Job Title:  Physical Therapist

Department/Campus:  SPED/Campus(es) Assigned

Pay Grade:  Teacher/Professional

Primary Purpose:

Plan and provide direct therapy to students with physical disabilities. Provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with students’ ability to derive full benefit from the educational program.

Education/Certification:

• Master’s degree in physical therapy or related program
• Valid Texas license as a physical therapist granted by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of medical information and indications for physical therapy treatment
• Skill in use of tests and measurements for assessing physical function
• Ability to administer manual exercises and physical therapy treatments
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills 

Experience:

One year of experience as a Physical Therapist

Essential Job Functions:

• Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with physical therapy goals contained in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Evaluate student progress and make recommendations regarding physical therapy services.
• Consult with district and outside personnel including referring healthcare provider, private therapists, and other medical staff regarding the physical and medical needs of students.
• Assist in the selection of equipment and adaptive materials.
• Present staff development in assigned schools as requested.
• Conduct one-on-one consultation with teachers, aides, parents, and others to apprise them of individual student needs and requirements related to the student’s physical therapy.
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student.
• Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook
• Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretations of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with physical disabilities according to district procedures.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the physical therapy program and make changes based on the findings.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
• Comply with all district and assigned campus routines and regulations.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Dependable performance requires reliable and dependable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrator that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  

None

Equipment used:

Personal or laptop computer, printer, copier, fax machine, shredder, calculator, telephone, electronic mobile devices, projector, video display monitor, physical therapy equipment; special need adaptive equipment

Working Conditions

Physical Demands/Mental Demands/Environmental Factors:

The working conditions described 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 and expectations.

Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned. Regularly sit, talk or hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; frequent repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer; occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-50 pounds; occasionally required to stand, walk reach with hands and arms; vision abilities include close vision; and color vision, regularly work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress; the noise level is usually moderate.  The employee may spend long hours in intense concentration which requires attention to detail.  There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress. The employee must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.