JOB TITLE: Physical Therapist

LOCATION: Elementary Schools

EVALUATED BY: Principal/Designee and/or Special Education Administrator or Designee.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Physical Therapist supports the education of students suspected of and/or diagnosed with a disability in the least restrictive environment. The school physical therapist is expected to demonstrate a high level of professional judgment when recommending and providing services. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Graduation from an accredited program of physical therapy, Graduate degree preferred.
• Appropriate Certification from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Other applicable licenses as required by the Commonwealth for allied health professionals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluate students using appropriate formal and informal assessments, skilled professional observation and supplementary information from other agencies and records;
• Interpret assessment findings, convey information to parents and school-based teams and develop, if appropriate, service goals and objectives as part of the child’s Individualized Education Program;
• Develop, implement, and coordinate physical therapy programs within North Andover; 
• Participate as a team member in IEP team meetings and Section 504 meetings;
• Assist school-based personnel in recommending and developing environmental modifications for students;
• Provide training to staff on such modifications and otherwise assist staff to manage the physical needs of students with the school building;
• Provide direct supervision of physical therapy assistants;
• Provide consultation to school-based staff, parents, and administrators;
• Evaluate and report on student progress;
• Maintain student service, administrative and other departmental records in accordance with applicable district, state and federal regulations;
• Procure, maintain and inventory equipment, material, and supplies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of physical therapy principles, theory, methods, and evidence-based practice.
• Knowledge of effective practice, clinical decision making, outcome-based intervention and proper application in the educational environment. 
• Knowledge of areas of practice specific to pediatrics, including child development and specific diagnoses.
• Ability to plan, implement, administer and coordinate a physical therapy program from eligibility determination to termination.
• Ability to select and administer appropriate assessment tools and interpret the results of assessments.
• Skill in selecting and providing a wide range of intervention strategies and monitoring their effectiveness.
• Skill in effective oral and written communication.
• Knowledge of current legal mandates including Federal and State law, compliance issues, confidentiality requirements, funding procedures, and requirements. 
• Physical ability to execute job responsibilities that may include the transferring or lifting of students or equipment. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Working in a school setting. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy indoor environment with work inside about 85% of the time and work outside for about 15% of the work schedule. Ability to stand/sit and/or squat for extended periods of time. Perform other duties that may be assigned.

WORK YEAR:  184 days

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  As negotiated by the North Andover School Committee and the North Andover Teachers Association.