Pediatric Physical Therapist - Experienced Intensive PT Provider, PRN/Part Time

About Our Pediatric PT Intensive Model

We offer a clinic-based intensive pediatric physical therapy program for children with neurological, developmental, and complex medical needs. Our intensives are built around high-frequency, high-repetition sessions (typically 3-hour sessions, 5 days/week for 3–4 weeks) designed to help young children make meaningful functional gains in a shorter window of time.

We take a whole-body, long-view approach that prioritizes alignment, joint integrity, and sustainable movement patterns rather than quick wins through compensations. Our team emphasizes caregiver education and empowerment, active participation by the child and family, and highly individualized treatment versus “cookie-cutter” protocols.

Position Summary

The Pediatric Physical Therapist in our Intensive Program will:

• Provide 1:1, clinic-based intensive pediatric physical therapy to infants, toddlers, and children (primarily neurodevelopmental and neurologic populations).
• Design and implement multi-week intensive plans of care that are goal-driven, evidence-based, and tailored to each child’s abilities, strengths, and family priorities.
• Collaborate closely with families to build home programs that extend intensive gains into everyday life.

This role is ideal for a pediatric PT who loves complex problem-solving, is passionate about neuroplasticity and motor learning, and wants the time and space to “go deep” with each child rather than rushing through 1x/week 45–60 minute visits.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care & Intensive Programming

• Perform comprehensive pediatric PT evaluations for children with neurological, developmental, and orthopedic conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, rare genetic syndromes, TBI, pediatric stroke, hyper/hypotonia, developmental delay, prematurity).
• Develop intensive plans of care (IMOT-style) with clear, measurable goals and outcome measures.
• Provide 2- or 3-hour treatment sessions, 5x/week, for 3–4 week intensives, with flexibility for mini-intensives based on tolerance, age, and family schedule.
• Utilize a variety of evidence-based modalities and advanced therapeutic techniques as appropriate, which may include: Universal Exercise Unit (UEU)/Spider Cage, whole-body vibration, body-weight–supported treadmill training (BWSTT), and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).
• Prioritize high-quality alignment, optimal movement patterns, and prevention of secondary orthopedic complications.

Family Education & Collaboration

• Provide ongoing caregiver education during and between sessions, emphasizing carryover into home and community.
• Co-create home exercise/participation programs that are meaningful, realistic, and family-centered.
• Communicate with external providers (physicians, surgeons, orthotists, school therapists, EI providers, etc.) as needed to coordinate care.

Documentation & Outcomes

• Complete timely, clear, and thorough documentation of evaluations, daily intensive sessions, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
• Track outcome measures and functional progress across the intensive episode, including pre/post data.

Qualifications

Required

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
• Current California PT license.
• Minimum 2 years of pediatric physical therapy experience
• Comfort with working with medically complex children and children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
• Strong communication skills with both children and adults; ability to explain complex concepts in family-friendly language.
• Commitment to family-centered, culturally responsive care and evidence-informed practice.

Preferred

• Pediatric residency training and/or ABPTS Board Certification in Pediatric Physical Therapy (PCS).
• Prior experience with intensive pediatric PT programs (IMOT) or high-frequency rehab episodes.
• Experience with UEU/Spider Cage, BWSTT, NMES, and whole-body vibration in pediatrics.

Schedule & Work Structure

• Clinic-based role in Carlsbad, CA.
• Intensives typically scheduled in multi-week blocks (e.g., 3–4 week intensives, 5 days/week).
• Opportunity to combine intensive blocks with traditional outpatient pediatric PT, developmental consultations, or other program offerings depending on clinic needs and therapist preference.

The Ideal Candidate is:

· Grounded in our core values of Dignity, Empathy, Empowerment, Compassion, Excellence, and Nurture

· Accountable and reliable: follows through on commitments without needing constant oversight

· Consistent performer: sustains a high standard of care and professionalism day to day

· Growth-minded: embraces feedback and leans into the uncomfortable, where growth happens — not to chase perfection, but to better serve families, colleagues, and yourself

· Dedicated to lifelong learning and professional development

· Proactive communicator and collaborator: uplifting and inspiring your colleagues as they do for you

· Creative and enthusiastic in your approach to care

· Aligned in priorities: You recognize your responsibility to clients, families, and colleagues — not just personal convenience

· Driven to deliver skilled, family-centered, and culturally competent care

Caseload

· PRN: in-clinic coverage. This is a true PRN position with scheduling based on our intensive program needs and your availability. You are not guaranteed a set number of hours per week, but will be scheduled for multi-week intensive blocks as families enroll.

Benefits

Non-benefited position

Requirements

· Background check

· Valid BLS certification

· Proof of immunizations

If you’re excited about the intensive model of pediatric physical therapy and want the time and space to make a real impact for kids and families, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Types: PRN, Part-time

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Work Location: In person

Pay: $70-$75/hr