DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:  This is professional work involving responsibility for providing physical therapy in accordance with a physician's diagnosis and prescription for rehabilitation of physical and/or motor injuries and/or disabilities that interfere with the ability to experience maximum growth in an education environment, and/or otherwise impede well-being. Work is performed under general supervision of higher-level administrators, with wide leeway permitted for independence of action. Supervision may be provided to lower-level staff. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Performs physical therapy procedures, initial and annual evaluations, physical motor assessments and diagnostic tests on any individual who is considered a candidate for physical therapy services, or for whom these have been medically prescribed;
• Carries out implementation of specific therapy and/or therapeutic recommendation for individual students/patients;
• Develops school-based goals, treatment objectives and therapeutic activities and tasks to be incorporated into the student’s individualized education plan;
• Utilizes appropriate equipment for maximum function for the student/patient;
• Instructs students/patients in proper use of crutches, canes and walkers;
• Observes student’s/patient’s progress and reaction to the therapy program, and continually re-evaluates program when needed;
• Maintains treatment and therapy records, statistics, and written case notes, as required by school policy or state law;
• Completes appropriate IEP documents on all students involved in therapy, when assigned to a school district;
• Prepares reports and other documents, as needed;
• Instructs student/patient, faculty/staff and family in the dynamics of the program, so that all will comprehend the goals of therapy;
• Provides consultation to parents/guardians regarding the specific physical therapy techniques employed in the educational setting, which should be reinforced at home in order to maximize the functional ability of the student/patient;
• Communicates with physicians, teachers, classroom support staff, and other staff who have student contact to ascertain progress or additional needs;
• Develops home based programs where appropriate;
• Assesses and makes recommendations regarding adaptive and orthotic equipment needs and monitors equipment status;
• Fosters necessary and appropriate communication with the locality by functioning as a liaison with the medical follow-up facility, in conjunction with School Nurse and/or other school medical personnel (when assigned to a school district);
• Interprets and translates into functional terms, the therapy and/or medical reports received on students, in conjunction with the School Nurse (when assigned to a school district);
• Participates in curriculum development focusing on incorporating and maintaining the therapeutic perspectives necessary (when assigned to a school district);
• May conduct training sessions for appropriate staff, to broaden basic knowledge of the physically disabled, and the environment around them;
• May instruct rehabilitation technicians, public health nurses, aides and other appropriate staff in physical therapy techniques;
• Performs a variety of related activities as required.

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures, principles, and objectives of physical therapy; good knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, physics and psychology; ability to comprehend, teach, and execute physical therapy programs to students, family members and faculty; ability to prepare reports and maintain accurate case records; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to relate sympathetically to a potentially difficult client population; enthusiasm; initiative; resourcefulness; patience; good judgment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  Either

1. Masters degree or higher in physical therapy or a closely related field; or
2. Bachelors degree in physical therapy or a closely related field, and one (1) year of experience as a physical therapist;
3. An equivalent combination of training and experience as indicated in a) and b) above.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Possession of a license and current registration, issued by the New York State Education Department, as a Physical Therapist, at the time of appointment.
2. Access to transportation may be required to complete possible field work assignments in a timely and efficient manner.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR APPOINTMENT IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS:

In accordance with the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) legislation, Chapter 180 of the Laws of 2000, and by the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, candidates for appointment in school districts must obtain clearance for employment from the State Education Department prior to employment based upon a fingerprint and criminal history background check.

12/82; 8/84; 9/97; 2/08; 4/21

Competitive Class