SCHOOL PHYSICAL THERAPIST — LEAVE COVERAGE (POSSIBLE PERMANENT)
The Shirley Aninias School | New York, NY | Temporary Leave Coverage — Possible Permanent | $85–$100/hour. Guaranteed 20 hours minimum per week.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Shirley Aninias School (SAS) is a private, 12-month, behavior-based elementary program serving neurodiverse students ages 4–13. We seek an experienced School Physical Therapist to join our multidisciplinary team and provide leave coverage, with the possibility of transitioning into a permanent position.
The PT provides direct services supporting students’ mobility, motor development, access to the school environment, independence, and overall well-being. The PT will also design and deliver an adaptive physical education program for students. This position reports to the Assistant Principal.
Start date, anticipated end date, and weekly schedule will be confirmed with the selected candidate.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Assessment & Planning
- Conduct comprehensive evaluations of students’ physical function, movement, and motor development
- Evaluate students with physical disabilities or injuries to determine individual therapy needs
- Develop individualized treatment plans and therapy goals in collaboration with IEP teams
- Participate in the development, review, and modification of IEPs so PT goals align with educational needs
Therapeutic Interventions
- Design, implement, and adjust interventions using evidence-based techniques and modalities
- Provide direct PT services in individual or group settings per student IEPs
- Create and oversee an adaptive physical education program that promotes participation and inclusion for all students
- Recommend and help implement environmental modifications and assistive technologies that support access and independence
Data Collection & Reporting
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation of assessments, interventions, and progress monitoring
- Track and report student progress to the IEP team, staff, and families
- Conduct periodic re-evaluations to adjust therapy plans and support ongoing IEP development
Collaboration & Communication
- Consult and collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and special education staff to integrate PT into the educational environment
- Participate in IEP and multidisciplinary team meetings
- Communicate with families on progress, therapy goals, and home practice
Environment & Access Support
- Adapt and modify school environments and physical activities to ensure accessibility and promote independence
- Support students during transitions and school routines that require physical engagement or mobility support
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Physically assist students with mobility challenges, including lifting, transferring, and positioning using approved techniques (training provided)
- Lift, carry, and maneuver therapy equipment, adaptive tools, and gym or classroom furniture as needed
- Maintain visual/auditory supervision of students during therapy and school activities
- Engage actively with students during physical activities (walking, running, kneeling, squatting, floor-level work)
- Current First Aid/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Master’s degree or higher in Physical Therapy (DPT welcome)
- Current NYS Physical Therapy license in good standing
- Minimum of two years of experience in a school or clinical setting
- Strong organizational, documentation, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Availability for the full duration of the leave coverage period
- Ability to step into an established caseload and maintain continuity of services
Desired
- Experience working with neurodiverse student populations
- Experience designing or delivering adaptive physical education
- Flexible, compassionate, and committed to student-centered, inclusive practices
- Engaged in ongoing professional development and current with best practices in school-based physical therapy
WHAT WE OFFER
Starting between $85–$100/hour commensurate with experience, training opportunities, and the support of our full multidisciplinary team.
Candidates who transition into a permanent role become eligible for our full benefits package: matching 401(k), health/dental/vision, long-term disability, commuter benefits, generous leave, and ongoing training.
The Shirley Aninias School is an equal opportunity employer.
MISSION
Our mission is to partner with families and our community to capitalize on the strengths of our neurodiverse students. We do this through an individualized teaching model to ensure academic, language, behavioral, and social-emotional success.
We celebrate variations of how they think, learn, and process information. Every student’s learning style is respected to foster self-confidence, resilience and autonomy. We have created a school community experience that works effectively for all.
We celebrate our students for who they are by:
- Embracing their uniqueness, talents, and passions
- Bridging the gap of all neurotypes
- Teaching self-advocacy skills and encouraging autonomy
- Committing to their success in a welcoming community that embraces diversity and inclusion
Philosophy
The Shirley Aninias School is a developmentally oriented program committed to our unique learners. Our Whole Child Approach prioritizes the full scope of a child’s developmental needs (cognitive, social-emotional, behavioral, fine, gross motor, and health development) to ensure that every child reaches their full potential.
We emphasize social, language, and behaviorally rich learning experiences in and out of school for each child. We value relationship-centered learning environments in the areas of academics, social, emotional, speech-language, for deeper learning that provides an integrated student support to ensure progress.