Seattle WA - Physical Therapist

WHY THRIVE THERAPIESSchool-based PTs are essential to student mobility independence and full participation in school life - yet many practice without adequate consultation time peer support or workloads aligned to best practice.Thrive partners with districts that value physical therapy as integral to educational access. Youll work in environments where your expertise in gross motor development mobility and functional capacity is sought at the IEP level and embedded throughout the school day - not limited to isolated sessions.WHAT YOULL DOAs a Thrive PT you will deliver school-based physical therapy services to students K-12 whose disabilities affect their ability to access and navigate the educational environment. Working within the educational model you will evaluate gross motor function recommend adaptive equipment write IEP goals and collaborate with interdisciplinary school teams. You are a full member of the community.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESEVALUATION & ELIGIBILITYConduct comprehensive PT evaluations to determine educational need and IDEA eligibility including assessment of gross motor skills functional mobility gait balance coordination and physical access to the school environmentAdminister and interpret standardized assessment tools GMFM BOTMP PDMS-2 and others as appropriate to the referralWrite evaluation reports that are clinically rigorous educationally framed and accessible to IEP team members and familiesParticipate in eligibility determination meetings and translate PT findings for educational planning purposesConduct re-evaluations triennials in accordance with IDEA timelinesIEP DEVELOPMENT & SERVICE DELIVERYDevelop individualized PT IEP goals targeting functional mobility gross motor skill development and physical participation in educational activitiesDeliver direct individual therapy sessions using evidence-based PT approaches including NDT motor learning principles gait training and strengthening programsEvaluate for and recommend adaptive equipment - including wheelchairs walkers orthotics and positioning devices - and train students staff and families in their proper useProvide consultative services to teachers and paraprofessionals on physical access accommodations and safe transfer and mobility support techniquesMaintain accurate timely service logs and progress notes - supported by Thrives AI documentation toolsCOLLABORATION & ENVIRONMENTAL ACCESSPartner with OTs SLPs BCBAs school psychologists and special education teachers on integrated student-centered IEP teamsCollaborate with school facilities and administration on accessibility modifications when indicated by student needTrain teachers paraprofessionals and families on safe handling mobility support and transfer techniquesCoordinate with occupational therapists on overlapping motor positioning and adaptive equipment goalsContribute to RTIMTSS by providing universal gross motor screening and physical access consultationQUALIFICATIONSREQUIREDDPT or MPT from an accredited physical therapy programNPTE board exam passage active state PT license in good standing or documented initiation of licensure transfer prior to start dateKnowledge of IDEA IEP process and the educational model of PTPREFERRED1 years of school-based PT experienceTraining in NDT motor learning theory or pediatric PT specialty frameworksExperience with adaptive equipment evaluation and recommendationExperience serving students with cerebral palsy spina bifida muscular dystrophy or acquired motor disabilities