Job Details

Therapist/Physically Disabled (Physical Therapist)

Santa Cruz County Office of Education

Please submit an application through Edjoin: https://edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/2102868

DEFINITION
Under general direction and based on Individual Family Support Plan team recommendations, perform highly skilled, specialized physical therapy services with orthopedically disabled, and Early Start program students.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
There are no supervisory responsibilities.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Plan and administer physical therapy assessments that may include grading muscle power, evaluating range of motion, sensation, and developmental levels. Perform and utilize diagnostic and assessment methods.
Maintain clinical notes and records; prepare case histories, reports, and diagnostic service plans.
Identify special needs of clients and serve as coordinator to oversee the implementation of individual service plans. Develop goals and objectives that support the individual service plans` goals; develop objectives and outcomes for consideration in the individual service plan meetings.
Provide direct services to students to improve gross motor skills. Provide consultation and collaboration with families, caregivers and educational staff.
Assist in the development of student transition plans, programs, and goals.
Participate in case conferences and meetings with staff to review service plans.
Input and access data using a computer.
Maintain accurate records as required by law, board policy, administrative regulations, and the department.
Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Objectives and methods of physical therapy; testing and evaluating developmental, muscular and neural function and dysfunction.
Skeletal anatomy, kinesiology and basic pathology of the physically disabled.
Some knowledge of construction, use and care of orthopedic appliances and equipment.
Problems, needs and attitudes of individuals with physical disabilities and their families.
Pertinent laws and regulations regarding health service programs and public special education.
Normal growth and development of children and educational and developmental needs of children with specific disabilities.
Applicable treatment modalities and theory.

Skill and Ability to:
Synthesize complex or diverse information; collect and research data; use intuition and experience to complement data. Gather and analyze information skillfully.
Consistently arrive at work and on time; ensure work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrive at meetings and appointments on time.
Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem-solving situations.
Use reason even when dealing with emotional topics; manage difficult or emotional work related situations.
Respond promptly to student`s needs.
Focus on resolving conflict, not blaming.
Maintain confidentiality; meet and follow through on commitments.
Remain open to others` ideas and try new things; exhibit objectivity and openness to others` views; balance team and individual responsibilities.
Change approach or method to best fit the situation.
Use English to speak, read, and write fluently, clearly, informatively, and persuasively; be able to read and interpret written information; communicate effectively in both oral and written form, expressing complex and technical terminology and concepts in an understandable manner; listen and seek clarification.
Prepare a variety of professional reports; understand and interpret physicians` orders and adopt treatment programs to individual circumstances.
Contribute to building a positive team spirit; approach others in a tactful manner; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; participate in meetings.
Accept responsibility for own actions; react well under pressure.
Prioritize and plan work activities; use time efficiently; develop realistic action plans.
Report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly.
Assess and diagnose actions and problems, develop and implement effective and appropriate plans. Teach students self-care and other suitable activities. Establish and maintain a variety of case notes, client records and other required documentation. Input and access data utilizing a computer. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: 

Education: Bachelor`s Degree, Master's Degree or Doctorate with a major in Physical Therapy. 

Experience: Two years experience working with children with orthopedic disabilities. 

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid certificate to practice as a Registered Physical Therapist in California. If licensed in another state, incumbent must obtain the appropriate license issued by the State of California within twenty-four months from the date of employment. Possession of CPR and first aid certificate. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver`s license and appropriate vehicle operation insurance. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand and to sit, stoop, kneel or crouch, use hands to handle, feel, massage and manipulate; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. Must frequently manipulate, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift or move up to 60 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. The employee may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens. Exposure to volatile and assaultive behavior; exposure to outdoors; and potential exposure to bodily fluids, blood-borne pathogens, and communicable diseases. Ability to frequently travel in personal automobile to school sites and throughout the community.