Physical Therapist

Job Summary\: The Physical Therapist evaluat es to determine eligibility for related services and provid es physical therapy interventions to eligible students as dictated by their Individual Education Program (IEP.) Services will be delivered across multiple settings that include general and special education classrooms, specialized schools and community settings.

Essential Functions \:

• Participat e in the IEP process, including collaboratively determining the need for physical therapy as a related service under theIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Gather appropriate information from students, parents, and other team members regarding the child’s functional motor performance in school settings
• Select, administer, and interpret a variety of screening instruments and standardized measurement tools
• Collaborat e with students’ IEP teams, examin e and evaluat e eligible students’ strengths and needs to establish their ability to participate in meaningful school activities and routines with or without assistance
• Design and implement physical therapy interventions that allow students to benefit from their educational program
• Measur e and document student progress resulting from the designed physical therapy interventions
• Teach and train family members and educational personnel in an effort to help the student achieve his or her IEP goals
• Function as a consultant to other school personnel, parents, and students to coordinate the delivery of physical therapy services, which may include\:

1. Interpretation of assessments and recommendations
2. Explanation of the potential impact of developmental, medical and/or sensorimotor impairments on educational performance
3. Instruction of other caregivers regarding the physical management of students, such as safe lifting, positioning, assisted ambulation, gross motor programs, vocational tasks, leisure activities, and/or equipment use
4. Setting realistic expectations for student performance in school
5. Selecting, modifying, or customizing adaptive equipment and assistive technology

• Form partnerships and work with other team members in the school setting to promote an effective physical therapy plan of care
• Coordinat e physical therapy interventions within the student’s educational program
• Adapt environments to facilitate student access and participation in the educational program
• Educat e school personnel and families to promote inclusion of students within the educational setting by developing, demonstrating, training, and monitoring the effectiveness of strategies and intervention activities, and subsequently using gathered data to make program modification decisions. This includes the use of assistive technology for access and participation in the general education curriculum
• Support the safe transportation of students
• Serv e as a liaison among school, medical personnel, and medical equipment vendors
• Adhere to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice as defined in the PA Physical Therapy Practice Act .

Other Duties\: T his position description does not express nor does it imply that the above duties are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent(s) in this position. Additional duties may be assigned by the Administrator of the department , as needed, to adapt to the changing needs of the organization.

Supervisory Responsibility \: No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment \: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands \: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, and to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work \: This is a full-time, 193 -day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work are based on a 7.5-hour workday with specific hours dependent upon the assignment . Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel \: Travel may be required

Education and Experience \:

• Level of Degree\:

• Masters Degree in Physical Therapy required

• PA Physical Therapist license required

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities \:

• Clinical competence in pediatric physical therapy practice s and interventions

• Effective oral and written communication skills

• Time management and organizational skills

• Knowledge of special education and related services a plus

• U nderstanding of current Pennsylvania and Federal Special Education Regulations.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable) \: Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.

EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer \: The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and susta ining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.