POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

PHYSICAL THERAPIST      

WORKING TITLE

Physical Therapist-Special Education Services

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Special Education Services

LOCATION

Crossroads II, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Occupational/Physical Therapy Salary Band

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

Yes

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is not eligible for hybrid telework workweek

POSITION PURPOSE:

Supports the education of students suspected of and/or diagnosed with disability in their least restrictive environment. Develops, implements, and coordinates a physical therapy program within the local educational agency (LEA). Provides screening, evaluation and intervention services. Prevents injury (acute or chronic) of both students and educational staff with skilled provision of physical therapy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Comprehensive knowledge of the theory, principles, and methods of physical therapy;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) policy and procedure;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point; Google Apps;
• Knowledge of best practice, outcomes-based intervention and their proper application in the educational environment;
• Ability to perform complex, comprehensive assessments of students as part of Special Education or Section 504 process;
• Ability to provide orientation and formal/informal training to staff, parents, and outside agencies regarding individual student needs, equipment, supports, and services;
• Ability to maintain accurate student records in accordance with WCPSS guidelines, including but not limited to treatment notes, Plans of Care, Progress Notes, and IEPs;
• Ability to adhere to the Physical Therapy Practice Act, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and other legal mandates by State and Federal policies;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and build consensus with others, including teachers, other therapists, administrators, the community, and parents.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Have successfully completed and graduated from an accredited Physical Therapy professional program.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Current licensure in North Carolina as recognized by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners;
• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of North Carolina requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two years of Physical Therapy experience in a school system or other pediatric practice;

• Background in pediatric physical therapy services;
• Participation in recent training/continuing education programs related to pediatrics or school based Physical Therapy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Adheres to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice.
2. Evaluates students using appropriate tests, skilled professional observation and supplementary information from other agencies and records.
3. Interprets assessment findings and appropriately conveys information to parents and school teams.
4. Participates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans.
5. Serves as a resource to parents, school team, staff and administration on disabling conditions and the effects on a student’s educational and functional performance.
6. Provides modeling, training, and instruction for classroom staff on safe student handling including lifts and positioning, the proper use of equipment, and managing daily routines such as toileting.
7. Develops and implements intervention strategies.
8. Evaluates and reports on student progress.
9. Collaborates with parents, school personnel, community-based therapists, Orthotists, DME Providers, and other healthcare providers for effective coordination of services.
10. Contributes to administrative discussions and decision-making regarding student assignment, program placement, and facilities planning for students with physical and motor impairments.
11. Manages the use of specialized medical equipment for physical therapy purposes including prescribing, acquiring, monitoring, trouble shooting, and scheduling maintenance.
12. Assesses the educational environment (including transportation to and from school) to identify hazards and barriers and to addresses these by recommending supports, services, accommodations, modifications, and/or equipment.
13. Plans and prepares for student transitions from school to community and contribute to student preparation for life beyond therapy services.
14. Contributes to planning safe transportation of students with disabilities.
15. Engages in planning for emergency evacuation of students with a disability.
16. Seeks regular opportunities for continuing education and professional growth.
17. Provides clinical education opportunities for students of physical therapy.
18. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job operates in a school environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, staff members of external agencies, and the community. Physical ability to execute job responsibilities that include squatting, getting on and off the floor, transferring and/or lifting students and/or equipment, as well as managing equipment. Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 35 pounds of force.  May direct the activities of paraprofessionals such as teacher assistants.  Direct supervision must be provided to PT assistants at least every 30 days. The work frequently requires activities involving driving automotive equipment.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  7/2025

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.