DESCRIPTION

This is work concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with physical or mental disabilities or disorders, to develop or restore functions, prevent loss of physical capacities and maintain optimum performance. An employee in this class develops, implements and coordinates a physical therapy program. They also will confer with physicians and other health practitioners to obtain additional patient information and suggest revisions in treatment program and integrate physical therapy treatment with other aspects of patient health care. Work is performed in a hospital, home base or medical facility type setting.

DUTIES AND RESPOSNIBILITES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)

• Plans and executes effective, appropriate and safe physical therapy treatment programs for patients to promote development, restore to optimum level the neuromuscular, muscular-skeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory system functions of the injured patient in order to assist the patient’s re-entry into community environment at the highest level of independence and self- sufficiency possible;
• Evaluates patients to ascertain the nature and extent of the problem prior to planning and implementing a realistic and consistent treatment program. Consults with physician regarding the patient’s progress and exchanging information relative to the patient’s management;
• Documents on patient’s record, the findings of the patient’s evaluation and physical therapy treatment program, the patient’s progress and any adjustments made to the original treatment program. Reports on patient’s progress for review by other members of the rehabilitation team;
• Develop, implement and coordinate a physical therapy program that includes the department’s philosophy, vision, procedures and goals;
• Evaluate students using appropriate tests, skilled professional observation and supplementary from other agencies and records;
• Interpret assessment findings and appropriately convey information to parents and school teams;
• Participate with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans.
• Develop and implement intervention strategies;
• Develop physical management plans for daily classroom routines and train staff in its safe implementation;
• Plan for transition from school to community, preparing student to function independently from therapy service when targeted outcomes are achieved;
• Evaluate and report on student progress;
• Serve as a resource to parent, school team, staff and administration on disabling conditions and their effects on education;
• Collaborate with community based therapists and other healthcare providers for effective coordination of service;
• Contribute to the planning and safe transportation of students with disabilities;
• Provide consultation regarding emergency evacuation of students with disabilities;
• Participate with improving school accessibility and planning environmental modification;

• Maintain student service, administrative and other departmental records in accordance with the Physical Therapy Practice Act as well as school district, State and Federal policies;
• Participate in budget planning and policy development;
• Performs other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the concepts, principles, practices, techniques and procedures of rehabilitation and therapeutic applications in the occupational therapy field;
• Knowledge of the pathology of physical and mental illness, psychology, human anatomy, kinesiology and physiology;
• Knowledge of development anatomy and physiology of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems, neuro-physiology and kinesiology;
• Knowledge of the theory, methods and techniques of physical therapeutic treatments necessary to administer a physical therapy treatment program;
• Knowledge of the use and limitations of equipment used in the field of physical therapy for all ages;
• Knowledge of the various modes of treatment plans and activities, which would aide in the maximum rehabilitation of students;
• Knowledge of applicable federal and local law and departmental policies and regulations;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to inspire confidence and motivate patients and family to carry out treatment;
• Ability to plan independently in developing treatment plans;
• Ability to communicate effectively with neuropsychiatric patients;
• Ability to assess, plan, develop and evaluate specific treatment plans and rehabilitation techniques to help students reach their maximum potential;
• Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with all those contacted during the course of work and demonstrate sensitivity, empathy and adaptability;
• Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with students, as well as inspire confidence and motivate them to carry out prescribed treatment;
• Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment in carrying out functions of the position;
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in written;

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Requires medium to heavy work, including continuous physical exertion such as frequent bending, lifting or climbing;
• Ability to stand for long periods of time with intermittent walking, standing, sitting, bending, use of voice;
• Ability to handle cumbersome awkwardly shaped items;
• Ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects;
• Ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support parts of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing;
• Ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object;
• Ability to quickly move your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects;
• Ability to frequently lift and /or move up to 70 pounds or more.