to maintain safe environments, equipment, and materials
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and progress notes
• Willingness to be educated and trained for specific program implementation
• Initiative, strong work ethic, and the ability to positively interact and collaborate in a team environment
• Implement IEP goals and objectives to meet the individual needs of the child.
• Attend staff meetings, in-service training, and continuing education courses as appropriate or required.
• Assess and make recommendations regarding the use of adaptive equipment as needed and provide written justification.
• Responsible for timely documentation of evaluation results, progress reports, discharge reports, daily notes, service tracker notes.
• Maintain professional clinical competence by attending certified CEU in-services and workshops.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.

Qualifications Profile

Certification/License:

• Maine Certification in Phsycial Therapy

Education:

• Bachelors or Masters Degree in physical therapy from a college with an accredited occupational therapy program.

Experience:

• Successful prior experience working as an Physcial Therapist, preferably in an educational or other pediatric practice setting.

FLSA Status: Nonexempt