East Central

Nature of Position: A school-based Physical Therapist provides services to children ages B-21 with exceptional special educational needs, to families, and to educational staff when children require physical therapy to benefit from special education. A Physical Therapist works to improve, develop, restore, or maintain a student’s functional skills and active participation in the educational environment. Responsible To: Director of Special Education Position Qualifications: Currently licensed by the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy to practice in Minnesota. Candidate must have a current driver’s license and reliable transportation with proof of insurance. Responsibilities: Identification- The physical therapist conducts appropriate screenings and evaluations of children referred for possible special education needs. The physical therapist prepares a written report and interprets those evaluation findings to the multidisciplinary team. Planning- The physical therapist participates in the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and plans appropriate intervention as a participant in the IEP meeting. Intervention- The physical therapist develops and implements a level of consultative service in the educational environment based on individual evaluation and the IEP. The focus of these services may include, but are not limited to: facilitation of developmental motor skills postural awareness ambulation and gait training lifting and transfer techniques wheelchair mobility attainment, adaptation or modification of equipment recommendation and monitoring of orthoses and other assistive devices prevention of deformity or skin breakdown specialized transportation needs of the student Documentation- The physical therapist will maintain records of service provided, including evaluation/reevaluation, progress notes (date/time/frequency/activity/result), family/staff communications, and third party reimbursement. Training- The physical therapist provides individualized training and supervision to staff that are responsible for implementing the student’s program. Documentation of the training procedures and approved staff will be maintained in the student file. Program Administration and Management- The physical therapist participates in the local education agency’s comprehensive process for the education of children with exceptional educational needs. The physical therapist works with the Director of Special Education to establish the procedures for implementing physical therapy and participates in the maintenance and expansion for the physical therapy service. The physical therapist will carry out other duties as designated by the Director of Special Education. Education and Community Awareness- The physical therapist provides information for administrators, school personnel, parents, and non-school agencies regarding physical therapy. The physical therapist provides formal and informal in-service education for all levels of educational and support personnel. The physical therapist may provide clinical internship opportunities for students enrolled in physical therapy programs. Professional Growth and Ethics- The physical therapist adheres to the ethical standards of the profession. The physical therapist adheres to established rules, regulations, laws, and works cooperatively to accomplish the goals and objectives of Rum River Special Education Cooperative. The physical therapist participates in professional growth activities and continuing education opportunities, including integration of current professional knowledge and skill into the physical therapy program.

General Definition of Work: Performs intermediate professional work evaluating and diagnosing students, conducting consultations, assessing and interpreting intellectual, social and/or emotional development, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Special Education Director. Specific Tasks: Participates in planning and implementing special education assessments and re-assessments determining if students are eligible for special education services. Ensures that students receiving services are eligible under state guidelines. Provides consultation to other team members; directs student assessment; interprets findings; writes reports. Attends meetings that include parents, educators, County personnel, etc. Consults with regular and special education personnel on programming for students with disabilities; ensures compliance with state and federal guidelines. Participates in pre-referral activities including attending Student Assistant Team meetings, gathering and interpreting data, developing pre-referral interventions and assisting in intervention implementation. Provides training and assistance to initiatives such as Response to Intervention, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and school-wide data collection. Develops and provides training; keeps abreast of current literature and studies.