Physical Therapist

Position Type:
Student Support Services/Physical Therapist

Date Posted:
7/1/2024

Location:
Systemwide

Date Available:
2024-2025

Closing Date:
Until filled

Bethel Public Schools Bethel, CT

Position Title: Physical Therapist

QUALIFICATIONS:

Current Connecticut Department of Health license as a Physical Therapist.

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited college or university.

Experience as a pediatric physical therapist in a public school or clinical setting, as deemed appropriate by Administration.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education and Pupil Services

JOB GOAL:

To provide physical therapy assessment and intervention services to students eligible for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as a related service deemed necessary by a Planning and Placement Team for the student to benefit from special education, or to students eligible for accommodations under a Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to permit student access to the educational program.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participates as a member of the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) for students who are referred and evaluated for physical therapy needs or who are identified as needing such services. Fulfills the professional responsibilities established by the district for PPT members.

Provides school-based direct and consultative physical therapy services to students requiring special education based on a medical prescription by the student's physician.

Conducts evaluations of students using appropriate evaluation tools.

Designs appropriate treatment plans and educationally relevant goals and objectives based on assessment information and the environmental and developmental needs of the student, focusing on remediation, prevention, or compensation related to the student's ability to function within the school setting.

Encourages follow-through of physical therapy goals in the classroom setting and supports classroom goals in the therapy treatment program. Instructs classroom staff in appropriate physical therapy support and carryover techniques and provides regular supervision to staff implementing these techniques.

Collaborates as a member of the multi-disciplinary team and uses a team approach to planning and treatment with school personnel, families, physicians, and agencies.

Communicates to parents and staff the purpose and goals of physical therapy in the school setting, how school based physical therapy differs from medically-based therapy services, and eligibility requirements.

Establishes an effective working relationship with parents to provide parent training and to support follow-through of physical therapy goals in the home.

Designs and constructs adaptive equipment and devices for the student and/or the classroom and assists in maintaining this equipment.

Maintains records of physical therapy services provided and collects data on the student's performance in order to measure progress.

Maintains therapy equipment and materials in good working order.

Participates as an interdisciplinary team member at Planning and Placement Team or Section 504 Accommodation Team meetings as necessary.

Assists the Director of Special Education and Pupil Services in budget planning and resource allocation for the therapy program.

Keeps current on best practices for physical therapists in school settings and attends appropriate professional development and continuing education.

Attends school and district professional meetings as required.

Carries out other related duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education and Pupil Services.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: Ten month year

EVALUATION: Performance evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board Policy #4115