Physical Therapist For The 2024-2025 School Year

POSITION TITLE: Physical Therapist REPORTS TO: Director of Exceptional Children BEGINNING DATE: Open Until Filled

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of physical therapy principles, theory, methods and evidence based practice

• Knowledge of effective practice, clinical decision making, outcomes based intervention and their proper application in the educational environment

• Knowledge of areas of practice specific to pediatrics, including child development and specific diagnoses

• Knowledge of administrative management practices

• Ability to plan, implement, administer and coordinate a physical therapy program, from eligibility determination to exit, within an LEA

• Ability to select and administer appropriate assessment tools and interpret results of assessment

• Skill in selecting and providing a wide range of intervention strategies and monitoring their effectiveness

• Ability to plan, coordinate and provide training and continuing education both formally and informally to parents, school administration, school staff, community agencies, staff and other medical professionals

• Skill in effective oral and written communication

• Knowledge of current legal mandates, including: Federal and State law, compliance issues, confidentiality requirements, funding procedures and requirements

• Physical ability to execute job responsibilities that may include: transferring and/or lifting students or equipment, managing equipment

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Two years of experience (preferably in pediatric practice).

• Participation in recent continuing education programs related to pediatrics or school based physical therapy.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduation from an accredited program of physical therapy

• Certification to practice in North Carolina as evidenced by current licensure as a physical therapist by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 10 months

SALARY: Salary Grade 78

FLSA Status: Exempt

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adhere to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice.

• Provide direct supervision of physical therapy assistants in accordance with North Carolina's Physical Therapy Practice Act (currently, at least every 30 days).

• Develop, implement and coordinate the physical therapy program within the LEA, including philosophy, vision, departmental procedures and goals.

• Evaluate students using appropriate tests, skilled professional observation and supplementary information from other agencies and records.

• Interpret assessment findings and appropriately convey information to parents and school teams.

• Participate with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans.

• Develop and implement intervention strategies.

• Develop physical management plan for daily classroom routines and train staff in its safe implementation.

• Plan for transition from school to community, preparing student to function independent from therapy service when targeted outcomes are achieved.

• Evaluate and report on student progress.

• Communicate and consult with school staff, parents, administrators, physicians, community and other professionals.

• Serve as resource to parent, school team, staff and administration on disabling conditions and their effects on education.

• Collaborate with community based therapists and other healthcare providers for effective coordination of service.

• Assess need and recommend assistive technology necessary for function at school.

• Contribute to planning safe transportation of students with disability.

• Provide consultation regarding emergency evacuation of students with disability.

• Participate with improving school accessibility and planning environmental modification.

• Maintain student service, administrative and other departmental records in accordance with the Physical Therapy Practice Act as well as school district, State and Federal policies.

• Participate in budget planning and policy development.

• Document need and advocate for personnel and equipment.

• Procure, maintain and inventory equipment, materials and supplies.

• Seek regular opportunities for professional growth.

• Provide clinical educational opportunities for students of physical therapy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The ability to be physically active, which includes, but is not limited to, standing, pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, stooping, sitting, walking.

• Must be able to stand, sit, or walk for prolonged periods of time.

• Ability to reach with hands and arms routinely.

• Must be able to move and carry furniture and equipment, supplies and materials.

• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds routinely and 50 pounds occasionally.

• Must be able to facilitate the evacuation of students during emergency situations and/or drills.

• Must be able to visually, auditorily, and physically monitor student performance and conduct.

• Must be able to drive to variety of school sites.

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 this job.

Onslow County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.

EOE