Summary:
The Physical Therapist (PT) is responsible for developing and implementing Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives to meet students’ physical therapy needs. The PT is supervised by the Coordinator of Physical Therapy (CPT). The PT is responsible for making programmatic changes as needed and alerting the CPT when lack of progress has occurred. The PT is also responsible for providing both direct and consultative physical therapy services for students. The PT demonstrates an understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and proper implementation of the techniques of ABA. The PT acts as a positive role model for all staff and students.
General Responsibilities:
- Oversees and ensures the supervision and safety of assigned students.
- Maintains CALM certification and uses CALM techniques to maintain safety
- Maintains proper credentials.
- Collects data, and writes reports, IEP objectives, and physical therapy program plans.
- Meets deadlines.
- Completes attendance sheets and Medicaid sheets according to school/district protocol.
- Actively participates in required meetings and trainings.
- Attends extra-curricular activities, including events that may be held outside of school hours.
- Participates in field trips and community outings (as needed).
- Drives students and staff to various community locations (as needed).
- Adheres to Crossroads Employee Handbook.
- Responsible for helping to maintain a well-educated workforce through periodic trainings.
- Assists students with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including toileting (as needed).
- Instructs employees in CPR and First Aid trainings.
- Performs other duties as requested by supervisor.
- Assists in the planning, communicating and implementing all school events/initiatives for both students and staff throughout the year (i.e., Special Olympics, Field Day, Fitness Challenge, Wellness Initiative, Gross Motor Group)
- Elects to be a part of at least one school wide committee
Clinical Responsibilities:
- Implements Physical Therapy programs and behavior management procedures according to student specific IEPs, Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and Behavior Management Plans (BMPs).
- Performs in-depth assessments and evaluations at least every three years for students on caseload.
- Uses best practices inthe field of physical therapy andapplied behavior analysis.
- Plans and implements daily physical therapy programming.
- Develops physical therapy IEP goals and objectives for students on caseload.
- Writes and reviews quarterly progress reports.
- Monitors student progress and notifies supervisor as necessary.
- Maintains written and direct communication with parents regarding physical therapy progress.
- Coordinates schedule to accommodate Student Day and IEP meetings.
- Develops schedule to ensure proper implementation of physical therapy service delivery.
- Submits documentation to supervisor in a timely manner.
- Participates in Student Day, IEP, staff, consistency, and analysis meetings and trainings.
- Attends professional conferences recommended and authorized by the Executive Director.
- Collects data and conducts daily analysis for assigned student’s programming.
- Conducts Physical Therapy Consistency meetings with assigned classrooms.
- Implements behavior management techniques as necessary.
- Communicates information (e.g., lack of progress, family concerns) to supervisor and the Clinical Director.
- Communicateswith Teachers and EBSCs regarding student specific physical therapy needs.
Communication:
- Follow lines of communication specified in the Organizational Chart.
- Share relevant information with colleagues and supervisors.
- Asks questions when something is unknown or unclear.
- Actively recognize the accomplishments and contributions of others.
- Accept performance feedback gracefully.
- Check and respond to email daily.
- Practices confidentiality and maintain a high standard of ethics.
- Show support for Crossroads.
- Serve as an ambassador for Crossroads.
Attendance, Participation, and Timeliness:
- Demonstrate punctuality and an appropriate attendance record.
- Complete timecards according to protocol.
- Meets assigned deadlines with minimal prompts.
- Attend and actively participate in meetings.
- Attend monthly in-service trainings.
- Attend Crossroads events (e.g., Open House, Annual 5K Walk/Run).
Educational Qualifications and Necessary Skills:
- Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited university.
- Current state license in Massachusetts and the Board of Allied Health Professions.
- At least 2 years clinical experience in the treatment of autism, preferred.
Skill and Ability Requirements:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to coordinate and work with professional staff, consultants, and school districts.
- Ability to meet deadlines, multitask, and work both independently & collaboratively.
- Fluent in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Caring, compassionate, hardworking, and punctual.
- After in-house training, must be able to continue to meet criteria for certification in CALM V&P.
Physical Requirements:
- The ability to move quickly and confidently to intervene when protective holds and/or movements are necessary.
- The ability to pursue a bolting student.
- The ability to successfully complete CALM training, which requires:
- Lifting half of body weight
- Pivoting
- Squatting
- Kneeling
- Remaining in kneeling position for an extended time
- Standing from kneeling while supporting student weight without pushing off ground with hands
- Shuffling frontwards and backwards
- Assisting a student to the floor (Only used in the school)
- Stabilizing a student in a standing, seated, prone, or supine position (Only used in the school)
*******There is a $4000 sign on bonus payable as $2000 after 6 months of employment and $2000 at 12 months of employment. ******