Physical Therapist

About the Role

Provide quality physical therapy services, including assessment, intervention, program planning and implementation, discharge planning, and communication. Service provision includes both direct and consultative approaches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, and/or Doctoral degree in physical therapy from a program approved by the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association)
• Illinois State Physical Therapy license from Department of Professional Regulations
• Strong management, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and seek appropriate resources and support
• Knowledge and understanding of the Physical Therapy Practice Guidelines
• Function according to the APTA Code of Ethics (HOD 06-00-12-23) and Standards of Practice (HOD S06-03-9-10)
• Knowledge of basic theory-based treatments and modalities appropriate in the educational setting, including current evidence-based research
• Understand the special education process and the role of the physical therapist to provide a continuum of services

Responsibilities

• Determine the need for assessment and/or provide educational team with strategies and recommendations to support a student prior to special education referral
• Identify and utilize appropriate tools and methods for assessment/evaluation
• Collaborate/consult with educational team to determine student need areas/priorities and goal/outcomes to be addressed when developing IEPs
• Develop intervention plans including present level of performance, measurable goals, appropriate therapeutic priorities, and methods to achieve stated goals
• Implement the intervention plan directly or in collaboration with other team members
• Adapt environment, tools, materials, and activities according to the need of the student, providing clear directions to the team
• Embed appropriate interventions and strategies into naturally occurring routines and activities of the student’s school day, ensuring carryover and safe physical management
• Reassess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and strategies, modifying the plan as needed
• Use report cards and annual review documents to communicate student progress, therapeutic methods, and their effectiveness
• Write reports effectively, communicating critical information succinctly and thoroughly
• Use appropriate data collection instruments and methods to accurately gather information needed to determine student progress and response to interventions
• Terminate services as appropriate using exit guidelines in collaboration with the educational team
• Follow policies and procedures required in the setting
• Manage resources (time/space/equipment) to meet the needs of students and/or team
• Demonstrate timely and consistent follow-through with paperwork, referrals, reports, logs, and other team requests/needs
• Organize and manage schedule to meet the needs of students and building/program teams; be on time for workday and meetings
• Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with professionals and paraprofessionals, demonstrating professional behavior at all times
• Establish a climate enabling students to work efficiently
• Demonstrate leadership qualities (mentoring, in-service training, serving on committees, participating in professional organizations, supervision of assistants and students)
• Achieve and maintain high standards of professional competence; identify and pursue own professional growth and development
• Examine ethical dilemmas using ethical reasoning to guide decisions and actions, and reflect on the results

Pay

Compensation set by the SASED Board of Control.

Schedule

185-day work year.