GENERAL SUMMARY

Under limited supervision, improves, develops, restores, or maintains a child’s motor and sensory motor functions as well as plans and implements interventions so that the students may perform in the educational environment in the least restrictive manner.  May serve as Lead Physical Therapist as assigned.  Reports to the Director of Special Services and assigned Principal.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Conducts appropriate evaluation of students referred for related services under IDEA and prepare written reports of the evaluations and findings.

Plans, coordinates and provides physical therapy treatment sessions based on evaluation findings and recommendations; trains students in the appropriate use of adaptive equipment.

Coordinates, with members of a multi-disciplinary team, individual strategies, accommodations and the use of adaptive equipment.

Prepares and submits accurate and complete documentation of all assigned cases; prepares daily progress notes, quarterly Medicaid summaries of progress, and IEP updates as required by law and District policy.

Provide direct and indirect physical therapy in educational settings (least restrictive environments to children)

Collaborate with other school personnel regarding physical therapy and the student’s needs.

Travel to schools to provide services

Maintains records of services provided to each student.

Communicates with school personnel and parents as needed to discuss student progress and concerns.

Trains staff in appropriate intervention techniques with individual students.

May serve as Lead Physical Therapist for the District by communicating and disseminating information to and from Special Services staff and other staff physical therapists.

Maintains awareness and expertise in current professional research, trends and methodologies as they apply to school physical therapy services; attends training, conferences, workshops, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.

Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints from staff, parents, medical personnel and students regarding physical therapy services.

Prepares and/or processes evaluation reports, intervention plans, case notes, other records, reports, memos, correspondence, etc.

Operates a vehicle, power wheelchair, manual wheelchair, and a variety of office equipment such as a computer, printer, fax machine, copier, calculator, telephone, audio-visual equipment, etc.; uses splints, braces, other adaptive equipment and physical therapy supplies, clerical / copier / computer supplies, small hand tools, etc.

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, co-workers, other District/school administrators and staff, students, parents, medical professionals, community/government agencies, vendors, and the general public.

Interacts with others in a respectful and cooperative manner at all times.

Willingly performs other related duties as required.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Requires a degree in physical therapy supplemented with nine to twelve months of experience providing physical therapy to children, preferably in an educational setting or an equivalent combination of education and training.  Must be licensed to practice physical therapy in South Carolina.  Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

Knowledge:

Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Lee County School District as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Physical Therapist. Has thorough knowledge of the organization of the District. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Has the ability to plan and develop daily, short- and long-term goals related to District purposes. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has comprehensive knowledge of the theories, methods, practices and materials of occupational therapy. Has thorough knowledge in the areas of special education, special needs assessment, pediatric rehabilitation, etc.; has working knowledge of related physical and speech therapy.

Skills/Effort:

Is able to interpret and take into consideration evaluations and recommendations of physical therapists and medical professionals. Is able to review and analyze standardized test results, and use results appropriately in therapy treatment planning processes. Knows how to conduct thorough sensory and sensory-motor skill evaluations of students. Is able to plan and implement effective physical therapy strategies in cooperation with other special services team members. Knows how to develop effective relationships with assigned students. Is able to properly lift, carry, handle and otherwise work with medically fragile children. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Is able to provide effective leadership and coordination as assigned. Has the ability to offer training and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Has knowledge of proper English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Has knowledge of and is able to use modern office practices and equipment, including computers. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations; is able to handle volatile situations calmly and professionally. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.

Working Conditions:

Requires medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, pulling, pushing most of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving very close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

Responsibility:

Provide supervision to Physical Therapy Assistants based on licensure protocol and/or as needed.