Job Title:                   School Physical Therapist

Department:            Special Services

Report To:                Director of Special Services

Salary Guide:           WWPEA; 10-month contract

Prepared Date:        14 December 2021

 

 

Position Summary:    Under the supervision of the Director of Special Services, the physical therapist will organize and administer the physical therapy component of the education program for students with disabilities, as according to the student’s IEP.

 

Qualifications:            Graduate of fully accredited school as specified by American Physical Therapy Association. Certification as New Jersey School Physical Therapist or eligible for same. Required criminal history background, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status, physical examination and other required paperwork.

 

Essential Duties:      The physical therapist has the duties and responsibilities, commonly associated with this position, which are performed directly or through the proper delegation of authority.

 

Evaluation of Students

• Evaluate students using the following criteria: sensory-motor, reflex evaluation, perceptual motor, level of activities of daily living skills, orthotics check, functional ambulation profile, wheelchair evaluation and other data base procedures relevant to functional ability, physical performance or adaptive devices.
• Record and place evaluation in student’s folder.
• Send reports to the Child Study Team following the District’s progress reporting schedule.
  
  

Treatment of Students

• Assume responsibility for designing treatment programs according to the goals and objectives as stated in the evaluation and the IEP, if applicable.
• Patient’s treatment may include developmental activities, strengthening exercises, isokinetics, stretching, gait training, balance exercises, activities of daily training, inhibition of abnormal reflexes and splint fabrications, etc.
• Neurodevelopment techniques of facilitation and inhibition are to be used as indicated.
• Sensory integration techniques are to be used as indicated.
• Treatment duration and frequency should be consistent with the student’s needs and the physician and IEP recommendations.
  
  Communication
• Confer with fellow staff members, therapists, physicians, parents, Child Study Teams, teachers and other personnel involved in the care of the student.
• Participate in the parent’s continuing education program by providing, however not limited to, written home programs/notes, demonstration of treatment techniques and parent conferences as needed.
• Supply Child Study Team with current status of the student’s functional physical abilities, as requested.
• Obtain all current records from institutions involved with the student.
• Provide support to ancillary personnel, i.e. teaching elevation and transfer activities, crutch and cane adjustments, proper positioning.
• Attend year end staff meetings to help determine the appropriate educational placement of students for the following year.
  
  

General

• Adhere to departmental policies and procedures, including timely submission of schedules, logs, and timesheets.
• Schedule students according to class times and specificity of treatment regime, in cooperation with the school staff.
• Submit to the director a list of needed equipment when requested.
• Assume responsibility for patient records over and above evaluations, i.e. monthly attendance.
• Participate in orthopedic and orthotics workshops as needed.
• Participate in the staff in-service education programs.
• Perform such other duties as may be designated by the Director of Special Services.

 

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS

 

Ability to be proficient in computer applications pertinent to support the position, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Google Suite, and Genesis Employee Portal.

 

EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE

 

Performance of this position will be evaluated annually in accordance with the New Jersey Administrative Code and Board of Education policy.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

 

The duties of this job require the following physical activities: sitting, standing, reaching, walking, lifting, bending, kneeling, stooping, climbing, pushing, pulling, finger dexterity, carrying, feeling, repetitive motions, speaking, listening, and visual acuity.  The employee may need to lift and/or move a student.  An average weight for a student is 75 pounds.  Assistance can be provided, if necessary.  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.

 

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.

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

 

 10 Month Contract.  Salary and benefits as determined by the Board of Education and any applicable and collective negotiations agreement.

 

The information contained in this job description is reviewed and approved by the Board of Education and may be modified as district and state requirements evolve.  This job description does not constitute a written employment contract.

 

NEW JERSEY FIRST ACT

 

New Jersey First Act, N.J.S.A. 52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), requires employees of all school boards to reside in the State of New Jersey unless otherwise exempted under the law.

 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STATEMENT

 

External and internal applicants, as well as employees who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential functions listed on this job description either unaided or with reasonable accommodation.  The West Windsor-Plainsboro School District shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law, in the event such a determination becomes necessary.

 

The West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. The district does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.