Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Programs and Services, the Physical Therapist (PT) shall provide professional physical therapy services, including evaluating, planning and providing therapeutic treatments to students with physical disabilities.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This Classified Management position works directly with students and school teams to assess and provide direct services to students with motor and/or sensory disabilities, in addition to planning and implementing interventions, so that these students may access the educational curriculum in the least restrictive environment.

Supervision Received and Exercised

This position reports directly to the Assistant Superintendent of Student Programs and Services or the assigned administrator. This position may supervise and train one or more Physical Therapist Assistants and maintain the workflow for these staff members.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Institute physical therapy as prescribed by physicians;
• Set measurable therapy goals and objectives;
• Evaluate motion, motor skills, functional activity and manual test of muscular strength;
• Administer various tests to assess physical impairments;
• Plan and provide therapeutic treatment services for students with physical disabilities;
• Confer with students, family and teaching staff to coordinate and facilitate a comprehensive treatment plan;
• Teach students, parents, teachers and family the use of special equipment and specific exercises designed to provide corrective measures. May advise and/or work with parents regarding the home environment
• Consult with Individual Education Program (IEP) Teams, providers, and/or specialists on equipment required for students with physical disabilities to access education;
• Evaluate braces and other apparatus used by students; make minor adjustments; assist in designing, developing and constructing equipment;
• Submit billing claims to HCOE or third party administrators;
• Maintain student case history files and charts; complete student records; prepare written reports dealing with cases and caseload data and attend and participate in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. 

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of

• Treatments directed toward increasing the range of joint motions, muscle strength and other motor development;
• Basic neurology, skeletal anatomy, kinesiology, and physical therapy treatment objectives;
• Types and uses of special adaptive equipment;
• Sensory deficits and therapy techniques to provide sensory input;
• Physical and psychological problems of therapy students;
• Applicable medical terminology and nomenclature;
• Modern theory, principles and methods of physical therapy, especially as applied to physically disabled students;
• Pathology and injuries, which result in physical impairment;
• Growth and development of typical students and students with disabilities.

Ability to

• Work independently;
• Plan and organize work;
• Interact with individuals and groups respectfully, patiently and courteously;
• Operate a computer and use assigned software;
• Prepare and maintain various narrative and statistical records, reports and files;
• Monitor, evaluate and modify procedures and instructional strategies to enhance the generalization of skills for students in the educational environment;
• Meet schedules and timelines;
• Travel to various locations;
• Adhere to the expectations of HCOE regarding equity.

Education & Experience

Minimum Required:

• Possession of a valid license to practice as a Licensed Registered Physical Therapist by the State of California Physical Therapy Board; OR
• Have completed all requirements to register for a State of California licensing examination, filed a complete and bona fide application with the State of California for the purpose of licensure with the Board for the first time and have possession of a letter of authorization to perform as a “physical therapist license applicant”. Such applicants who do not possess a license, but who have been accepted for the next State examination may, depending on circumstances, be placed under a waiver of appointment pending receipt of a valid license to practice as a Registered Physical Therapist in the State of California.
• Experience and specialized training related to working with children is highly desirable;
• Possess or obtain upon employment, a valid California Driver’s License;
• Provide proof of automobile insurance;
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to perform assigned duties safely and effectively, including lifting fifty (50) pounds on an occasional basis and in excess of fifty (50) pounds with assistance;
• Leadership skills with a strong emphasis on instruction and inclusive practices.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds;
• Ability to speak a second language (Spanish, Sign Language, Hmong highly desirable);
• Experience working as a Physical Therapist in a pediatric setting.

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

This position will be assigned to an office setting and in the community, either in the Humboldt County Office of Education or at LEA school sites. The PT will be expected to work closely with other county offices and district personnel, students, families, other professionals, outside agencies and private partners, in person, via email and on the telephone. This position attends to school site settings where multiple children, school staff and families are present.  Employees may be required to walk, stand or conduct work in outdoor educational environments where there may be loud students or staff, varied temperatures, public interaction or upset staff or students.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak and hear. The employee will need to frequently perform repetitive hand/finger movements for activities such as, but not limited to, using a keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to climb stairs, bend, reach with hands/arms, lift, stoop, kneel and crouch.  The employee will regularly be required to drive long distances to remote areas of the county and may be required to lift and move equipment up to 50 lbs.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to drive or independently travel between multiple work sites in a given day.

Classified Management Schedule C/Class: 2
PC Approved: 11/14/23