Physical Therapist

JOB TITLE: PHYSICAL THERAPIST JOB DESCRIPTION: This employee is responsible for organizing and implementing a physical therapy program for exceptional education students and providing physical therapy as outlined in laws and policies. Duties of this position include but are not limited to: 1. Planning: a. Designing the physical therapy program so that it is consistent with the total educational philosophy of the district. b. Continuing professional growth through educational meetings, visiting related facilities, reading professional literature, and exchanging ideas among the district staff. c. Working in coordination with other special education teachers and related service personnel in planning and developing the program. 2. Programming: a. Identifying strengths and weaknesses of referred special education students. b. Preparing, implementing, and evaluating an annual educational plan for each student based on individually assessed needs and in accordance with district procedures. c. Preparing, implementing, and evaluating a plan of care for each student in accordance with district policies. d. Using appropriate assessment instruments pertinent to areas of therapy. e. Supporting projects and programs designed to serve students in the program. f. Providing appropriate schedules for special education students involving school personnel as required. g. Providing specialized physical therapy techniques through individual and/or group sessions designed to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of the students. h. Seeking a variety of services through community resources and agencies to meet the needs of students. i. Participating in the in-school staffing and screening processes as appropriate. j. Participating on evaluation teams for special education students as appropriate. k. Providing parents with suggestions for home techniques. l. Providing teachers with suggestions for follow-up strategies and techniques, as requested and required. m. Developing a professional library that can be used by parents and other professionals in conjunction with instruction. n. Contacting and reporting to physicians and agencies as requested and required. o. Designing and constructing adaptive equipment, assistive devices and upper extremity orthotic devices. p. Evaluating and providing training with regard to upper extremity prosthetic skills. 3. Public Relations: a. Cooperating with school personnel in coordinating special education services within that school. b. Developing and conducting an inservice program to inform classroom teacher of the goals and objectives of the physical therapy program and ways of achieving them in the school setting. c. Conferring with the classroom teacher as requested concerning any educational needs of the student. d. Making available to teachers instructional ideas that are appropriate for exceptional students within the classroom situation. e. Providing information to community groups and parents concerning physical therapy programs as requested or needed. f. Coordinating and providing news releases through the immediate supervisor for local news media as needed. 4. Reporting: a. Ensuring that each student in the program has necessary evaluation records in his/her permanent folder. b. Furnishing the principal with current special education student schedules. c. Completing progress reports on each student in the program. d. Supplying progress reports to school personnel physicians and parents of special education students as necessary and requested. e. Completing appropriate reports for local, state, federal and educational agencies. f. Referring those students who require further evaluation or follow-up services to the appropriate school personnel or community agencies. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Bachelor's degree. 2. Licensed as a physical therapist by the MA Board of Allied Health Professionals. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Graduate work beyond the bachelor's degree. 2. Experience in a like position. 3. Expertise in pediatric therapy WORK YEAR: Full-time, 182 Days/Annually, Salary Commensurate with Experience OTHER: Benefits in accordance with the School District guidelines EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Lawrence Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.