Physical Therapist for FY 26/27 Direct Hire

Position Type:
Special Education/Licensed Professionals

Date Posted:
12/3/2025

Location:
ECHO Joint Agreement Programs

Date Available:
TBD Description: Illinois IDFPR Licensed Physical Therapist for School Setting



Job Summary:
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: (specific roles and functions will vary depending on assignment) Duties and Responsibilities General Responsibilities 1. 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 2. Provides supervision for Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) 3. Implements professional practices and standards associated with discipline (e.g. IDFPR, ISBE) 4. Implements ECHO's policies and procedures 5. Utilizes prevention, promotion, and intervention strategies to support academic achievement and social participation in the educational environment 6. Contributes to the professional community (e.g. committee work, professional development, and parent support) Planning 1. Assesses all aspects of student's level of functioning and need for therapy as it pertains to the educational environment 2. Provides occupational/physical therapy input to the team to determine eligibility for special education services and for developing individualized education programs 3. Collaborates with all members of the student's educational team to improve student functioning within the educational setting 4. Following HIPPA/FERPA guidelines, coordinates and communicates with the student's parents and medical professionals 5. Develops and implements Intervention Plans to meet student needs and IEP goals 6. Plans a system to collect and record meaningful data on therapy programming 7. Demonstrates flexibility and organization in program planning


Methods 1. Facilitates a variety of therapeutic methods conducive to student growth 2. Utilizes evidence based practice for development and implementation of individualized educational programs and therapeutic interventions 3. Monitors and evaluates therapeutic interventions using data (e.g. observation, baseline and progress measurement) 4. Provides a motivating, innovative, and resourceful therapeutic environment 5. Incorporates modifications and adaptions and teaches strategies in order to promote access to and independence in the educational setting, environment, and programs 6. Incorporates appropriate proactive and preventative behavior management 7. Effectively utilizes technology tools including computer programs, assistive technology, and adaptive equipment


Management 1. 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 2. Exhibits professional oral and written skills to accurately convey student information 3. Develops intervention plans and scheduling options for individual and group needs 4. Integrates therapy goals and objectives within the student's curriculum 5. Organizes and maintains complete and correct student records as required by policy, law, and Medicaid requirements. 6. Provides competent training and supervision of PTA in keeping with the practice act, ISBE, School-Based Medicaid, and school/caseload requirements 7. Organizes physical environment conducive to learning


Professionalism 1. Responds professionally to constructive criticism 2. Engages in self-directed professional development 3. Exhibits ethical conduct as described in the state and national practice acts 4. Makes recommendations, completes reports, and acts in accord within ECHO timelines 5. Utilizes current assessment tools and procedures


Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications: IDFPR license for Illinois in Physical Therapy



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



Application Procedure:
Apply online at


FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: In accordance with the Certified Bargained Agreement (CBA) found on -> Human Resources Page --> certified bargaining agreement at
Benefits: Eligible for health insurance, sick days, and personal, days