Physical Therapist - Special Programs

Caddo Parish Schools Job Description

Job Title : Physical Therapist

Prepared By : Nadalie Thomas

Prepared Date : January 20, 2005

Approved By : Jan Holliday

Approved Date : January 24, 2005

SUMMARY

Reports to the Facilitator of Related Services and assumes all duties as physical therapist to evaluate and treat the physically disabled child with the goal of bringing each child to his maximum level of independence in motor and functional performance based on needs identified in the IEP and a referral or order from a physician licensed to practice in the State of Louisiana.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Develops performance objectives and prepares a profession) growth plan supporting department and school system goals.
• Performs evaluations and assessments of motor function. Is familiar with the medical history and with conditions involved in the primary and associated disabilities of each child.
• Plans and institutes physical therapy programs, carries on continuing evaluations, and modifies programs to fit the individual needs of the child based on the IEP.
• Performs all evaluations, treatments, and consultations in accordance with current state laws governing the practice of physical therapy in the school setting.
• Cooperates with other departments for carry-over of total treatment to provide services in accordance with the IEP.
• Establishes rapport, maintains communications and counsels with parents.
• Establishes home programs as needed.
• Schedules students for physical therapy services.
• Keeps accurate and current progress reports.
• Attends medical clinics, parent conferences IEP conferences and other relevant meetings.
• Provides program and progress reports to parents and other agency personnel.
• Maintains current student documentation and reviews charts periodically.
• Maintains proper safety standards within the department and provides for care and maintenance of equipment.
• Maintains an annual inventory, requesting new equipment if needed.
• Maintains a professional atmosphere, adheres to dress code established by the school administration.
• Participates in in-service programs and keeps up with new developments in pediatric physical therapy.
• Makes progress toward achieving objectives in the professional growth plan.
• Prepares a self-evaluation as described in the Performance Evaluation Plan.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE

The Physical Therapist will be a graduate of a program in physical therapy approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.

He / she will be licensed in compliance with the laws of the State of Louisiana.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Ability to plan, organize and carry out assignments under minimum supervision.
• Ability to collaborate with others to promote an atmosphere that will support the health and independent functioning of the child.
• Ability to deal effectively with a variety of disabilities and age groups and with persons of varied racial, ethnic and sociological backgrounds.
• Ability to assume authority and handle personal and professional frustrations appropriately.
• Desire and willingness to make a continuing commitment to the maintenance of a high level of professional competence.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit.

The employee frequently is required to talk or hear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Employee acknowledges that he / she is required to maintain a high standard of professional conduct. Breach of said professional conduct includes but is not limited to : neglect of duty, dishonesty, engagement in acts that are contrary to CPSB policy, unlawful activities, or any other conduct which is seriously prejudicial to the school system.

CHAIN OF SUPERVISION

Facilitator of Related Services

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

172 days or as assigned