Job Description

PHOENIX

PXU

UNION

Equal Opportunity Employer

Physical Therapist (PT)

DEPARTMENT: Exceptional Student ServicesSALARY SCHEDULE: CertifiedLOCATION: District-wideWORK YEAR: 9 months

The Phoenix Union High School District is proud to serve a diverse population of 24,000 students and 3,400 employees in Arizona's capital city. With a portfolio of comprehensive schools, small specialty schools, support schools, micro-schools, magnet programs, and extensive Career & Technical Education (CTE) offerings, PXU's schools of opportunity welcome, love, and inspire all students to go places and do things that matter.

SUMMARY:

The Physical Therapist performs supervisory and professional level duties under minimal supervision to improve or maintain student's level of motor functioning to meet IEP goals, and to facilitate optimal learning through the identification, evaluation, and execution of an educationally based therapeutic physical therapy program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

A Physical Therapist (PT) works collaboratively with other members of the IEP team to assess students and assist in developing a plan for integrating services. Additionally, therapists play a valuable role in assisting school administrators to address issues such as access to programs and facilities, building modifications or new construction, special transportation, curriculum development, safety and injury prevention, and technology.

1. Evaluates students in the areas of functional mobility, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and gross motor function to determine physical therapy needs
2. Develops annual IEPs and complete evaluations as required
3. Develops and implement a physical therapy services schedule
4. Plans and administers physical therapy techniques and procedures to students consistent with physical therapy goals contained in the IEP.
5. Supervises Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
6. Identifies, procures, or adapts special materials, equipment, and/or assistive technology to enhance a student's benefits from his or her education program.
7. Trains parents and school staff in activities, use of assistive technology, and/or appropriate accommodations to be implemented throughout the school day and across environments.
8. Facilitates access to and participation in general education curriculum with nondisabled peers by reducing physical, instructional, or social barriers.
9. Collaborates with teaching staff to identify and implement alternative instructional strategies, environmental modifications, and changes to routines or schedules.
10. Maintains documentation, including relevant data needed to recommend and monitor student response to therapeutic services, including intervention plans, session notes, and assessment summaries.
11. Supports multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) / and universal design for learning (UDL) through direct and consultative services.
12. Participates in district specialty teams and committees, such as those designed to prevent failure or improve performance and instructional practices.
13. Contributes to community outreach, including child find activities, participation in district-sponsored health and wellness clinics, and schoolwide events and functions to support community relations.
14. Collaborates with people and entities involved in the care of the student, such as communicating with outside medical providers to gain information, developing health maintenance programs, and providing specialized training to staff in the use of adaptive equipment and safe handling.
15. Maintains accurate student records and keeps information secure and confidential.
16. Utilizes district technologies appropriate to the position and assumes responsibility for attending district training needed to successfully perform designated responsibilities as directed by the supervisor.
17. Other duties as assigned.

The above essential functions are intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:

• Completed program in physical therapy from an accredited post-secondary institution.
• Working knowledge of IEP development.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred. First Aid/CPR preferred.

License and Certification Requirements:

• Current PT license from the State of Arizona.

IDEAL CANDIDATES WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county, city, and district statutes, rules, policies and procedures.
• Ability to learn special methods and procedures specific to working with high-school-aged students.
• Understands the importance of physical access and participation, posture and movement skills, mobility skills, assessment, and maintenance of physical health, preparing for the transition from high school to postsecondary living, assistive technology.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the public and others having business with the school district.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office and classroom environment

WHY WORK AT PXU

The Phoenix Union High School District is one of the state's largest employers. Our 3,400 education professionals are committed to providing an excellent learning environment for our students while enjoying an inspiring work environment.

• Highly Competitive Pay
• Participation in Arizona State Retirement System
• Vacation and Personal Leave Plans (for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Employee Benefits
• Education Loan Forgiveness (If eligible)
• Paid Winter and Spring Breaks

The Board is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation, as well as gender identity, gender expression and immigration status. This policy will prevail in all matters concerning staff members, students, the public, educational programs and services, and individuals with whom the Board does business.

DIVISION:SUPERVISION RECEIVED:SUPERVISION GIVEN:Teaching & LearningESS Director or DesigneeSupport & direct the PTA

ActionPrepared by:Reviewed by:Effective DateNewWM, HH, LT, ASMS, LT, WM, EF01/09/2025