Physical Therapist - Schools

SUMMARY OF POSITIONOrganizes, develops and implements a school-based physical therapy program by providing services to children with exceptional educational needs and to educational staff when children require physical therapy to benefit from special education as regulated by federal, state and local guidelines. Work to improve, develop, restore or maintain a child's motor function in the educational environments. School physical therapy focuses on a child's ability to move as independently as possible in the school environment. The school physical therapist evaluates the child's ability to move throughout the school and to participate in classroom activities. Focus of these services may include, but are not limited to facilitation of developmental motor skills, postural awareness, ambulation and gait training, sensorimotor processing, cardiovascular function, wheelchair mobility, adaptation or modification of equipment and the environment, recommendation and monitoring of orthoses and other assistive devices, prevention of initial or additional deformity or disability through early intervention and programming and transportation needs of children. Consultation with educational and community personnel is also an essential component of the physical therapist's roles/responsibilities. Consistent with state and federal law, school physical therapists are related service personnel.DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIESEssential Functions:Participate in pre-referral team meetings as necessary to assist with recommendations for classroom modifications for at-risk students.Conduct appropriate evaluations of children referred, interpret evaluation findings and prepare written reports of the evaluation.Participate in and be a collaborative member of the Individual Education Program (IEP) team.Participate in the development of IEPs by contributing educationally appropriate physical therapy and related goals and objectives to the IEP document.Provide direct and indirect physical therapy the children in educational environments.Collaborate with other school personnel regarding physical therapy and the children's needs.Travel to and among schools to provide services to children.Adhere to established federal, state and local rules, regulations and laws related to physical therapy services in the schools.Maintain timely and accurate records, to include daily documentation, Medicaid billing logs, IEPs, quarterly and annual progress reports, IEPs and any additional reports required by the school district.Maintain and submit accurate records required by MJ Care i.e., time and attendance, mileage and corresponding monthly summaries when required.Provide physical therapy services to the designated school district for the specified hours and specified student caseload as indicated and directed by the school district administrator and the MJ Care Vice President - School Based Therapy Services.Adhere to the ethical standards of the profession.Participate in the local education agency's comprehensive planning process for the children with special education needs.Supervise physical therapy assistants when necessary.Provide information for administrators, school personnel and parents regarding physical therapy services.Provide in-person or telehealth services as appropriate.Follow infection control policy and practices of MJ Care and assigned school.General Responsibilities:Adheres to and supports the mission of MJ Care, Inc.Understands, adheres to, and upholds the values of MJ Care, Inc.Understands, adheres to, and upholds the Code of Conduct for MJ Care, Inc.Promotes continuous process improvements.Delivers service aligned with department guiding principles.Responsible for maintaining strict confidentiality of information and records at all times.Displays commitment to continuous learning, including own professional development as well as sharing information and learning with other team members.Safely transport and transfer student as necessary, with or without assistance, following proper policy/procedure. In case of emergency/disaster, safely transport person by stairs to evacuate per disaster policies. Maintains compliance with TB and flu requirements for MJ Care and assigned facilities.RequirementsQUALIFICATIONSEducationDegree in Physical Therapy from a school accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association. Current Department of Public Instruction license in good standing required for Wisconsin positionsCurrent state license and/or certification to provide physical therapy services in good standing.Experience1+ year of experience preferred.Skills and KnowledgeProficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and billing software. Ability to accurately and efficiently use electronic medical records system.Strong communication skills including concentration, ability to learn, and good listening.Accurate problem solving, organization, attention to detail, and math skills.Ability to interact in a personal and professional manner with at all levels with internal and external customers.Ability to work as a collaborative team member.Knowledge and skills to care for the physical and developmental needs of the population age groups that will be receiving services.Ability to remain calm in emergency or crisis situations and provide adequate assistance.Valid driver's license in the state you reside, acceptable driving record, reliable vehicle, and proof of valid auto insurance per state requirements.LEVEL I ACCESSProtects access of Personal Health Information specific to the patients assigned to them for the purposes of screenings, consultations, evaluations, mandatory site-specific meetings, chart audits, payment and health care operations and therapy. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONSWhile performing the duties of this job, the associate is frequently required to talk and hear; stand and walk; bend and/or kneel; squat, balance, and/or crawl; reach above shoulder level; push, pull, and/or twist up to 75lbs; walk up/down stairs; lift and/or carry up to 50lbs; and use fine dexterity. Specific vision abilities required by this job include being able to read documents, read computer screen, and observe students and work space. Specific hearing abilities required by the job include being able to hear in a moderately loud work environment (open area with multiple people conversing). Job includes risk of biohazard (i.e. blood borne pathogen). Works in limited space with equipment or exposed to equipment not conducive to pacemakers. Job requires use of protective equipment including but not limited to gown, gloves, and face protection.