Special Education Physical Therapist

JOB SUMMARY

Provides specialized physical therapy services for eligible school students. Evaluate students to determine the need for physical therapy; develop appropriate therapy programs, including routines for classroom and home adaptation; and provide therapy to students. Services include direct service and/or consultation with school staff, families, medical personnel, community agencies, and others as needed. Individuals will be responsible for documenting planning and treatment activities, preparing reports of students' progress, and consulting with parents and classroom teachers.

Reports to: Executive Special Education Director

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assesses students using appropriate evaluation tools including standardized tests, clinical observations, and review of medical and educational reports to determine need for therapy intervention plan.

• Develops and implements individualized therapy programs for qualifying students.

• Documents screenings, evaluations, Individual Education Plans, progress reports, classroom/home programs and other data, as required.

• Provides consultation with classroom teachers and other school staff regarding students' optional function in the school environment.

• Provides classroom programs, instruction in management techniques, adapted equipment, and environmental modifications including the identification of architectural barriers.

• Consults with parents and/or guardians regarding students' therapy programs.

• Adapts, fabricates and maintains specialized equipment required for therapy services or student needs.

• Investigates and recommends types of equipment available to meet student needs, funding sources, and vendor options, including insurance forms and letters of justification.

• Provides in-service training to teachers and other school personnel, as needed, assists with education, orientation and preparation of receiving school staff and students regarding issues, concerns and information about "inclusion" of exceptional children in regular school and classroom programs.

• Supervises physical therapist assistants.

• Travels between locations where students require services.

• Observe student performance within the educational environment relative to functional mobility, academic performance, participation in academic, social, recreational activities and overall access and report pertinent aspects to therapy/educational team along with appropriate proposals for adaptations/interventions.

• Document effectively relative IEP goals, progress, conference reports, communication with colleagues/parents/administrators and maintain complete files.

• Consult with educational staff regarding current status, concerns, and proposed adaptations/interventions.

• Encourage and support student's independence and progress with academics and functional mobility, and overall gross motor skills.

• Adhere to all timelines expressed by Article 7.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned which are necessary for the daily operation of the school program.

Qualifications Requirements:

• Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy

• Indiana Physical Therapist State License

• At least one year's experience in physical therapy, preferred.

• Knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.

• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English. Strong written & verbal skills. Appropriate telephone communication skills.

EFFECTIVE: 2024-25 school year, 187 days

ASSIGNMENT: Full Time

EVALUATION: The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the MCSC's policy on certified staff evaluation.

Medical/dental/vision insurance, short term life insurance policy, retirement plan, paid time off.