Physical Therapist - Special Education Sy24/25

TITLE: Physical Therapist
LOCATION: TBD
The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) is a nationally recognized urban school district that serves approximately 22,000 students and 60+ different languages are spoken in the homes of our students. KCKPS is home to Sumner Academy, the #6 highest rated High School in the Nation and #1 High School in Kansas according to the US News rankings.
With Head Start/preschools, 28 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 5 college and career academies/high schools, we are the fifth largest district in the state of Kansas and our student population is approximately 56% Hispanic, 24% African American, 9% White, and 6% Asian. To serve our students, the district employs approximately 4,000 employees including more than 1,800 teachers.
JOB GOAL:
The job of Physical Therapist is done for the purpose/s of assessing students' functional physical development level; planning and implementing appropriate treatment to meet individual student objectives; identifying architectural barriers; providing recommendations for accessibility, and program development and student placement.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assesses students' gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for services, appropriate assistive devices and/or school placement.
• Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, physicians,
  administration, team members, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information,
  resolving issues and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Consults with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of
  providing requested information, developing plans for services, making recommendations and/or
  coordinating therapy services with those of other disciplines.
• Develops treatment plans, interventions and/or educational materials for the purpose of remediating
  students' motor skill deficits and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Identifies structural issues for the purpose of removing barriers for students with physical limitations
  and/or identifying appropriate assistive technology.
• Instructs students and staff for the purpose of providing information on medical/behavioral attributes,
  use of assistive devices and/or implementing plans for remediation of functional limitations.
• Interprets medical reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that
  treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g. training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for the
  purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Performs site visits at multiple work sites including home visits for the purpose of providing direct
  therapy interventions and assistance as required.
• Prepares and maintains a wide variety of written materials (e.g. activity logs, correspondence, memos,
  treatment plans, Medicaid billing, reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing
  written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and
  methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for
  addressing students' functional goals.
• Responds to inquiries (e.g. parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.) for the purpose of providing
  information and/or referral as appropriate.
• Supervises the work of assigned CPT As and para educators for the purpose of providing
  guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved.
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of
  items as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective
  functioning of the organization.

COMMUNICATION
Maintains communication with teachers, other school personnel, and parents/guardians to enhance cooperative action which will meet the educational needs of students.
Provides health services, information, and counseling in an effective and positive manner to enhance the health and wellness of the school community.
Completes accident/incident reports for students/staff.
Compiles data for statistical purposes.
Maintains confidentiality regarding educational records.
ORGANIZATION
Maintains a daily log of school/staff visits and documentation.
Maintains the daily environment of the health office facility and supplies.
Utilizes existing technology effectively in the performance of duties.
Performs other related work as required.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and analyze and interpret general professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, general curriculum and learning theories, correspondence, and protocols. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, parents, students, and the general public.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must occasionally push items of 50 pounds such as pushing on a bike ore wheelchair, or moving/rearranging furniture. While performing the duties of the job the employee occasionally may visit a child's home. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and is a standard acceptable level for this environment. Is directly responsible for students' safety, work output and well-being.
OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community; ability to speak clear and concisely in written or oral communication.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT 186 Days
SALARY: Based on USD #500 Salary Schedule
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT
REPORT TO: Director of Special Education
EVALUATION: Evaluation of the Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist will be conducted in accordance with the procedures outlined by the USD #500 Board of Education.
SIGNATURES:
The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. The individual holding this position performs additional duties and additional duties may be assigned.
Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KCKPS is an equal opportunity employer and shall not discriminate in its employment practices and policies with respect to hiring, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of an individual's race, color, religion, sex/gender (to include orientation, identity, or expression), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.
For more information regarding Title IX please contact:
District Compliance Coordinator
2010 N. 59th Street
Kansas City, KS 66104
913-279-2262
Title IX@kckps.org
This job description has been approved by all levels of management:
Manager
Human Resources
Employee signature below constitutes employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.
Employee Date_____________