School Age Physical Therapist

Under the direction of program leadership, the Physical Therapist is responsible for providing evaluation, diagnosis and therapeutic intervention to students pursuant to the Individual Family Service Plan, Individual Education Plan or Interim Individual Education Plan in accordance with agency policies, regulations and requirements of applicable regulatory agencies and standards of profession. The Physical Therapist participates in consultative process with parents and team members. This role plays a critical part in helping students achieve their communication goals and access learning opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Key duties and responsibilities of the Physical Therapist – Children’s Services include but are not limited to:

Provides physical therapy evaluation of students annually in areas of muscle tone and/or strength, range of motion, reflex patterns, gross motor capacity, posture and joint alignment, patterns of locomotion and/or ambulation, activities of daily living, including transfers and wheelchair management, need for adaptive equipment and recommendations for changes in present equipment.
Develops a treatment plan and goals based on assessment.
Maintains daily and monthly attendance records.
Ensures individuals receive services appropriate to their needs and consistent with educational goals and regulatory requirements.
Selects educational, recreational and social activities in order to aid students in adjusting to their functional level.
Teaches adaptive skills necessary to perform daily living and/or vocational tasks.
Provides and participates in in-service education for other personnel relevant to techniques and objectives of program.
Serves and participates as a member of interdisciplinary team at team meetings, Annual Reviews, Case Presentations, In-Services, etc. as required by each program.
Integrates therapeutic intervention techniques into programs and/or home of students served through consultation with parent/guardian and staff at team meetings, case conferences or through other informal contacts.
Assists in overall rehabilitation of students’ medical/psychiatric condition.
Documents therapy activities and results on student’s records and periodic reports.
Records progress on all active cases in therapy, monitors therapy status, and makes appropriate recommendations as changes occur.
Refers students to other clinical services if such referral is felt appropriate.
Fits adaptive devices for students use such as splints or braces.
Participates in Initial Evaluation and Intake processes.
Completes all required documentation in a timely and accurate fashion.
Provides supervision to Physical Therapy students and Physical Therapy Assistants as needed.
Assists with other duties such as arrival, dismissal, mealtimes, using the bathroom, and classroom management as directed.
Maintains equipment and orders supplies as required.
Performs other related duties and special projects as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy.
One year of prior pediatric or school-based physical therapy experience preferred.
Current NY State license in Physical Therapy.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with children, families, team members, and external partners.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to balance multiple priorities.
Ability to provide therapeutic interventions in a variety of settings, including schools, homes, and community-based programs.
Cultural competence and sensitivity in working with diverse populations.
Proficiency in use of personal computers, electronic devices, and documentation systems.
Passion for ADAPT Community Network’s mission and the nonprofit sector.