Purpose Statement

Physical Therapist

The job of Physical Therapist is done for the purpose/s of assessing students' physical development level; providing appropriate treatment to meet individualized student objectives; and providing recommendations for program development and student placement.

This job reports to Director of Special Services

Essential Functions

• Assesses functional level of students' gross motor and development skills (e.g. perceptual-motor, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of quantifying deficits, determining goals, monitoring progress, and developing recommendations.
• Communicates with students and/or parents and with teachers and other professional personnel for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems and/or resolving conflicts.
• Consistent interaction with students for the purpose of educating students.
• Constructs and/or adapts equipment for the purpose of improving student access to education achievement.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.
• Coordinates with community agencies including medical, judicial, social service and mental health services for the purpose of determining appropriate treatments, etc. to meet the needs of specific students.
• Facilitates and/or participates in meetings, workshops and seminars as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Implements school-wide program development and program evaluation (e.g. crisis intervention services, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring effective programs to assist children who experience physical difficulties.
• Intervenes in occurrences of inappropriate behavior of students for the purpose of assisting students in modifying such behavior and developing successful interpersonal skills.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. procedures, progress reports, student activities, correspondence, internal audits, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals.
• Supervises interns, practicum students, parents, PARAs, and others for the purpose of implementation of correct therapy methods, safety measures and follow-through information. 

Other Functions

  Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities  

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: preparing and maintaining accurate records; and adhering to safety practices.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: principles of physical therapy; health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; and age appropriate activities.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; and maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 30% walking, 50% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Experience:  Job related experience within a specialized field is required.

Education (Minimum): Bachelors degree in job-related area.

Education (Preferred):

Equivalency: Physical Therapy degree, Bachelor's or higher, from accredited program.

Required Testing

None Specified

Certificates and Licenses

Missouri State License

Continuing Educ. / Training

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances 

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status                           Approval Date                               Salary Grade

Exempt                                       4/26/2016                                 See Certificated Salary Schedule 

The purpose and utilization of job descriptions in Liberty Public School District #53 are to ensure the essential functions of each position are articulated in order to create a clear understanding of job expectations for the incumbent while also providing a framework through which the recruiting, hiring, and retaining of employees may be enhanced.