Physical Therapist (Brookville) - Temporary
About The Position
The Physical Therapist performs physical therapy evaluations and conducts therapy sessions in accordance with students’ IEPs/IFSPs. The therapist communicates with professional staff and families and maintains accurate documentation in compliance with regulations established by NYSED, DOH, and other oversight agencies. The role includes assessing students’ needs, analyzing results to form diagnoses and objective goals, and developing and implementing therapeutic activities and strategies to facilitate motor control and developmental skills. Services are delivered according to the frequency, duration, and location specified in each student’s IEP/IFSP. The therapist collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, communicates student progress, participates in meetings and screenings, and may train staff or families. The position also includes maintaining a safe therapy environment, meeting professional and regulatory requirements, participating in supervision and professional development, and delivering culturally responsive services.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
- New York State licensure and registration as a Physical Therapist.
- Knowledge of anatomy and neuromotor development as normally acquired through completion of an accredited Physical Therapy program.
- Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, which may include lifting and transferring a student.
Nice To Haves
- At least one year of related work experience with preschool and school-age students with special needs is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assess students’ needs using formal and informal measures.
- Analyze assessment results to form diagnoses and generate objective goals for students’ IEPs/IFSPs.
- Develop and implement therapeutic activities and strategies to facilitate motor control and developmental skills, including upper- and lower-extremity functioning.
- Provide physical therapy services according to the frequency, duration, and location specified in students’ IEPs/IFSPs.
- Address students’ behavioral needs using positive behavior supports and following behavioral support plans.
- Participate effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team and integrate information and strategies from team members and other professionals.
- Inform team members of students’ progress and provide activities for carryover into classroom and home environments.
- Participate in parent, team, CPSE, CSE, and/or IFSP conferences as assigned, which may include evening meetings.
- Maintain professional interactions and ongoing communication with families regarding student progress and intervention strategies.
- Conduct in-service training for staff and/or families as needed.
- Complete required paperwork and prepare reports and evaluations accurately and on time.
- Recognize and promptly report problems.
- Manage time effectively and adapt flexibly to change.
- Supervise interns or volunteers as requested and communicate with university supervisors regarding intern progress.
- Maintain required certification and/or licensure through continuing education, renewal, and payment of annual dues as required.
- Participate in physical therapy screenings as requested.
- Determine the need for sensory modalities and/or adaptive equipment and implement programs as appropriate.
- Maintain students’ health and safety and a healthy, safe, and attractive environment.
- Follow program-specific policies and procedures and perform other assigned or related duties.
- Participate in continuing education, program-required in-services, quality improvement activities, and required organizational and regulatory programs and protocols.
- Demonstrate understanding of students’ special needs and modify strategies, activities, and therapeutic interventions to meet individual needs.
- Respond promptly to student or parent/guardian requests, refer to an appropriate care team member when necessary, and inform the supervisor of actions taken.
- Promote positive coworker relationships, teamwork, cooperation, service quality, and confidentiality for children and families.
- Participate actively in supervision sessions by contributing ideas, asking questions, seeking clarification, and implementing recommendations.
- Communicate and interact effectively across cultures and among people with different disabilities, genders, ethnicities, and races; help create an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment; and provide culturally responsive services.
