Physical Therapist

Summary

Description

The Goodhue County Education District has a flexible FTE (.5 minimum) Physical Therapist position available starting second semester (January 20, 2025). This staff member will be employed by the Goodhue County Education District and the assignment will be determined in collaboration with the county-wide Physical Therapy Team and director. This will be reviewed yearly. Experience in pediatric physical therapy is preferred, but not required.

Goodhue County cities and schools are located about half-way between the Twin Cities and Rochester. The quality of life is outstanding, with many outdoor activities available as well as vibrant art and music opportunities.

If you are interested in joining a strong team and making a difference in the lives of children and families, consider applying for this position!

Education/Licensure Requirements: 

Masters or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program 

Current Physical Therapy license in Minnesota or ability to obtain.

Salary and Benefits: In accordance with the Goodhue County Education District labor agreement (https://www.gced.k12.mn.us/staff). Please note that this position qualifies for a signing bonus of $5,000.00 paid in equal installments during the employee’s first year. 

Application Deadline: Open until filled.

Position Profile: Please see below.

To Apply: Online at https://www.gced.k12.mn.us/career

Position Profile:

Purpose            

The school Physical Therapist (PT) provides instructional support by collaborating with general education and special education staff regarding adaptations and modifications to educational equipment, instruction, or the instructional environment that may help students with physical disabilities reach their special education goals related to functional mobility and environmental access.

Essential Duties

• Identification, Screening and Evaluation

  • Complete assessments of infants and toddlers, ages birth to three, as deemed appropriate by screening results, medical records or evaluation team decision 

  • Complete informal screening of students whose parents or teachers express concerns regarding a student’s gross motor abilities

  • Complete school-based evaluations for students ages three through 21 suspected of having disabilities as well as those with disabilities who are currently receiving special education and related services

  • Facilitate procurement and review of appropriate medical notes, as applicable

  • Interpret results of motor assessments to determine the effect of physical impairments on a student’s ability to learn and access the educational setting

  • Complete relevant portions of evaluation summary reports, including assessment results, present levels, identification of educational needs and the accommodations/modifications necessary to promote adequate progress and access to the general curriculum.

• Service Delivery

  • Develop therapeutic strategies and accommodations specific to the student’s needs

  • Facilitate accommodations and modifications to educational materials, assistive technology, and the instructional environment

  • Provide direct and consultative physical therapy services to infants and toddlers, ages birth to three, in a home setting throughout the calendar year

  • Provide direct and indirect PT services to students ages three through 21 throughout the school year

  • Assist in gathering accurate and timely data related to student progress, regularly review student progress, and assist in making instructional changes as needed

  • Maintain proper documentation of service including medical assistance billing, in accordance with state and federal requirement

• Consultation and Collaboration

  • Assist in Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning for students with physical disabilities and adaptive/functional needs, including attending IEP meetings, providing input on IEP goals related to PT service, and determining appropriate accommodations, modifications and supports

  • Assist educational team with the development of evacuation plans for students and provide training on proper use as appropriate

  • Participate in related committee meetings at GCED

  • Advise on the selection of specialized equipment and instructional materials/supplies when the need for Assistive Technology (AT) is identified

  • Monitor the use of necessary equipment to ensure proper functioning as well as consistency and fidelity of use

• Professional Learning

  • Provide ongoing training to educational teams, including the initial training and ongoing monitoring of the use and care of specialized equipment, curriculum materials, motor and positioning strategies, and environmental modifications

  • Facilitate professional learning in areas of expertise to individual student teams, parents, GCED member district staff or other service providers, as requested 

  • Actively participate in the regional PT community of practice (COP) as well as other relevant state or regional professional learning opportunities

• Other Duties

  • Perform other duties as assigned by the GCED director

Personal Skills

• Ability to work collaboratively on teams and adapt to changing needs

• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects and schedules

• A passion and willingness to learn and solve problems

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Desire to work with students from birth – 21 with a varying level of needs  

• High interest in learning and using new technology

Physical Demands

• Lifting of students, equipment or supplies up to 20 pounds often and 50 pounds rarely

• Job duties may require kneeling, standing, walking, climbing stairs, reaching overhead, sitting on the floor and using appropriate body mechanics for twisting and bending

• Several tasks and job duties involve a risk of exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens and other potentially infectious materials 

• Travel within and occasionally outside of the GCED member districts

• Frequent computer use and meeting attendance requiring sitting positions