Pediatric Physical Therapist (PT)

Job Description

Job Description

Why Join Us

Our Physical Therapists help children build the strength, mobility, confidence, and independence they need to fully participate in everyday life. We believe the best outcomes are achieved through play, meaningful family partnerships, and collaboration across disciplines.

If you're passionate about pediatric physical therapy and want the flexibility and fulfillment of community-based practice, we'd love to meet you.

Position Summary

We are hiring a physical therapist to see young children one-to-one in their homes and daycares. You will work on gross-motor skills (sitting, crawling, standing, walking, balance and strength) through play, coach families and daycare staff, and write the evaluations and session notes the programs require. Evaluations are part of the role. You build your caseload with our clinical team on a weekday daytime schedule, and new clinicians get structured mentoring in their first months. Physical therapy is one of our biggest gaps, so there is a full caseload waiting.

Unlike traditional outpatient or clinic-based physical therapy, this role focuses on family-centered coaching and integrating therapeutic strategies into children's daily routines and natural environments to maximize long-term developmental success.

Why Join Finger Lakes Therapy Works?

We believe exceptional therapists deserve an exceptional workplace.

We offer:

· Flexible scheduling that supports work-life balance

· Clinical autonomy with supportive leadership

· Collaborative interdisciplinary care alongside Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Special Educators, School Psychologists, and Service Coordinators

· Diverse and engaging community-based practice settings

· Opportunities for mentorship and professional development

· Meaningful relationships with children and families

· A mission-driven culture focused on helping every child achieve their fullest potential

What You'll Do

Assessment & Evaluation

· Conduct comprehensive pediatric physical therapy evaluations using standardized assessments, clinical observations, and caregiver interviews.

· Assess gross motor development, posture, balance, coordination, strength, endurance, mobility, gait, and functional movement.

· Identify developmental strengths, movement challenges, and environmental factors impacting participation in daily activities.

· Collaborate with families to establish meaningful, individualized therapy goals.

Individualized Intervention

· Develop and implement individualized treatment plans aligned with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), when applicable.

· Deliver evidence-based, play-centered interventions that promote motor development, functional mobility, postural control, balance, coordination, and independence.

· Adapt therapeutic activities to reflect each child's developmental stage, interests, strengths, and family priorities.

· Monitor progress and modify intervention strategies to maximize developmental outcomes.

Family Coaching & Education

· Coach caregivers on positioning, mobility, strengthening exercises, developmental play, and movement strategies that can be incorporated into everyday routines.

· Educate families on home exercise programs, adaptive positioning, equipment use, and techniques that support continued progress between therapy sessions.

· Foster trusting relationships built on collaboration, encouragement, and shared decision-making.

Collaboration

· Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Special Educators, School Psychologists, physicians, childcare providers, and community partners.

· Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, transition planning, and coordinated care discussions.

· Assess and recommend adaptive equipment, orthotics, mobility devices, positioning systems, and environmental modifications that enhance participation and independence.

Documentation & Compliance

· Complete evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports, and required documentation accurately and within established timelines.

· Maintain compliance with New York State Early Intervention, Preschool Special Education, payer requirements, and Finger Lakes Therapy Works standards.

· Monitor progress toward therapy goals and adjust intervention plans based on clinical findings and family feedback.

Professional Practice

· Maintain required licensure and continuing education.

· Deliver ethical, culturally responsive, and family-centered care.

· Stay current with evidence-based pediatric physical therapy practices.

· Contribute to a collaborative, supportive, and positive clinical culture.

What Success Looks Like

Successful Physical Therapists at Finger Lakes Therapy Works:

· Build meaningful relationships with children and caregivers.

· Deliver engaging, individualized, play-based physical therapy interventions.

· Empower families to confidently support their child's motor development at home.

· Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant documentation.

· Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary team members.

· Demonstrate measurable improvements in mobility, motor skills, and functional participation.

Required Qualifications

· Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program.

· Current New York State Physical Therapist license.

· Eligibility to provide Early Intervention and/or Preschool Special Education services in New York State.

· Knowledge of pediatric development, motor learning principles, and evidence-based physical therapy practices.

· Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.

· Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based visits.

· Ability to successfully complete required background screenings.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience in pediatric physical therapy.

· Experience in Early Intervention or Preschool Special Education.

· Experience providing services within homes or community settings.

· Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS) certification or interest in pursuing specialization.

· Experience with adaptive equipment, orthotics, positioning systems, and mobility devices.

· Experience coaching families and caregivers.

· Bilingual language skills are considered an asset.

Physical & Work Environment

This position is performed primarily within children's homes, childcare centers, preschools, schools, and community settings. The role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, lifting, floor-based play, manual facilitation of movement, positioning children during therapeutic activities, and transporting therapy materials and equipment. Local travel throughout the Finger Lakes region is required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay: $55,000 to $95,000 a year, depending on experience and the benefits you choose. Part-time welcome; pay is prorated.
• A quarterly tune-up: when your caseload runs above its goal, you are paid for the extra work.
• $5,000 sign-on bonus for new hires, paid over 18 months.
• Health insurance with an employer contribution; dental, vision and life insurance; a 401(k) with a 4% employer match (for clinicians working about 15 or more sessions a week; each is optional, and choosing fewer raises your cash pay).
• 16 paid days a year for full-time clinicians, with more as you advance.
• A $500 yearly continuing-education budget for full-time clinicians.
• Malpractice insurance paid by Finger Lakes Therapy Works.
• Mileage reimbursed at $0.45 a mile, up to 60 miles a day, for clinicians paid per visit.
• Structured mentoring for new clinicians, and a clear career path with raises as you grow.
• A weekday daytime schedule. You build your caseload with our clinical team.

\nCompany Description

At Finger Lakes Therapy Works, we believe children make the greatest progress when therapy is delivered in the environments where they live, learn, and play. Finger Lakes Therapy Works is a home-based pediatric therapy practice in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, 20 years in Early Intervention (birth to 3) and preschool special education (ages 3 to 5).

Company Description

At Finger Lakes Therapy Works, we believe children make the greatest progress when therapy is delivered in the environments where they live, learn, and play. Finger Lakes Therapy Works is a home-based pediatric therapy practice in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, 20 years in Early Intervention (birth to 3) and preschool special education (ages 3 to 5).\n