What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Therapist position at Portage Public Schools?
Physical Therapist (.5 FTE)
Portage Public Schools & Southern Service Area
2025-26 School Year
Job Summary: The Physical Therapist is primarily responsible for providing physical therapy services for students who are eligible between the ages of 3 and 18 at school, related to educational needs. This includes evaluation of students with suspected or identified physical disorders, and the development, management, and coordination of physical therapy services. Decisions regarding a student are based on
the multidisciplinary team’s evaluation and the IEP team's determination.
Physical Therapists are required to perform duties other than direct services
that are essential to the appropriate management of each student.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Evaluate and plan for direct and indirect physical therapy intervention required in the school setting for eligible individuals
- Assist students in gaining functional independence to more completely benefit from the education environment.
- Implement plans to support student achievement of IEP goals
- Assess identified students to determine whether there is an educationally significant need for physical therapy
- Participate on the Individual Education Program (IEP) team to establish goals, objectives, and service delivery
- Consult with special education teachers, general education teachers, paraprofessionals, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical education teachers, school administrators, bus drivers, and other school personnel, as well as families, to provide information and recommendations regarding students with physical disabilities
- Communicate with physicians and service agencies regarding orthotics and adaptive equipment needs for qualifying students
- Instruct classroom personnel (teachers and paraprofessionals) in safe transfer techniques
- Instruct and advise classroom personnel in carrying out specific programs for qualifying students • Monitor qualifying students’ progress towards goals and objectives and provide timely reports
- Order and maintain an adequate inventory of materials and supplies
- Keep up to date on new information, ideas, and techniques in physical therapy and practice in educational environments.
- Observe students in the school and/or home setting
- Maintain confidentiality of student information and service
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Regular and consistent attendance.
- Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Employee Handbook.
The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.
Qualifications:
- Doctorate of Physical Therapy
- Valid Michigan Physical Therapist License
- Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district staff and the public.
- Ability to assume responsibility, display initiative, and exercise good judgment.
- Proficient computer and document skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps
Who is PPS? View our Strategic Commitments
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Brad Galin and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Meisterheim. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002