Long Term Leave Replacement Physical Therapist at Atlantic County Special Services School District
Position Purpose
The Physical Therapist will provide therapeutic or consultative intervention to assist disabled students in the facilitation, restoration and/or maintenance of function as related to educational needs, so that they may access and benefit from education.
Essential Functions
- Develops therapy schedules (with supervisor's approval) and provides therapy in individual and group situations
- Discusses the evaluation outcome with appropriate education personnel and consults with teachers on a regular basis to familiarize them with the Physical Therapy needs of their students.
- Assists in the supervision of Physical Therapy Assistants (P.T.A) in all aspects of their duties.
- Interprets diagnostic results to parents, staff, students and school districts as it relates to educational needs, when appropriate.
- Acts as a liaison between Brace and Wheelchair Clinics, and Orthopedic Clinics, as needed.
- Monitors, evaluates and documents the student's functional capabilities and limitations.
- Maintains good public relations and effective school relationships by working cooperatively with the Child Study Team, parents, staff and school districts in helping them understand the role and scope of Physical Therapy in a school setting and how the delivery of services differ from hospitals and rehabilitative centers.
- Attends staff meetings and participates in staff development and in-service activities. Serves on committees to plan, promote, or assist in specific school projects, as required.
- Monitors student programs by maintaining a log which lists weekly progress, student attendance and unusual circumstances. This log may be used to review and report information.
- Provides parent and/or student with appropriate treatment procedures and supportive activities to be carried out at home when appropriate.
- Instructs student and/or parent in care, use, function and maintenance of adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, braces, walkers, etc..
- Makes provisions for being available to students and parents for educational related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under
reasonable terms.
- Assists in purchasing physical therapy supplies, materials, and maintains an inventory of same.
- Coordinates Physical Therapy equipment needs in the classroom and monitors its distribution. Provides training to staff regarding the effective and beneficial use of
therapeutic equipment in the classroom.
- Develops yearly I.E.P.'s for the students in the physical therapy domain by writing precise, clear and measurable goals and objectives. Implements Physical Therapy
program.
- Maintains all files, prescriptions and treatment notes neat and up to date in a clear and legible manner.
- Maintains accurate and complete records as required, and completes recordkeeping tasks and paperwork in an efficient and timely manner
- Acts as a liaison for students who are carrying out an affiliation at Special Services, this may include both Physical Therapy students and assistants (PTA).
- Makes recommendations for increased or decreased therapeutic intervention based upon department protocols and professional judgment.
- Keeps the Principal informed of all recommendations and consultations, from the Orthopedic Consultant, to the Physical and Occupational Therapist and parents.
- Acts as a resource for all staff in demonstrating techniques for lifting and physically managing the physically disabled students.
- Accepts responsibility for student duties such as recess or lunch supervision, as assigned.
- Examines his/her effectiveness and continues to seek improvement in knowledge, competencies and techniques as a means of promoting professional improvement.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
- Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
- Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
- Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Qualifications Profile
Certification/License:
- New Jersey Physical Therapist Certification
- Possess or eligible for Certification of Clinical Competency, or hold New Jersey State License – Physical Therapist License.