Physical Therapist (PT)
Duties/Responsibilities of a PT:
- Develop and implement appropriate physical therapy programs for students with disabilities
- Administer, evaluate, and modify treatment within the scope of practice of physical therapy
- Assist in the identification, adaptation, and adjustment of assistive technology devices
- Consult, educate, and advise services within the scope of practice of physical therapy
- Provide passive, active, resistive, or massage exercise/therapy
- Promote the development of compensatory motor skills
Week in the Life of a PT:
- One-on-one physical therapy sessions
- Contributing to the analysis of existing evaluation data from a variety of sources, including independent evaluations, to decide what additional data is needed to ascertain student eligibility for special education and related services
- Providing assessments that contribute to either initial evaluation and/or re-evaluations that comply with state evaluation guidelines
- Participation in the development of an Individualized Educational Program (IEP)
- Attendance at IEP meetings
- Consultation with staff, teachers, family, and other appropriate service providers
- Documentation of services
Candidates Should Have:
- Working knowledge of Federal and State laws governing Special Education and adherence to those laws
- Prior knowledge or be willing to develop knowledge of the requirements set forth in the New Mexico Technical Evaluation and Assessment Manual (NM TEAM) and the NM TEAM: Identification of Dyslexia Supplemental Narrative and Worksheet.
- The PT must have or be willing to gain knowledge in developing quality IEPs
Qualifications for a PT:
- Master’s Degree or higher in Physical Therapy
- New Mexico Regulation and Board License
- New Mexico Public Education Department License
- School Based experience is preferred, but not required
- Physical Therapy Assistant opportunities may be available working under slightly different job requirements