Physical Therapist

School-Based Physical Therapist

Position Summary:

Seeking a School-Based Physical Therapist to provide physical therapy services to students whose motor, mobility, positioning, access, or functional needs impact their ability to participate in their educational program. Physical Therapist works collaboratively with students, families, teachers, special education staff, related service providers, and administrators to support student independence, safety, access, and participation within the school environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct physical therapy evaluations and assessments to determine students’ educationally relevant needs and assist the ARC in determining the need for related services.

• Develop and implement individualized physical therapy services aligned with students’ IEP goals and educational needs.

• Provide direct and/or consultative physical therapy services within school and educational environments.

• Monitor student progress, collect and maintain data, and provide progress reports in accordance with IEP requirements.

• Participate in ARC/IEP meetings, eligibility meetings, reevaluations, and other student-focused meetings as appropriate.

• Collaborate with teachers, instructional assistants, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, nurses, families, and other team members to support student needs.

• Provide recommendations and training to school staff regarding positioning, mobility, transfers, accessibility, adaptive equipment, and other physical supports needed for students to safely access their educational environment.

• Assist with the selection, use, and monitoring of adaptive equipment and mobility devices when required for educational access and participation.

• Support students in developing functional mobility, gross motor, balance, coordination, strength, endurance, and other skills necessary for participation in school activities.

• Provide services within natural school environments when appropriate, including classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, cafeterias, transportation settings, and other educational spaces.

• Maintain accurate documentation, service logs, evaluation reports, progress data, and other records in accordance with district procedures and applicable state and federal special education requirements.

• Assist with Medicaid documentation and billing requirements, when applicable.

• Collaborate with families and outside providers, as appropriate and with proper authorization, to support continuity of services.

• Provide consultation regarding student accessibility, environmental modifications, and safe participation in school activities.

• Maintain appropriate licensure, professional standards, confidentiality, and compliance with district policies and applicable state and federal regulations.

• Perform other duties related to the provision of school-based physical therapy services as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.

• Current Kentucky license to practice physical therapy or eligibility for Kentucky licensure.

• Knowledge of pediatric physical therapy and/or experience working with children and adolescents preferred.

• Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, IEP processes, and the role of related services within the educational setting preferred.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with school personnel, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong communication, organization, documentation, and time-management skills.

Physical Requirements:
Ability to perform the physical duties necessary to provide school-based physical therapy services, which may include assisting with positioning, transfers, mobility, adaptive equipment, and student access within various school environments.