General Definition of Work
The physical therapist, under general supervision, performs intermediate level work with limited decision-making providing physical therapy services to students, including assessment, intervention planning and implementation, related documentation of services, and communication. This position is also responsible for supervising Certified Physical Therapy Assistants Employee performs school-based work to carry out Board of Education policies under the direction of the Executive Director of Exceptional Children.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function 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.
Salary/Status
Therapist Schedule (MH 18)/Full-time, 10 months
Reports To
Executive Director of Exceptional Children Services
Place of Work
The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.
Essential Functions
- Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
- Adhere to professional, ethical and legal standards of the NC Physical Therapy Practice Act, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other legal mandates
- Develop, implement and evaluate physical therapy programs which address educational goals and policies; and establish guidelines, procedural manuals, program policy, priorities and projections of needs and services
- Receive and record initial referral information and requests; observe referred students; and obtain additional information from appropriate persons, agencies or available records
- Conduct screening and evaluations using formal and informal tests; document, analyze and interpret data from tests; and convey information to school teams and parents
- Participate with school teams to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans
- Develop goals for individual students; coordinate information and services with school personnel; and consult with outside agencies regarding student needs
- Provide direct and indirect physical therapy interventions to students
- Monitor and report on student progress and modify interventions as indicated by data
- Maintain student service, administrative and other departmental records in accordance with the Physical Therapy Practice Act as well as local, state and federal policies
- Communicate and collaborate with school staff, parents, administrators, community agencies and other health professionals for effective coordination of service
- Serve as a resource to parents, school teams, and district staff on disabling conditions and their effects on education
- Assess need and recommend assistive devices necessary for function at school
- Participate in improving school accessibility and planning environmental modifications
- Contribute to the planning of safe transportation of students with disabilities
- Provide consultation regarding emergency evacuation of students with disabilities
- Participate in transition plans from school to community, preparing students to function independent from therapy services when targeted outcomes are achieved
- Plan, coordinate and provide training and continuing education both formally and informally to parents, school administration, school staff, community agencies, staff and other medical professionalsEstablish schedules and supervise the work of physical therapist assistants and interns per the NC Physical Therapy Practice Act; and review activities to ensure that work is performed in accordance with established procedures
- Procure, maintain and inventory equipment, materials and supplies
- Participate in budget planning and policy development
- Document need and advocate for personnel and adapted equipment
- Participate in a variety of professional groups and committees; seek regular opportunities for professional growth; and keep informed of current technologies and information
- Provide clinical educational opportunities for physical therapy interns
- Complete local, state, and/or federally required documentation (e.g., documentation of services provided, documentation required for Medicaid reimbursement, etc.)
- Perform related work as assigned or required
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge as a general practitioner of Physical Therapy
- Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements related to physical therapy services in the Pre-K12 setting
- Knowledge of county and school board policies, procedures, and standards
- Skilled in communication, both verbal and written
- Skilled in computers and software including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
- Ability to delegate and supervise the work of others
- Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
- Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships; work collaboratively within and across departments, external agencies, and the public
- Ability to respond appropriately to situations while maintaining a professional and personable demeanor
- Ability to use or learn specialized tools, equipment, or software
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records
- Ability to take initiative and work independently
- Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate programs
- Ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions
- Ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment
Education and Experience
- Minimum of master's degree in physical therapy required. Individuals previously hired with a bachelor's degree are grandfathered in
- Two (2) years of experience (preferably in pediatrics). Participation in recent continuing education programs related to pediatric or school based physical therapy
- Graduation from an accredited program of physical therapy and certification to practice in North Carolina as evidenced by current licensure as a physical therapist by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners
- Equivalent combination of education and experience
Special Requirements
- Possess and maintain a valid driver's license or ability to provide own transportation
- Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings
