Physical Therapist

Under limited supervision of a school administrator or designee, provides pediatric physical therapy assessment and treatment to students with special needs enrolled in the educational programs of the Santa Clara County Office of Education; determines levels of function relative to the student’s age and educational placement in such areas as fine/gross motor skill development, sensory motor integration, self-care and activities of daily living; consults with many different educational team members within a framework of special education policies and procedures; exercises independent clinical judgment and well-developed communication skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Provides physical therapy services to students with special needs enrolled in the educational programs of the Santa Clara County Office of Education

Assesses student performance in activities that are meaningful, curriculum oriented, and applicable to daily life routines

Develops and implements in appropriate settings and curricula a therapy intervention plan that supports student IEP goals, objectives and outcomes

Assists in the development of student transition plans, programs, and goals

Writes assessment reports identifying student needs and proposed treatment strategies writes individual student goals and objectives as part of the IEP plan and maintains progress records; participates in IEP meetings

Documents findings, actions taken, and/or recommendations made regarding areas of service; maintains records as required by the Department of Special Education and identified program needs

Provides students with individual treatment and group therapy sessions to correct specific physical areas

Monitors therapy programs and educational staff trained to incorporate appropriate physical therapy treatment strategies into the educational program; evaluates the effectiveness of the established program and makes modification within the framework of the IEP process as necessary

Participates in meetings between County Office staff and families on the appropriate implementation of educational programs; collaborates and coordinates physical therapy goals with the educational program

Demonstrates educational and developmental strategies to students and families for successful home management of physical therapeutic programs

Provides on-site interpretation and summarizes assessment report results to families; recommends appropriate activities and materials designed to accomplish goals

Provides formal and informal in-services to educational staff and families in relevant areas focusing on physical therapy treatment principals as they relate to the development and education of children with special needs

Consults and collaborates with medical and community agencies who interact with the County Office special schools and early intervention programs regarding physical therapy services for students; participates in local and state presentations to large and small groups

Adapts equipment to assure proper positioning and to enhance functional performance of the student, addressing the student’s neuromuscular deficits and needs; may include design and fabrication of equipment, or recommendations for purchase of adaptive equipment as needed for the individualized special education program

Coordinates physical therapy program within the total educational system, including involvement with transition planning when appropriate

Maintains an in-depth knowledge of the laws and policies governing Special Education and Early Intervention in California, particularly as they pertain to the delivery of physical therapy services; consults with other members of the educational team regarding the mandated and best-practice roles of physical therapy

Supervises/provides direction of any support staff or others (i.e., student interns) assigned to the physical therapy program Refers students and families to related services which will assist the student’s development Recommends future physical therapy services to administration

OTHER DUTIES: Performs related duties as assigned.

Job Type

Full-time

Pay: $67.00 - $87.71 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person