Physical Therapist

This position is responsible for providing physical therapy services to eligible students in the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools. This includes individual treatment, consultative services and administration of physical therapy assessments to determine a student’s level of function in the educational environment; specifically as it relates to gross motor development, posture, safety, and functional mobility.

• Provides direct and consultative physical therapy services to students with disabilities in accordance with the student’s IEP or 504 plan.
• Administers physical therapy assessments to determine a student’s level of function relative to the student’s grade and educational placement in the areas of gross motor development. This assessment may include, but is not limited to: range of motion, strength, endurance, posture, gross motor skill acquisition, adaptive equipment needs, balance, gait, w/c skills, transfers, negotiation of the educational environment including school-related community access and safety with the use of playground equipment.
• Assists in the development of individualized education plans or 504 plans for each student receiving physical therapy services, including annual goals, and short term objectives when applicable.
• Monitors student progress and provides updates for each reporting period.
• Maintains accurate service delivery record which is submitted monthly as well as daily therapy notes.
• Establishes and coordinates physical therapy schedule with classroom teachers to permit flexibility of classroom structure.
• Orders supplies and equipment in conjunction with other therapists and classroom teachers as needed.
• Establishes contact with physicians, other therapists, and local agencies for consultation as necessary.
• Conducts classroom observations based on written referral and provides recommendations as appropriate.
• Recommends dismissal of physical therapy services once a student has reached maximum benefit of educationally relevant services.
• Communicates with the Supervisor of Health Services, Director of Special Education , Supervisor of Early Childhood Education, Senior Director for Student Services, building Principals and instructional staff on matters pertinent to physical therapy services.
• Attends child study, staffing, IEP and eligibility meetings as needed.
• Adheres to the legal and ethical aspects of physical therapy practice in the state of Virginia, and related regulations/rules of the school division.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.
• Maintains professional competence by attending staff development programs, continuing education conferences, in-services, specialty courses, and participating in other professional activities.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or other appropriate administrator.
• Models the WJCC Strategic Plan Values: Individualism, Integrity, Innovation, Accountability and Collaboration.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Must possess a Bachelor’s, Master’s or doctorate degree specializing in physical therapy from an accredited physical therapy school.
• Must have and maintain a valid physical therapy license from the state of Virginia.
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the public. Experience in pediatrics and/or school based setting preferred.

Physical therapy students from accredited colleges and universities and volunteers

Performs duties under the supervision of  Supervisor of Health Services, the Senior Director for Student Services and Principals.

Manual dexterity to dial a telephone, enter data on a computer, see and read a computer screen with or without visual aids. Hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels, outdoors and on the telephone. Speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors and on the telephone. Physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds to shoulder height and 50 pounds to waist height. Physical ability to bend, to stoop, to sit on the floor, to climb stairs, to walk and to reach overhead. Possession of a valid driver’s license. Essential duties are typically performed in the school environment. Duties may occasionally be performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  The incumbent will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the principal or appropriate administrator.  WJCC Public Schools reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.