TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Length of position: 189 days per academic year

Hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The physical therapist is responsible for the screening, evaluation, and treatment of students needing physical therapy services in order to promote increased independent functioning and to facilitate learning.  The physical therapist works collaboratively with the instructional, residential, and related service team to meet the individual education program goals and objectives. 

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Licensed as a Physical Therapist by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners or eligible to be licensed to include: completion of a university Physical Therapist program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, successful completion of both the national exam issued by The Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy and Jurisprudence Exam, or possession of an equivalent out-of-state license as a Physical Therapist
• Experience providing physical therapy services in a school based setting
• Sign Language: The applicant does not need to have sign language skills at hire but will be required to participate in sign language classes offered at TSD until reaching a level of ADVANCED as evaluated on the Signed Communicaiton Proficiency Interview.

 QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED

• Proficient signed communications skills
• Pediatric experience
• Knowledgeable regarding the difference between medical and educational services
• Knowledgeable regarding treatment plans for schools and progress reporting

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhere to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice.
• Gather appropriate information from students, parents and other team members regarding the child’s functional motor performance in school settings.
• Perform screenings/observations in classroom or other school environment.
• Evaluate students using appropriate tests, skilled professional observation and supplementary information from other agencies and records.
• Examine and evaluate students’ strengths and needs to establish their ability to participate in meaningful school activities and routines with or without assistance.
• Develop and implement intervention strategies within the school program.
• Adapt environments to facilitate student access and participation in the educational program.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to develop Individual Education Plans (IEP) with parents and committee members.
• Attend ARD meetings to present evaluations, IEPs, and present levels of functional performance.
• Function as a consultant to other school personnel, parents and students to coordinate the delivery of physical therapy services, which may include:
  • Interpretation of assessments and recommendations.  
  • Explanation of the potential impact of developmental, medical and/or sensorimotor problems on school performance.
  • Instruction of other caregivers in the physical management of students, such as safe lifting, positioning, assisted ambulation, gross motor programs, vocational tasks, leisure activities, and/or equipment use.
  • Setting realistic expectations for student performance in school.
  • Selecting, modifying, or customizing adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
  • Analyze problems and provide creative alternatives e.g. travel routes, access to public transportation, adaptation of equipment, access to facilities and programming.
  • Maintain progress notes and clinical records required by licensing guidelines and school policy and procedures.
  • Maintain professional development by attending conferences, workshops, and professional meetings.

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Problem solving—the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information
• Effective Communication—the individual must be able to appropriately communicate with colleagues, students, parents, families, administrators, supervisors, and the public.
• Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action
• Quality control—the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure
• Dependability—the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve
• Safety and security—the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials
• Interpersonal Skills—the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new

SUPERVISOR

Student Support Supervisor

MILITARY OCCUPATION SPECIALTY (MOS) CODE: Registered Therapist

 See page 3 of https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_MedicalandHealth.pdf