Educational Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

Serve as a member of the multidisciplinary team serving the needs of special education children and their families; provide assessment and direct services related to gross motor development, functional mobility, and postural control; provide direct and consultative physical therapy services based upon needs determined through established processes to ensure educational access; develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this class.

• Serve as a member of the multidisciplinary team; provide assessment and direct services related to functional gross motor development, gait, balance, and other identified developmental needs; provide consultation to parents and teachers.
• Conduct developmental and formal assessments to determine program eligibility; assess student abilities in functional mobility (navigating stairs, curbs, and hallways), postural stability, strength, range of motion, motor planning, and environmental accessibility; score and interpret results and write assessment reports.
• Collaborate with IEP team members to develop goals; determine and recommend frequency of services, accommodations/modifications, and least restrictive environment (LRE) needs.
• Provide education and support to families; recommend, design, adjust, or order adaptive equipment such as standers, gait trainers, and specialized seating; demonstrate safe use of equipment.
• Plan and prepare for therapy sessions; provide direct therapy individually and in groups; set up and break down large-scale mobility equipment; maintain records of therapy sessions to document interventions and monitor progress.
• Manage caseload and new referrals; utilize data-driven metrics (such as gait analysis or standardized motor scales) to monitor student changes throughout the school year.
• Conduct formal assistive technology and mobility assessments; provide services related to power mobility or specialized positioning for curriculum access.
• Request and purchase adaptive equipment and mobility aids; ensure all equipment meets safety standards and is properly fitted to the student's growing physical needs.
• Attend various meetings; coordinate professional and community resources with other staff and agencies, including medical providers and California Children's Services (CCS).
• Train and provide work direction to assigned staff; provide in-service training for teachers and instructional assistants on safe lifting, transfers, and positioning to prevent staff injury and support student goals.
• Drive a vehicle to various school sites and District offices to conduct work.
• Supervise assigned Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs).
• Perform related duties as assigned

Knowledge of child development, motor and reflex development, and applicable pediatric treatment techniques. Biomechanics, kinesiology, and neuroanatomy related to pediatric disabilities. Adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, standers, walkers) and orthotic devices. Medical, educational, and community resources, including CCS. IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Section 504 regulations. Record-keeping techniques and data collection for functional outcomes. Proper lifting and body mechanics for transferring students safely. Correct English usage, grammar, and technical report writing.

Ability to observe and assess gross motor development, gait, balance, and functional mobility. Develop and conduct therapeutic interventions focused on educational access. Communicate effectively with medical professionals, parents, and school staff. Develop and implement IEPs and SMART goals focused on functional educational outcomes. Train staff in safe handling, transfers, and use of mobility equipment. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. Maintain current knowledge of technical advances in the field (e.g., wearable sensors, new mobility tech). Meet schedules and timelines.

Minimum qualifications: Any combination equivalent to: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Master's degree in Physical Therapy and two years of school-based or pediatric physical therapy experience. Licenses and other requirements: Valid California Physical Therapy License issued by the Physical Therapy Board of California. Successful completion of the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE). Valid First Aid and CPR certifications. Ability to travel between multiple sites on a daily basis.

Indoor and outdoor work environment (classrooms, playgrounds, gyms). Ability to travel and transport equipment to multiple sites. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate equipment. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally. Significant bending, kneeling, or crouching to assist students at floor level. Hearing and speaking to exchange information. Heavy lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling up to 50 pounds (and occasionally more with assistance) to transfer students and move heavy mobility equipment.