Physical Therapist

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely .

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Coordinator of Countywide Services and Principal, Provides Physical Therapy (PT) services in a direct or consultative manner for students in Howard County Public Schools who have been found eligible for special education and related services and/or accommodations through the IEP or 504 process.

All Physical Therapy services are provided in compliance with Federal, State, and District laws, policies, and procedures.

HCPSS PTs collaborate with students, families, and school teams to promote students accessing their educational environment and participating in all school activities in the least restrictive environment with students' maximal independence.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher (PhD preferred) in Physical Therapy from an accredited university.

Certification/Licensure:

Active State of Maryland Physical Therapy License or eligible for MD PT License

Hold or be eligible for a National Provider Identifier (NPI) issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) and must be actively enrolled in Maryland Medicaid. Employee not holding NPI or Maryland Medicaid enrollment upon hire must apply for NPI within 10 days of employment and Maryland Medicaid immediately upon receipt of NPI. Employee must retain active NPI and Maryland Medicaid enrollment as a condition of employment.

Experience

Two years of experience working in a school-based setting OR

Two years of experience working in an Infants and Toddlers Program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

Conduct physical therapy (PT) assessment to determine school based functional mobility deficits and the need for school-based PT services.

Interprets and reports results of PT assessments verbally and in writing through the IEP and/ or 504 process.

Work with school-based teams to provide training to help ensure safety for students and staff with all transfers and mobility within the school environment.

Develop PT care plans, including goals and objectives , in collaboration with students, families, other related service providers, teachers, and paraprofessionals, and other IEP or 504 team members.

Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions to address students' functional mobility needs within the school environment.

Monitor students' progress toward all functional mobility goals and objectives .

Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, IEP meetings, 504 meetings, team meetings, and conversations with family to contribute to students' educational outcomes and inclusion in school activities.

Collaborate s with all members of 504 and/ or IEP teams including student, family members, transportation providers, and HCPSS employees to implement strategies, provide training, procure appropriate durable medical equipment, and remove barriers so that students may access all aspects of their educational environment.

Maintain accurate and data filled documentation of PT assessments, progress notes, treatment notes/ service logs, treatment plans, monthly reassessments, in compliance with regulatory and HCPSS standards.

Serve as Service Coordinator and or other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

Knowledge of Gross Motor Development .

Knowledge of Skilled Physical Therapy interventions for the Pediatric Population

Knowledge of Evidence Based Practices for Physical Therapy Intervention

Knowledge of Durable Medical Equipment Options and their intended Uses.

Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local law regulation provision of Physical Therapy Services.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted , and o nce your application has been submitted , you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. I ncomplete applications will not be accepted . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

This position may be a 10 -month or 11- month per year position in the Howard County Educators Association (HCEA) employee bargaining unit. The current salary ranges for this position are on the Related Services Provider salary scale . Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA Master Agreement which considers education and relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary .

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

A ll employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, s ome positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing .

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Ve