Physical Therapist (Contract Position)

Physical Therapist

The Metropolitan School District of Washington Township (MSDWT) is located in the northern section of Indianapolis. It is a dynamic community with broad diversity in cultures, religions, ethnic groups, races, and socioeconomic levels. MSDWT has been an educational leader in Indiana for the last sixty years. Our mission is to nurture our students into tomorrow's leaders by cultivating learning environments that ignite innovation, amplify diverse and critical thinking, and inspire growth and achievement.

The School-Based Physical Therapist supports students with physical disabilities or impairments that impact their ability to access and benefit from the educational environment. This role involves evaluating students, developing individualized therapy plans, and collaborating with educators, families, and other service providers to promote student independence, mobility, and participation in school-related activities. Reports to the Director of Education / Student Services Coordinator.

Essential Functions:

• Conduct evaluations and re-evaluations of students to assess motor skills, functional mobility, and physical needs within the educational setting.
• Develop and implement Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives related to physical therapy services.
• Provide direct and consultative physical therapy services to students in a variety of school settings, including classrooms, gyms, playgrounds, and transportation.
• Collaborate with teachers, special educators, occupational therapists, speech therapists, school nurses, and families to ensure coordinated care and support.
• Educate school staff on mobility techniques, equipment usage, and strategies to support student physical needs.
• Recommend and assist with the acquisition of adaptive equipment, orthotics, and other assistive devices.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services provided, student progress, and communications in compliance with district, state, and federal regulations.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, including IEP and eligibility meetings.
• Stay current with best practices in pediatric and school-based physical therapy through ongoing professional development.

Education:

• Master's or Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication, documentation, and time management skills.

Qualifications Profile (Licensure):

• Valid state licensure or certification to practice Physical Therapy.
• Certification through the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE).

Work Environment:

• School campuses including classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and transportation areas
• Occasional lifting, transferring, or assisting students with mobility challenges
• Travel between schools within the district may be required

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in school or pediatric physical therapy
• Knowledge of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and IEP processes
• Familiarity with assistive technology and adaptive equipment

Physical Requirement Percent of Time:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time Often
• Ability to carry 25 pounds Often
• Ability to push/pull up to 25 pounds Often
• Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations Occasional
• Ability to see for the purpose of reading laws and codes, rules and policies and other printed matter Very Frequent
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels Very Frequent
• Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand a normal conversation Very Frequent
• Ability to operate job related equipment Very Frequent
• Ability to reach in all directions Very Frequent
• Climbing Occasional
• Overhead work Occasional

The Metropolitan School District of Washington Township is an equal opportunity/equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all applicable Federal and Indiana State laws, regulations, and executive orders in its programs and activities. Washington Township does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status.