Duties
PURPOSE:
The Physical Therapist is a member of a multidisciplinary school team that assists in identifying students with physical disabilities, and provides support to the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. Physical Therapists provide therapeutic interventions that promote motor development, functional mobility and safe access and participation in the student’s educational program. This position requires direct interaction with students, as well as the development and implementation of educational plans with teachers, administrators, and parents.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Participate in IEP and team meetings, including parent conferences, to determine the need for physical therapy as a related service or as a reasonable accommodation.
• Gather appropriate information from parents, students, and other team members regarding the child’s functional motor performance in school settings.
• Conduct appropriate evaluation of students referred for services by selecting, administering, and interpreting a variety of screening instruments and standardized measurement tools; identify need for physical therapy services based on evaluation results.
• Formulate therapy plans for students.
• Provide direct and indirect physical therapy in educational settings and coordinate physical therapy interventions within the school program.
• Provide recommendations on selecting, modifying or customizing adaptive equipment and assistive technology to promote student mobility and ensure safety.
• Monitor student progress and adjust goals and interventions based on analysis of progress.
• Adapt school environments to facilitate student access and participation in the educational program.
• Provide information and instruction to staff and parents which may include: interpretation of assessments and recommendations; explanation of potential impact of development, medical and/or sensory-motor problems on school performance; instruction in the physical management of students, such as safe lifting, positioning, assisted ambulation, gross motor programs, vocational tasks, leisure activities, and/or equipment use.
• Work directly with classroom teachers and support staff to establish and maintain functional goals.
• Compile and maintain necessary records, progress notes and IEPs on students served in accordance with NSSEO and district policies, and in accordance with the Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations. Obtain necessary release of information documents prior to exchanges with outside professionals.
• Serve as a liaison among school, medical personnel and medical equipment vendors.
• Supervise and direct physical therapist assistants (PTAs), physical therapy students, or volunteers for the purpose of providing guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing; explain evaluation information and goals in clear understandable way to audience. May lead training sessions for staff and share information from workshops attended.
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment for all staff and students.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Hold current license from the State of Illinois, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to practice physical therapy.
• Must be physically able to provide therapy to students ages 2 through 21.
• Ability to travel within NSSEO and districts and move about NSSEO and district buildings as necessary.
• Pediatric and special education experience preferred.
Salary/Benefits
NSSEA Salary Schedule - starting Lane v Step 0 (Pending Negotiations)
Full Benefits include but are not limited to:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Board Paid Life Insurance
How to Apply
To apply for this position please visit our website www.nsseo.org
JOB ID 1549