PHYSICAL THERAPIST*

Physical Therapist

Job Type: Physical Therapist

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), an A-rated district, is the nation's third largest school system with nearly 500 schools and a diverse enrollment of more than 335,500 students from over 160 countries. Our ongoing tradition of groundbreaking achievement has earned top recognition at the national and international levels and makes M-DCPS your best choice.

Basic Objectives

The school-centered Physical Therapist is responsible for providing physical therapy services to exceptional students. The therapist will treat individual student(s) or groups of students at one or more schools, carry out evaluations, write goals and objectives, and complete treatment plans on students. In addition the Physical Therapist will provide supervision to Physical Therapist Assistants, and will carry out duties set forth by the supervisor of the occupational and physical therapy program.

Job Tasks/Responsibilities

• Conducts formalized initial evaluation of the student after referral from a physician (prescription) has been obtained.
• Establishes realistic short-term and long-term treatment goals for the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) based on results of physical therapy evaluation and considers all aspects of student's disability.
• Plans and implements appropriate treatment programs designed to meet the student's needs, including specific procedures and modalities to be used; determines the extent, frequency, and expected duration of treatment based on the State of Florida physical therapy and occupational therapy reporting system; and provides yearly IEP re-evaluations of students in the physical therapy program.
• Develops plans, as needed, or makes appropriate recommendations for modifying the classroom/school environment to accommodate the student.
• Confers periodically via telephone, written report, or personal appointment with managing physician regarding student's status, progress, response to treatment, and possible treatment variations.
• Shares student-status information regularly with Occupational Therapists so that they may work as a unified team in providing comprehensive care for the student.
• Provides instruction in appropriate treatment procedures; handles techniques and supportive activities to students, teachers, paraprofessionals and family members; supplements information provided with written, descriptive instructions, when appropriate.
• Provides families with information, encouragement, and support to help motivate them in their performance of treatment activities.
• Prepares and keeps current all necessary records, including evaluations, progress notes and a record of communication.
• Keeps personal physical therapy knowledge and skills current through reading and participation in educational programs.
• Oversees the performance of assigned Licensed Physical Therapist Assistants (LPTA's) providing guidance, encouragement, and suggestions for implementing student's program.
• Ensures that records (evaluations, IEP's, physician's referral) are current, that treatment program is effective, and that any questions and/or concerns of the LPTA regarding the student(s) are addressed.
• Assumes responsibility for the co-signing of treatment summaries by the LPTA.
• Provides information regarding equipment that would enhance treatment and serve as an adjunct to therapy.
• Observes professional and medical ethics consistently.
• Coordinates maintenance of cardex file, student's daily attendance, and ensures that all physician's prescriptions and related medical data are kept current and up to date.
• Assists in orientation and training of new department personnel.
• Participates in DCPS inservice training programs.
• Maintains clinic area and equipment daily including sanitizing and cleaning mats.
• Coordinates and/or assists in preparation of materials for student use.
• Performs related work as required or assigned by supervising administrator or designee.

Physical Requirements

This is very heavy work which requires the following physical activities: climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing wheelchairs, pulling, lifting and positioning students, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity. The work is performed indoors and outdoors.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

1. The school-centered physical therapist must present evidence of successful completion of both academic and clinical requirements for graduation from an approved curriculum in physical therapy.

2. Current licensure as a Physical Therapist by Florida State Department of Professional Regulation.

3. Experience in pediatric setting is preferred.

4. A personal vehicle is required as travel to more than one work location per day may be necessary to provide physical therapy services to students.

Application Requirements

To create your candidate profile, you will need to gather the following: Personal information Current resume and work history Certification information For certification information, please visit M-DCPS - Instructional Certification Official SEALED transcripts must be submitted to M-DCPS via one of the following: U.S. Mail addressed to: Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Transcript Desk, 1450 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 150 Miami, FL 33132 Electronic Mail to: View email address on click.appcast.io You must use National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment, or eScrip-Safe to request an electronic transcript via email. Please note that not all colleges/universities participate in the electronic transcript exchange. Two professional references: Uploaded References must be on a letterhead OR on the District's Reference Form ( Printing T:\FORMS\3000\3506.FRP (dadeschools.net), have an original signature, and be dated within the last year from current or past supervisors or college professors. Background Screening for the Selected Candidate (External Candidate): Please click on the link below for information on M-DCPS Employment Standard, Drug Testing and Fingerprinting requirements in order to be hired as an employee. M-DPCS - Personnel Services and Fingerprinting Please see the link to the new Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website. This site was implemented under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025), effective 1-1-2026. Starting Teacher Salary: $53,159.00* *(includes 6% Referendum Retirement Accruing Supplement of $3,009) New hires may be eligible to receive credit for verified years of experience, which can enhance their starting salary. For more details, please refer to the Newly Hired/Teachers Salary Schedule - Click Here Please visit S alary Inquiry Request for more information. Click here We are an equal opportunity employer.