Primary Purpose

Assist students with disabilities in obtaining educational goals.  Assist students and plan therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with students’ ability to derive full benefits from the educational program.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Certification

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited curriculum 

Valid Texas license as a physical therapist granted by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by employee.

Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of medical information and indications for physical therapy treatment

Skill in use of tests and measurements for assessing physical function

Ability to administer manual exercises and physical therapy treatments

Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

One (1) year of experience as a physical therapist

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.  

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators  

Student Growth and Development – Therapy

The therapist fosters student growth and development through activities such as the following:  

• Plan and provide direct and consultative services consistent with occupational therapy goals contained in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of physical therapy services.
• Design, construct, alter, provide, and assist students with adaptive equipment and devices to promote maximum independence. 
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the students.
• Develop and implement intervention strategies.
• Develop physical management plan for daily classroom routines and train staff in its safe implementation.
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the student.
• Plan for transition from school to community, preparing student to function independent from therapy service when targeted outcomes are achieved. 

Student Assessment 

The therapist engages in the following assessment activities: 

• Assess students with physical disabilities and determine eligibility for services.
• Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretations of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with physical disabilities according to district procedures.
• Assess need and recommend assistive technology necessary for function at school. 
• Evaluate and report on student progress.

Communication and Community Relations

The therapist promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following:  

• Contribute to planning safe transportation of students with disabilities.
• Provide consultation regarding emergency evacuation of students with disabilities.
• Communicate and consult with school staff, parents, administrators, physicians, community and other professionals.
• Serve as 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.
• Consult with educational staff regarding the use of specialized equipment and material.
• Consult with district and outside personnel including private therapists and other medical staff regarding the physical and medical needs of students. 
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant people to enhance their work with students.  

Organization Management

The therapist manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through activities such as the following:  

• Adapt or recommend adaptation of the school environment. 
• Participate with improving school accessibility and planning environmental modification.
• Procure, maintain and inventory equipment, materials and supplies.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the physical therapy program and make changes based on the findings.
• Assist in the selection of equipment and adaptive materials.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents.
• 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.  

Professional Growth and Development

The therapist participates in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:  

• Provide staff development training in assigned schools to help school personnel understand students with physical disabilities. 
• Participate in continuing education for professional development to ensure consistency with best practices and to meet State Licensure requirements.
• Use professional literature, evidence based research, and continuing education content to make practice decisions.
• Attend meetings and participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.  

Qualities of Effective Occupational Therapists

The therapist exhibits qualities such as the following: 

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Keep informed of and comply with state, District, and school regulations and policies.
• Correct unsafe conditions in work area that could cause an accident and inform supervisor of any conditions that are not correctable immediately.
• Shall comply with District policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Shall comply with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, and standards.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the administration.
• Maintain confidentiality. 

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None  

Equipment:

Adaptive equipment, computer, printer, scanner, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors  

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Work irregular hour and extended work hours to include holidays and weekends.
• Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing.
• Occasional light lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds); may lift and move text books and classroom equipment.
• May be required under specific circumstances to provide physical restraint of students in danger of causing harm to themselves or others.
• District wide and statewide travel.
• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination vibration.
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces.
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs and positioning children. 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.