Job SummaryThe High School Physical Therapist (PT) provides specialized physical therapy services to students with disabilities in a school-based setting to support their educational success and functional independence. Working collaboratively with educators, families, and a multidisciplinary team, the Physical Therapist evaluates students' motor and mobility needs, develops individualized therapy plans, and delivers services that enable students to access and participate in their educational programs. This role is ideal for a compassionate, student-focused clinician who is committed to helping adolescents maximize their physical abilities, independence, and participation in school activities.
Key Responsibilities- Conduct comprehensive physical therapy evaluations to assess students' gross motor skills, mobility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, posture, and functional performance within the educational environment.
- Develop individualized treatment plans that support students' educational goals and functional participation.
- Participate in multidisciplinary evaluations and contribute to the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Provide direct and consultative physical therapy services to students in individual and small-group settings.
- Develop interventions that improve functional mobility, positioning, transfers, gait, balance, coordination, and participation in school activities.
- Collaborate with teachers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, nurses, administrators, and other educational professionals to support student success.
- Educate school staff and families on therapeutic strategies, positioning, mobility techniques, and adaptive equipment recommendations.
- Monitor student progress toward IEP goals and modify treatment plans based on ongoing assessment and data.
- Recommend, evaluate, and monitor the use of adaptive equipment, mobility devices, seating systems, and environmental modifications.
- Maintain accurate documentation, evaluation reports, progress notes, Medicaid documentation (if applicable), and IEP records in compliance with district, state, and federal regulations.
- Ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), state special education regulations, and district policies.
- Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary team meetings, professional development, and school-based committees.
- Stay current on evidence-based school physical therapy practices and continuing education.
- Assist students with physical positioning, transfers, mobility, lifting, and other functional activities as appropriate.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
- Active New Jersey Physical Therapist License.
- School-based pediatric experience preferred.
- Experience working with students with physical disabilities, orthopedic impairments, developmental disabilities, neurological disorders, or multiple disabilities.
- Knowledge of special education laws, IDEA, IEP development, and school-based service delivery.
- Strong assessment, treatment planning, documentation, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary educational team.
- Proficiency using electronic documentation systems and educational software.
- Ability to perform physical demands of the position, including assisting students with transfers, positioning, lifting, and mobility as needed.
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