DEC - Physical Therapist

Definition The employee is responsible for providing screenings, assessments, and therapeutic interventions for students with educationally relevant orthopedic and developmental disabilities within the school environment in compliance with all federal, state, and local guidelines. This individual provides support for teachers, administrators, and parents and develops or suggests materials to aid in school/home efforts in meeting the needs of special students. Duties and Responsibilities Participates in the development, implementation, and coordination of a physical therapy program to provide screening, evaluation, and treatment of students with disabilities. Receives medical directions as to the specific results to be achieved and then exercises discretion in determining the clinical procedure to follow. Expected to resolve most problems that do not require an additional medical diagnosis. Plans, implements, administers, and coordinates physical therapy programs in assigned school(s). Selects and administers appropriate assessment and treatment methods. Develops individual treatment goals and activities. Administers treatment and evaluates its effect. Assists with scheduling, placement, and supervision of Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs) as needed Participates in Individualized Educational Program (IEP) meetings to develop individual education programs as needed. Instructs and monitors educational personnel and parents in the management of the therapy program. Plans, coordinates, and conducts on\-the\-job training for a variety of individuals (teachers, parents, and school administrators) regarding the best ways to meet individual educational needs. Participates in the Fee for the Service portion of the Medicaid program and maintains all appropriate documentation as instructed. Participates in the Medicaid Random Moment Time Study as requested when selected. Maintains student files including the development of IEPs in compliance with federal, state, and local guidelines. Organizes and manages screenings and evaluations. Contributes to the Response to Intervention (RTI) or Multi\-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) (SSMT) process as needed within individual schools. Collects data effectively and provides meaningful follow\-up consultation. Participates in determining and documenting material needs. Maintains clinical and administrative records in accordance with state guidelines and school policy. Collects and reports data on IEP implementation and progress. Attends a variety of staff development activities. Inventories equipment, materials, and supplies. Guards against conflicts of professional interests. Safeguards confidentiality of students and records. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of physical therapy principles, theory, methods, and their proper application in the educational environment. Working knowledge of assigned students’ growth and development. Working knowledge of general management practices. Skilled in directly providing a wide range of treatment activities. Strong interpersonal skills with students, staff, and administration. Ability to plan, coordinate, and conduct on\-the\-job training and continuing education for a variety of individuals. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. Ability to compile a variety of records, reports, and documentary forms for Exceptional Children (EC) services. Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to sit and stoop, kneel, or crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up 25 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to prepare data, work with record processes, and do extensive reading and research. Minimum Education and Experience: Graduation from a four\-year regionally accredited program of Physical Therapy or a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy, and two years of successful experience in physical therapy. Must be licensed as a Physical Therapist in the state of North Carolina. Licensed in the Exceptional Children’s area, preferred. This Position reports directly to: Executive Director, Department for Exceptional Children Classification: Exempt Salary: Entry level grade 78, step 00 Disclaimer The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform this job. If offered a position, the prospective employee must pass a required health exam, criminal records check, and drug test. If your position requires you to work with preschool children, you must meet a federally mandated childcare background check and fingerprints that are in addition to and separate from the background check and fingerprints you completed as a new hire for GCS.