Physical Therapist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Physical Therapist must have at least an approved Bachelor's or Master’s Degree from an accredited Physical Therapy program as well as a State and National License as and Physical Therapist. The Physical Therapist ensures the quality of Physical Therapy designed programs by supporting teaching staff in carrying out and incorporating therapeutic activities when working with the students. Duties include conducting assessments, writing goals and objectives, training direct service teachers, and providing ongoing consultation to the teaching staff in their work with the students. This is carried out with respect and dignity and in accordance with May Institute policies and procedures.

Specific responsibilities are detailed below:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Development and implementation of treatment plan.

1. Provides teachers consultation regarding physical therapy profiles and appropriate short and long term objectives within the individualized education plans (IEP) when appropriate.

2. Communicates with teachers and appropriate staff on the progress and needs of individual students.

3. Completes progress notes, group notes and case notes as needed for each student.

4. Prepares relevant materials if necessary for the teacher carrying out individualized physical therapy programs.

5. Meets with Supervisor biweekly, or as needed and provides an oral summary of activities.

6. Communicates regularly with other physical therapists within the May Institute system as needed to maintain consistency across programs

7. Works in coordination and cooperation with the student, family, LEA, Educational team, Behavioral team and nursing.

B. Training, Supervision and Education

1. Maintains all state and national licensure requirements.

2. Members of the Allied Health team address student issues utilizing an interdisciplinary frame of reference. Each therapist is responsible for working with the teachers, case managers, educational directors, nursing services and behavioral specialists in devising, modifying and discharging therapeutic techniques.

3. Provides teacher with instructions and support necessary for them to carry out daily physical therapy programs with all children (STO’s, Rehabilitative Guidelines).

4. Assists Senior Teachers, Program Coordinators and Directors in reviewing quarterly progress notes in the area of physical therapy.

5. Observes classrooms on a regular basis providing brief correction/positive feedback and suggestions to the teachers as needed. Provides on the spot decisions about routine problems and notifies supervisor or other appropriate administrative staff about problems related to physical environment, ethics and community relations. Provides supervisor with summaries of feedback.

6. Assists Directors in preparing teachers to meet the individual needs of students.

C. Preserves the rights of each student and family

1. Maintains confidentiality of all students/families.

2. Employs restrictive procedures only when specified in treatment plan.

3. Follows ethical standards of program.

4. Demonstrates an understanding of human rights principles.

D. Others

1. Responds to special requests made by Supervisor.

2. Comply with the May Center's policies and procedures as outlined on the onsite and corporate Policy and Procedures manual.

3. Attend and participate in staff meetings as required.

4. Complete trainings and/or studies offered to ensure continued knowledge and expertise in the areas of behavior analysis and physical therapy.

5. Will participate in May Institute Quality Assurance and Improvement activities as requested.

6. Attend all required trainings/inservices as designated by the Director of Allied Health.

7. Maintain all continuing education requirements as outlined by state and national licensure requirements.

8. Completes all assigned tasks in an accurate and timely manner.

9. Adheres to the mission, vision and values of The May Institute, Inc. and conducts him/herself within any published Standards of Professional Conduct of his/her program, division and the organization.

10. Performs such other duties, responsibilities and projects at any such program or location as

11. assigned by a supervisor, Assistant Director or other member of management of The May Institute, Inc.

12. Adheres to the May Institute Policy & Procedure which protects the privacy and security of consumer health information.

13. Maintains the security of electronic media and returns media to his/her supervisor when appropriate.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The ability to move independently throughout a wide range of environments, some of which may not be wheelchair or otherwise handicapped accessible, is required. Independent transportation to locations that may not be served by public transportation may be necessary. The May Institute, Inc. will make reasonable accommodations, whenever possible, when needed and/or requested by employees. Requests for accommodations will be honored, unless the accommodation would cause undue hardship on the operation of the program and/or on the organization.

This is a part time position (20 hrs) per week