Physical Therapist

Position:                      Physical Therapist                                                        

Term:                          Full-time, 185 Days

 Classification:             Classified, Exempt

 Location:                    District-wide

 Qualifications:            Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program, required; current state license, required; prior experience working with children, preferably in a school setting, preferred; Experience with developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), preferred

 Supervisory:               No

 Reports to:                 Director of Special Services

 General Expectations:

• Supports the mission of Carthage R-9 School District.
• Supports the value of education.
• Become familiar with, enforce, and follow all applicable Board policies and regulations, administrative procedures, other directions given by district administrators and supervisors, and state and federal laws.
• Properly supervise students at all times, if applicable to essential job functions.
• Obey all safety rules, including rules protecting the safety and welfare of students.
• Care for, properly use, and protect school property.
• Maintain courteous and professional relationships with students, parents/guardians, other district employees and the public.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, department staff, all members of the school district, and community as required.
• Provides excellence in customer service both internally and externally.
• Complies with privacy rights and safeguards confidential and/or sensitive information pertaining to staff and students.
• Reacts to change productively and receive and transmit constructive criticism as it relates to job duties.
• Actively participate in professional development and obtain skills and information necessary to effectively perform job duties.
• Conduct all official business in a professional and timely manner, utilizing district technology resources.
• Arrive to work and leave work at the time specified by supervisors and attend all required meetings pertinent to the position.
• Maintains accurate records and filing systems for accountability and audit purposes as required by law and Board policy.
• Solve practical problems as needed to complete job duties.
• Read and interpret documents such as work orders, safety rules, and handbooks and apply to job duties.
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Essential Functions: 

• Evaluate and plan for physical therapy intervention required in the school setting.    
• Assist students in gaining functional independence to more completely benefit from the educational environment.            
• Conduct comprehensive assessments of students' motor skills and physical abilities.
• Evaluate students' needs for physical therapy services based on their individual conditions and educational requirements.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to develop and implement IEPs for students requiring physical therapy.
• Set specific, measurable goals for student progress in the IEP.
• Provide direct physical therapy interventions to students, either individually or in small groups, to improve their functional mobility, strength, and coordination.
• Utilize various techniques and equipment to address students' physical challenges.
• Regularly monitor and document students' progress toward their IEP goals.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of therapy sessions, assessments, and progress reports.
• Collaborate with teachers, school staff, and parents to integrate physical therapy goals into the classroom and home environments.
• Provide guidance and training to school staff on techniques to support students' physical needs
• Assess and recommend modifications to the school environment to ensure accessibility and safety for students with physical disabilities.
• Suggest and implement assistive devices and adaptive equipment as needed.
• Stay current with best practices, research, and advancements in pediatric physical therapy.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Ensure that all physical therapy services comply with state and federal regulations, as well as school district policies.
• Uphold ethical standards in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues.
• Carry out all other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, talk, and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand or sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The employee must be able to lift 25 pounds often.

• Requires the ability to manually move, lift, carry, pull or push heavy objects or persons.  
• Requires the ability to drive between schools in the district.  
• Occasionally requires the ability to stoop, bend and reach.  
• Requires extensive use of hands.  
• Requires the ability to occasionally travel.  
• Must be able to work in noisy crowded environments.  
• Requires regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job

Attendance

Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position. 

 The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

 Conditions and Environment

The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is noisy and active.  Occasionally the individual will be required to work outdoors for short periods of time to perform such tasks as loading and unloading students from district transportation and supervising recess.

Note:  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Carthage R-9 School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not illegally discriminate in its programs, services, activities or facilities.