Physical Therapist for FY 26/27 Direct Hire

Illinois IDFPR Licensed Physical Therapist for School Setting

Provides school-based therapy that is integrated into the school's educational program as a means to enhance functioning and attain educational objectives; provides support to the total educational system; assists with problem solving to eliminate barriers that hinder access to educational environments and provides modifications and accommodations to support students in their education program.

Supervisor: Principal/Supervisor

Qualifications: Licenses with the Illinois Division of Financial and Professional Regulation

Contract: Length of contract, salary, and benefits are established by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Executive Board of ECHO and the ECHO Employee Association

FLSA Status: Exempt

Essential Functions:

• Designs, develops, and coordinates, in conjunction with other team members, the therapy objectives within the educational program for individual students under the therapist's direction
• Provides supervision for Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA)
• Implements professional practices and standards associated with discipline (e.g. IDFPR, ISBE)
• Implements ECHO's policies and procedures
• Utilizes prevention, promotion, and intervention strategies to support academic achievement and social participation in the educational environment
• Contributes to the professional community (e.g. committee work, professional development, and parent support)

Planning:

• Assesses all aspects of student's level of functioning and need for therapy as it pertains to the educational environment
• Provides occupational/physical therapy input to the team to determine eligibility for special education services and for developing individualized education programs
• Collaborates with all members of the student's educational team to improve student functioning within the educational setting
• Following HIPPA/FERPA guidelines, coordinates and communicates with the student's parents and medical professionals
• Develops and implements Intervention Plans to meet student needs and IEP goals
• Plans a system to collect and record meaningful data on therapy programming
• Demonstrates flexibility and organization in program planning

Methods:

• Facilitates a variety of therapeutic methods conducive to student growth
• Utilizes evidence based practice for development and implementation of individualized educational programs and therapeutic interventions
• Monitors and evaluates therapeutic interventions using data (e.g. observation, baseline and progress measurement)
• Provides a motivating, innovative, and resourceful therapeutic environment
• Incorporates modifications and adaptions and teaches strategies in order to promote access to and independence in the educational setting, environment, and programs
• Incorporates appropriate proactive and preventative behavior management
• Effectively utilizes technology tools including computer programs, assistive technology, and adaptive equipment

Management:

• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to present pertinent information on therapy related topics in trainings for peers, educational teams, and family members in formal and informal ways
• Exhibits professional oral and written skills to accurately convey student information
• Develops intervention plans and scheduling options for individual and group needs
• Integrates therapy goals and objectives within the student's curriculum
• Organizes and maintains complete and correct student records as required by policy, law, and Medicaid requirements
• Provides competent training and supervision of PTA in keeping with the practice act, ISBE, School-Based Medicaid, and school/caseload requirements
• Organizes physical environment conducive to learning

Professionalism:

• Responds professionally to constructive criticism
• Engages in self-directed professional development
• Exhibits ethical conduct as described in the state and national practice acts
• Makes recommendations, completes reports, and acts in accord within ECHO timelines
• Utilizes current assessment tools and procedures

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications: IDFPR license for Illinois in Physical Therapy

Working Conditions: Self Contained Classroom / gym Space in Special Needs Public School; travel is possible between school sites within the cooperative district

Application Procedure: Apply online at