School Physical Therapist
BROAD SCOPE OF POSITION:
This position reports to the Director of Special Education and provides educationally relevant physical therapy services to students, Preschool through Transition age, with vision, hearing, and/or multiple disabilities.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform work associated with Physical Therapy (PT) to meet the goals and objectives of the student Individualized Education Program (IEP); organize and keep a system of records related to student attendance, student progress and other required information; assess, develop, and implement educationally relevant goals, present lessons or strategies which meet the needs of individuals and groups, and promotes high levels of success; perform PT diagnostic evaluations and make recommendations regarding PT services for student who are Deaf/HH, Blind/VI, and /or multiply disabled sensory impaired students.
Train students and staff in the use of adaptive equipment, including wheelchairs, splints, positioning equipment, and walkers.
Monitor and maintain adaptive equipment, to include working with wheelchair companies, orthotists, and equipment specialists; and, purchase new equipment as appropriate and approved by supervisor.
Select therapy activities to improve gross motor, coordination, balance, and motor planning skills.
Monitor student behavior and activity so that a safe environment is assured.
Demonstrate knowledge / skill in the areas of task analysis, assessment, behavior management, organization, planning, time and resource management, current technology practices, parent relations, staff relations, and teamwork.
Manage reporting requirements for Medicaid documentation, to include activities related to Medicaid billing.
Provide outreach services as assigned, including consultation services regarding PT for students who are Deaf/HH, Blind/VI and/or multiply disabled sensory impaired.
Provide parent consultation; participate in selected parent-focused activities, etc., and provide PT information which includes utilizing appropriate local community resources.
Coordinate effectively with other service staff in providing student instruction, supporting school reform efforts and strategic planning, and positively contributing to extracurricular activities.
Positively serve as a member of the Student Services team and the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind as a whole; and participate in regular team and departmental meetings, school, and instructional meetings as required.
Consult with students’ off-campus medical teams with questions
Participate in and/or provide activities related to professional development and training/workshops as appropriate.
Work in collaboration as part of the educational assessment team and other related services to support student progress.
Perform other duties as assigned, which may include lunch and/or bus duty.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited program of Physical Therapy, to include completion of required practicum and internship.
Must hold or be eligible for appropriate educator licensure in the state of Colorado as a special services provider, endorsed as a School Physical Therapist (issued by the Colorado Department of Education).
Must hold a valid Physical Therapy (PT) license, issued by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
Experience working with students in a school setting.
Experience working with students who are Deaf / hard-of-hearing or Blind / low vision preferred.
Proficiency or commitment to work toward proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) at the Intermediate (2+) skill level as demonstrated through an appropriate assessment tool and according to school policy/procedure.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
Ability to plan/implement interventions in an educational model.
Ability to work effectively with a pediatric caseload in a school setting.
Knowledge and experience of Physical Therapy assessment and treatment plans.
Knowledge of and ability to assess and apply technology to perform the requirements of the position; ability to effectively utilize a variety of computer software applications, which may include but is not limited to e-mail, Internet, word processing, electronic calendar, presentation development, spreadsheet, database, special education software, etc.; willingness to stay current and develop skills as needed with or without direct support from CSDB.
Ability to communicate effectively with all audiences, to include children and adults who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Ability to participate effectively in a team setting.
Ability to respond effectively and positively to feedback.
Strong, positive interpersonal skills.
Ability to work cooperatively with others and participate effectively in a team setting.
Maintain CPR / First Aid and Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NCI) certification.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Part-time; Scheduled to work 172 days (0.66 fte) during the academic year (as per established school calendar, August-June), based upon work schedule of 33 hours per week and all professional development days.
Annual base salary shall be established pursuant to the Teacher Salary Schedule and based upon appropriate education and experience.
Employment is at-will, with no actual, expressed, or implied contract.