Overview:
Perform physical therapy evaluations and conduct therapy sessions in accordance with students’ IEP/IFSPs. Communicate appropriately with professional staff and families of assigned students. Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with the regulations established by NYSED, DOH and other oversight agencies.
Responsibilities:
STANDARD 1: Professional Duties
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Assess students’ needs through a variety of formal and informal measures.
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Analyze assessment results to form appropriate diagnoses and generate objective goals for students’ IEP/IFSPs.
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Develop and implement appropriate therapeutic activities and strategies for facilitation of motor control and developmental skills, including upper/lower extremity functioning.
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Provide physical therapy services in accordance with the frequency, duration and location specified on students’ IEP/IFSPs.
- Address the behavioral needs of students through the use of positive behavior supports and adherence to students’ behavioral support plans.
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Demonstrate the ability to be an effective member of an interdisciplinary team.
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Inform team members of students’ progress on goals and provide activities to be carried over into the classroom/home environments.
- Integrate information and strategies offered by team members and other professionals.
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Participate in conferences, including parent, team, CPSE, CSE and/or IFSP meetings, as assigned (may include evening meetings).
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Maintain appropriate professional standards in interactions with families.
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Maintain ongoing contact with parent/guardian regarding students’ progress and intervention strategies.
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Conduct in-service training for staff and/or families, as needed.
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Complete and maintain all required paperwork in an appropriate, accurate and timely manner.
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Organize and complete reports and evaluations in an accurate, concise and timely manner.
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Demonstrate the ability to recognize problems that occur and report them immediately.
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Demonstrate flexibility and be readily adaptable to change.
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Demonstrate effective time management.
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Supervise interns/volunteers as requested and maintain contact with university supervisors regarding the student intern’s progress.
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Maintain required certification and/or licensure through completion of continuing education credits, renewal and payment of annual dues, as required for this position.
- Participate in physical therapy screenings as requested.
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Determine the need and implement programs for sensory modalities and/or adaptive equipment, as deemed appropriate.
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Demonstrate knowledge of job responsibilities.
STANDARD 2: Therapy Environment Management
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Responsible for health and safety of students.
- Maintain a healthy, safe and attractive environment.
STANDARD 3: Professional Behavior
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Perform other duties, as assigned.
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Conduct self at all times in an appropriate manner.
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Adhere to program-specific policies and procedures.
STANDARD 4: Professional Development
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Participate in continuing education activities and seek support to enhance knowledge in areas pertinent to students in the program.
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Participate in program required in-services and act in an appropriate manner.
STANDARD 5: Adhere to general policies of the organization/regulators including:
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Corporate Compliance
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Code of Ethical Conduct
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Departmental in-service education program requirements
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Quality improvement activities
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Policies and procedures (attendance, punctuality, appearance, professional attitude, etc.)
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Regulatory requirements
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Emergency/disaster preparedness protocols
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Fire prevention and safety protocols
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Infection control practices and procedures
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Annual physical examination, medically approved Tuberculin test and risk assessment, and required immunizations
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Active supervision of students
STANDARD 6: Performs other related duties as required.
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Demonstrate an understanding of the special needs of all students.
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Modify strategies, activities and/or therapeutic interventions to meet the students’ individual needs.
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Display initiative and interest in departmental advancement/needs.
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Respond quickly to students and/or parent/guardian’s request, refer to appropriate member of the care team, if necessary, and inform supervisor of actions taken.
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Promote positive co-worker relationships, teamwork and cooperation.
- Demonstrate flexibility as well as the ability to handle numerous responsibilities.
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Take individual responsibility for providing outstanding service quality.
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Maintain child and family confidentiality.
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Be consistently courteous and considerate, in person and on the telephone, in interactions with students and others such as family, visitors, vendors, and other employees.
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Exhibit the “At Your Service” attitude, i.e., smile, use positive eye contact, and be friendly, open and approachable.
STANDARD 7: Supervision
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Take an active role in supervision sessions by contributing ideas, asking questions, seeking clarification and implementing recommendations.
STANDARD 8: Cultural Competencies
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Demonstrate the ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of disability, genders, ethnicity and races.
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Demonstrate the ability to recognize and manage personal behaviors to create an inclusive, equitable and welcoming environment.
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Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services to students and families.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program, with New York State licensure and registration as a Physical Therapist required.
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Knowledge of anatomy and neuromotor development as normally acquired through completion of an accredited Physical Therapy program required.
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Minimum (1) year related work experience with preschool and school age special needs population preferred.
Physical aspects may include, but are not limited to, lifting and transferring of a student.
