Physical Therapist (.8 FTE)

Position Title: Physical Therapist (.8 FTE)

Immediate Supervisor: Director of Special Education

Job Ranking: WEA Contract

Job Goal:
Provides physical therapy services for children receiving special education services throughout the districts of (JWP, NRHEG, TEAM, Waseca, and WEM).  Assesses, plans, organizes, and participates in educationally based programs that provide students with optimal educational opportunities. Opportunities present in functional positioning, movement, mobility, etc.  Responsible for implementing Individual Education Plans (IEP) and maintaining discipline in accordance with due process rights of students.

• Summer hours available

• Flexible Scheduling Available

District Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Evaluates students and writes reports regarding the evaluation.  Assesses various aspects of a child’s physical capability, such as flexibility, strength or endurance and other gross motor functions as they relate to mobility and/or successful movement activities in an educational setting;

• Provides physical therapy training and consultations to the school staff and families.  Assists families, children, staff and related services providers to use appropriate and safe methods to meet a child’s mobility needs;

• Manages the educational equipment needs of students including assessment, providing, instructing, monitoring, adjusting and repairing. Uses adaptive equipment and trains other in the use of such equipment;

• Creates and maintains required documentation of physical therapy services, including attendance and case notes.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of anatomy, especially the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems, as well as potential joint deformities, and methods to prevent such;

• Knowledge of a variety of pediatric diagnoses and conditions;

• Knowledge of developmental sequences, both normal and abnormal;

• Knowledge of sensory integration;

• Knowledge of gross motor functions as they relate to classroom performances and documentation;

• Knowledge of mobility options and equipment;

• Knowledge of body mechanics;

• General knowledge of documentation and special education due process, especially regarding Individual Education Plans (IEP) and State and Federal IEP requirements;

• Skill in neurodevelopmental techniques, including stimulation and relaxation;

• Skill in developing interpersonal relationship strategies to promote goals and to understand the child, the class, the family and specific physical therapy needs;

• Skill in standardized testing and proper techniques;

• Skill in range of motion and gait training;

• Skill in equipment fitting and monitoring splints and braces;

• Skill in teaching basic gross motor skill to children who need specialized assistance or accommodations;

• Skill in verbal, written and listening communication skill, including explaining procedures to staff, family members and to the medical staff.  Ability to write a physical therapy assessment;

• Skill in observation;

• Ability to provide consultation to a variety of people and the ability to adapt their learning styles;

• Ability to be aware of relevant safety issues and implement safety protocols, when necessary;

• Ability to be flexible and adapt to a variety of conditions quickly, if needed;

• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Required Education:
Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from a school accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association.  A graduate degree in physical therapy is preferred.

Licensures, Certifications and Other Requirements:

• A current physical therapy license issued by the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy.

• May be required to possess a current Minnesota Motor Vehicle Class D Operator License.

Direct Supervision of the Following Positions: None

Indirect Supervision of the Following Positions: None

Hazardous Work Conditions:

• Exposed to stressful situations, such as demanding students, visitors, public

• Must be able to concentrate on work tasks amidst distraction, such as distractions from telephone, clients, students, co-workers, etc.

• Must exert self-control in very difficult situations, such as individuals and/or situations may be difficult to deal with.

Revised Date: May 2019

“In a tradition of excellence, Waseca Public School empowers each learner to thrive in an ever-changing world.”