Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

Position Title:  Physical Therapist

Department:    Special Education

Reports To:     Coordinator Special Education

Contract:         2019-20 School Year (182 days)

Closing:           Until Filled

SUMMARY: The Physical Therapist serves as a related services specialist to support students who are deemed eligible for special services under IDEA and qualify for physical therapy, or require therapy services as a reasonable accommodation under Section 504. The Physical Therapist is responsible for screening, evaluation, identification, and providing direct, indirect, and/or consultative services to students with gross motor deficits related to neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems. The therapist develops and implements specialized treatment plans for students to promote motor development for educational benefit and participation in the educational program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Displays knowledge and understanding of District, State and Federal procedures, policies and regulations, by adherence to requirements, maintaining confidentiality and completing student records and reports accurately and on time.
• Assesses individual students’ gross motor skills, range of motion, muscle tone, muscle strength, balance, ambulation, bracing needs, and other functional abilities in order to determine program eligibility and develop recommendations for physical therapy treatment, appropriate assistive technology devises and/or curriculum access.
• Selects, administers, and interprets a variety of screening instruments, standardized measurement tools, behavioral scales, and functional performance accurately and according to test protocols.
• Analyzes evaluation results, documents results in written report, and relates the information to the educational goals for individual students.
• Consults with teachers, parents, and other support personnel to develop individual treatment plans for services and offer recommendations to enhance and support students’ academic and functional performance.
• Provides physical therapy services for the purpose of developing students’ daily living skills in compliance with established goals and objectives.
• Functions as a consultant to school personnel, parents and students to coordinate services and explain the impact of developmental, medical and/or sensorimotor abilities on school performance.
• Selects, adapts and modifies the physical and academic environment, including assistive technology and training instructional staff, to meet individual needs and to help students access all areas of the school environment.
• Coordinates meetings with parents, teachers, administrators, support personnel and other professionals to promote inclusion of students in the educational environment, by demonstrating, training, and monitoring the effectiveness of strategies and intervention activities.
• Serves as a liaison among school, medical personnel, and medical equipment vendors by interpreting medical reports within the scope of the Physical Therapy practice and for the purpose of providing information and ensuring that therapy/treatment goals are appropriate.
• Provides support for the safe transportation of students.
• Prepares a variety of manual and electronic documents, files and records (e.g. activity logs, correspondence, memos, Medicaid billings and other required documentation) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference and/or conveying information.
• Collaborates with administrators, teachers and support staff to prioritize and develop appropriate work schedules within the school buildings of students eligible for physical therapy services.
• Provides and follows schedules for assigned schools and informs appropriate personnel of departures from schedule.
• Transports supplies and equipment to various schools as determined necessary for individual students and to ensure availability of items as needed.
• Participates in professional development, curriculum development meetings and ongoing training to further develop specialized skills.

• Performs other duties as assigned.EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/EXPERIENCE: Graduate from an accredited physical therapy program and valid, unencumbered Arkansas Physical Therapy license required. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Successful completion of pre-employment background checks. Appropriate personal and professional conduct at all times around students, other staff members and the general public.

The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is the policy of the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District not to discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin or disability in its educational programs, activities or employment practices.