Job Announcement

Job share merit position for 20 hours per week.

Works as part of the Infant and Toddler Connection of Fairfax-Falls church as part of our team of early intervention professionals and case managers that provides specialized services to eligible infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. As part of a multidisciplinary team of early intervention providers and case managers, the physical therapist is responsible for screening, evaluating, assessing, and developing Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) for infants, toddlers, and their families for Part C services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Participates in the assessment for service planning as an evaluator and develops the individualized family service plan (IFSP) with equal input from parents and other members of the multidisciplinary team including clinical interventionists and service coordinators. Demonstrates a breadth and depth of knowledge regarding current assessment tools for the early intervention population. In development of the IFSP, writes long-term and short-term clinical goals to be formulated in the following areas of development with focus on motor skills and development (progression of developmental milestones with consideration of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems). In collaboration with multidisciplinary team may also develop goals in the areas of cognition/play, communication, adaptive skills, and social-emotional development. Uses assigned electronic equipment (Microsoft surface pro, laptop, tablet, phone, etc.) in creating documents to be shared with other team members and families.

Uses knowledge and skills related to motor and self-care functions, assistive technology, and medical/healthcare science. Conducts ongoing clinical interventions using natural learning environment practices. Delivers services using the primary service provider model. Interacts and supports families using coaching style of interaction. Builds joint plans based on family routines and child interests. Regularly observes, evaluates, assesses, and records the developmental progress of the children, updating the IFSP. Utilizes functional assessment practices in clinical evaluation and treatment in accordance with IFSP outcomes and documents accordingly. Consults with physicians in determining appropriate types of modalities; administers various forms of physical therapy treatment. Gives active, passive, assisted, resistive, and postural exercises. Performs muscle testing and re-education. Fits equipment to the appropriate length and teaches proper walking gaits. Assists with management of assistive technology closet and equipment in order.

Completes timely documentation of eligibility determination, assessments, contacts with family, and progress in accordance with department rules. Adheres to documentation standards set forth by department. Utilizes functional assessment practices in clinical evaluation for the ongoing assessment of infants and toddlers. Serves as subject matter expert for children with delays and disorders of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems. Ensures compliance of federal, state, and local regulations and requirements for service provision. Demonstrates understanding of current state rules and regulations guiding early intervention practice in Virginia and when needed accesses such information independently and/or with guidance from program supervisors.

Participates in staff and team meetings to support a collaborative approach to the development of each infant and toddler and in adherence of natural learning environment practices. Participates in meetings as subject matter expert in own discipline while also providing support and strategies for multi-disciplinary team members. Presents to staff members on areas of expertise and when applicable, including after pursuing outside continuing education opportunities.

Performs other duties as assigned which may include the following: participation in workgroups aimed at improving practices or procedures. Participation in workgroups to include wellness and learning in the workplace. Supervision of graduate students and allowing observation by undergraduate students. Collaboration with local universities in maintaining and establishing links between undergraduate and graduate student placements. Participation in outreach events.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 39.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

Illustrative Duties

• Consults with physicians in determining appropriate types of modalities;
• Administers various forms of physical therapy treatment;
• Gives active, passive, assisted, resistive, and postural exercises;
• Performs muscle testing and re-education;
• Observes client reaction and takes necessary precautions to protect the client from injury;
• Maintains progress notes on clients.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of, and the ability to administer, various types of physical therapy treatments;
• Knowledge of the operation and care of physical therapy equipment;
• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology;
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with children and parents.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in a physical therapy program accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association or the American Medical Association; plus one year of experience as a physical therapist. (Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for “Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to”)

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Possession of a valid physical therapy license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Early Intervention certification (VA) - required within 30 days of hire

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, a Child Protective Services Registry check, and sanction screening to the satisfaction of the employer. A Tuberculosis (TB) screening upon hire. Contingent upon area of assignment, some positions within this class will require a National Provider Identifier.

All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs may be subject to a weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience working with families, infants and toddlers, or working with children with special needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift children and equipment up to 50 pounds. Ability to drive for home visits and use keyboard driven equipment. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel Interview and may include a practical exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.