Special Education Physical Therapist

Special Education Physical Therapist

Reports To: Director of Special Education and Building Principals

Salary Range: $57,392 – $109,152 annually, pursuant to the KAKEA Collective Bargaining Agreement Appendix I Salary Scale (2026–2027)

Position Summary: Regional School Unit 21 (RSU 21) is seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist to provide physical therapy services to students receiving special education and Section 504 services. The Physical Therapist supports students in accessing and benefiting from their educational programs through assessment, direct therapy, consultation, and collaboration with educational teams and families.

The ideal candidate demonstrates a commitment to student-centered services, collaboration, innovation, and continuous professional growth. Successful experience working with children is preferred.

Qualifications

• Current licensure through the Maine Board of Physical Therapists.
• Successful experience working with children preferred.
• Knowledge of special education and Section 504 processes and requirements.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary educational team.

Essential Responsibilities

Student-Centered Services

• Provide physical therapy services in accordance with student IEPs and Section 504 plans.
• Conduct assessments and evaluations to determine the need for physical therapy services.
• Provide consultation to special education and general education staff regarding student physical therapy needs.
• Serve as a member of Pupil Evaluation Teams and Section 504 Teams for referred and eligible students.
• Maintain accurate records to support annual reviews, reevaluations, and compliance requirements.
• Provide quarterly communication regarding student progress to teachers and families.

Program Coordination and Collaboration

• Develop and maintain a physical therapy service schedule for assigned students.
• Provide training and support to classroom teachers, special education staff, and families.
• Collaborate with specialists, educators, and support staff to ensure effective service delivery.
• Participate as a member of the Teacher Assistance Team (TAT) when appropriate.
• Remain current with developments, research, and best practices in the field of physical therapy.
• Maintain physical therapy equipment and assist in the annual development of equipment budgets.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Professional Competencies

• Innovation: Demonstrates knowledge of emerging trends, best practices, and innovative approaches within physical therapy and special education.
• Versatility: Adapts effectively to multiple priorities, stakeholders, and educational environments.
• Leadership and Integrity: Serves as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism, ethical decision-making, and accountability.
• Cultural Responsiveness: Values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences while fostering an inclusive environment for students, families, and staff.
• Communication: Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills and effectively advocates for student needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively supervise and support students in educational settings.
• Ability to bend, lift, kneel, and assist students with mobility and personal care needs as required.
• Ability to respond appropriately during behavioral, safety-related, or emergency situations.

Salary and Benefits

• Position schedule: 1.0 FTE,184 days, partially grant funded
• Salary and benefits are provided in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement

Reasonable Accommodations: RSU 21 will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable law, unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the district.

Evaluation: Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with Board Policy GDF – Selection of Non-Teaching Employees & Auxiliary Instructional Personnel/Evaluation of Support Staff.

Equal Opportunity Employer: RSU 21 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.

Apply via our application portal

Incomplete applications will not be considered.