Work involves evaluating students to determine need for physical therapy; developing appropriate therapy programs, including routines for classroom and home adaptation; and providing therapy to students.  Services include direct service and/or consultation with school staff, families, medical personnel, community agencies, and others as needed.  Employee is responsible for documenting planning and treatment activities, preparing reports of students progress, and consulting with parents and classroom teachers. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assesses students using appropriate evaluation tools including standardized tests, clinical observations, and review of medical and educational reports to determine need for therapy intervention plan.

Develops and implements individualized therapy programs for qualifying students.

Documents screenings, evaluations, Individual Education Plans, progress reports, classroom/home programs and other data, as required.

Provides consultation with classroom teacher and other school staff regarding students optional function in the school environment.

Provides classroom programs, instruction in management techniques, adapted equipment, and environmental modifications including the identification of architectural barriers.

Consults with parents and/or guardians regarding students therapy programs.

Adapts, fabricates and maintains specialized equipment required for therapy services or student needs.

Investigates and recommends types of equipment available to meet student needs, funding sources, and vendor options, including insurance forms and letters of justification.

Provides in-service training to teachers and other school personnel, as needed, assists with education, orientation and preparation of receiving school staffs and students regarding issues, concerns and information about inclusion of exceptional children in regular school and classroom programs.

Supervises physical therapist assistants.

Travels between locations where students require services.

Maintains clinical and administrative records in accordance with State Guidelines and school board policy.

Completes random moment in time studies.

Performs other related work as required.

MINIMUM TRAINING

Graduation from a four-year accredited program of physical therapy and two years of experience or a masters degree in physical therapy; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  Licensed as an physical therapist or physical therapist assistant in Kansas.  Possession of a valid drivers license issued by the State of Kansas.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles and methods of physical therapy and their proper application in the educational environment.

Considerable knowledge of appropriate evaluating tools.

Considerable knowledge of the equipment and assistive technology available to use in therapy.

Considerable knowledge of current literature, trends and developments in the field of physical therapy and general medicine.

Considerable knowledge of feeding issues such as food consistency, oral motor functioning, adaptive equipment and specific feeding techniques.

General knowledge of the principles of organization and administration.

Skill in adapting or designing equipment for individual needs.

Skill in administering treatment.

Ability to select and administer appropriate assessment and treatment activities.

Ability to plan, coordinate and conduct on-the-job training and continuing education for a variety of individuals.

Ability to screen, evaluate and provide required physical therapy services.

Ability to develop and implement individualized programs.

Ability to make decisions that may have medical, orthopedic or neurological implications.

Ability to accurately document sessions.

Ability to train others in simple therapy principles.

Ability to maintain adequate inventory of supplies.

Ability to maintain complete and accurate records and to develop simple reports from those records.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

USD 495 does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, or age when considering applications for employment. Any questions regarding the Board’s compliance with Title VI, Title IX, Americans with Disability Act, or Section 504 may be directed to the local Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached at (620) 285-3185, 120 East 6th Street, Larned, KS 67550, or the Kansas Title IX Coordinator who can be contacted at (785) 296-2424, 120 S.E. 10th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612-1182, or to the Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education.