Job summary
The school Physical Therapist will be responsible for the evaluation and/or therapy services in support of the educational needs of the student and integrated throughout the learning environment.Collaboration and communication with other disciplines and family members is essential in establishing appropriate goals, adaptations, modifications and assistive technological support for the students to enable them to meet their educational needs.The Physical Therapist is responsible for working in compliance with the State of Tennessee Practice Act for Physical Therapy, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other legal mandates.
Job seniority: mid-to-senior level
Responsibilities
• Direct treatment to students using a variety of appropriate frames of reference: physical, developmental, environmental, technological and mechanical.• Evaluation of the student's performance including mechanical physiological and developmental impairments, functional limitations, and disability or other health and movement-related conditions to determine a physical therapy treatment diagnosis.• Document therapy data in support of goal acquisition; document evaluations, therapy attendance, treatment notes, consultation with teachers, staff, and caregivers to write up present levels and curriculum based goals. Document treatment for purposes of Medicaid billing when appropriate.• Assess neuromotor status including joint range of motion, strength, endurance, muscle tone, coordination, quality of movement and abnormal reflexes interfering with functional skills.• Train staff for safe handling and care of students, including use of a variety of positioning equipment: standers, changing tables, wheelchairs.• Assess the need for adaptive devices to promote independence in gross motor, self-care, and other areas related to school performance.• Attend interdisciplinary meetings on student's behalf.• Understanding of the differences and similarities of school based vs. clinically based Physical Therapy and the role that the therapist has as support to the school and the student's ability to access their free and appropriate education.• Assessment, documentation, and participation with IEP team members in determining eligibility, specifically as it relates to Orthopedic Impairment and Developmental Delay.• Provide direct supervision of Physical Therapy Assistants in accordance with the State of Tennessee Practice Act for Physical Therapy.
Requirements
• Minimum: B.S. in Physical Therapy with a Masters or Doctorate preferred.• All practicing Physical Therapists are required to maintain a Tennessee License from the Tennessee Board of Health.• Experience within the field of Pediatric school based Physical Therapy is preferred. New graduates who have displayed a unique set of skills, who have sought fieldwork experience in Pediatrics and who have a history of either work or volunteer experience with children who have special needs will be given strong consideration for the position.
