Physical Therapist

Fort Smith Public Schools; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Smith Public Schools seeks a dedicated School Physical Therapist to evaluate and provide therapeutic services to students with disabilities. The ideal candidate will hold a Master's or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy and a current state license in Arkansas. Responsibilities include conducting evaluations, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with staff and families to support student success. Join our commitment to putting students first and fostering relationships within our community.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current state licensure as a Physical Therapist (PT) in Arkansas.
• Certification from the National Board of Physical Therapy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physical therapy evaluations for students referred for special education.
• Provide direct/consultative physical therapy services as required by students' IEPs.
• Collaborate with teachers and families to integrate physical therapy goals.

Skills

Communication

Documentation

Collaboration

Education

Master’s or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy

Current state licensure as a Physical Therapist in Arkansas

Certification from the National Board of Physical Therapy

Job description

POSITION TITLE: School Physical Therapist

FLSA: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Special Education Director

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 190 Days and benefits will be specified in the employee contract. Contract will be prorated based on the actual start date.

LOCATION: District wide

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current state licensure as a Physical Therapist (PT) in Arkansas.
• Certification from the National Board of Physical Therapy (NBPT).
• Experience working with children or in a school setting is preferred but not required.
• Strong communication, documentation, and collaboration skills.

DISTRICT VALUES

• We will always put student needs first.
• We believe relationships matter.
• We expect accountability.
• We operate with transparency.
• We prioritize student and staff safety.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conduct physical therapy evaluations for students referred for special education and related services/504 services
• Interpret evaluation results and develop individualized goals and plans based on student needs.
• Provide direct/consultative physical therapy services as required by students' IEPs.
• Collaborate with teachers, school staff, occupational and speech therapists, and families to integrate physical therapy goals into the school day.
• Monitor evaluation timelines, student progress, maintain electronic documentation, bill Medicaid, and participate in IEP meetings.
• Recommend modifications to the learning environment and/or equipment to support student participation.
• Provide training and guidance to school staff regarding safe mobility, transfers, and positioning.
• Ensure services are in compliance with state and federal regulations, including IDEA.
• Maintain up-to-date records, logs, and reports as required by the district.
• Supervise and support Physical Therapy Assistant as required by Arkansas guidelines and maintain appropriate documentation
• Commitment to quality integrated education
• Assist with maintaining the orderly arrangement of materials and equipment
• Notify immediately appropriate personnel of any evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical conditions
• Maintain a safe working condition and safely operate electronic and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Maintains prompt and regular attendance
• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Present and communicate in a professional manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain positive professional working relationships with others.
• Supervises students on recess, bus, during before and after school duty, on field trips, extracurricular events, and in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned working day.
• Attend training(s) as required.
• Other duties as assigned by administration.

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

OTHER JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must have the ability to lift at least 20 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasional reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending, squatting.
• Work is performed in a school setting, including classrooms, therapy rooms, playgrounds, and other areas.
• Physical demands include frequent lifting, transferring, and supporting students with mobility needs.

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https://fortsmithschools.schoolspring.com/if interested.