Physical Therapist (Early Childhood)

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Physical Therapist on our Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT) team plays a key role in delivering high-quality Early Intervention services for infants and toddlers ages birth to three. This position provides motor development supports and parent coaching in the child’s natural environment—including homes, childcare sites, and other community settings. The Physical Therapist works collaboratively with internal and external partners to ensure each child and family receives individualized, holistic, and culturally relevant support.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Developmental Supports & Direct Service

• Provides culturally relevant, family-guided, routine-based developmental supports using a parent coaching model.
• Evaluates children across developmental domains as part of an interdisciplinary team to determine program eligibility.
• Provides motor therapy services to support functional development and meaningful participation in daily activities.
• Engages and empowers caregivers through coaching, training, and ongoing guidance.
• Understands and provides support related to healthy caregiver–child attachment.
• Participates in the development of Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) goals for both child and family.
• Supports families with transitions into appropriate school, community, or Akin programs in collaboration with the Family Resource Coordinator.
• Supervises interns as needed.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Collaborates with the Early Intervention team, Family Resource Coordinators, and Akin staff on interdisciplinary IFSPs, goal setting, and case review.
• Connects weekly with team members and participates in transdisciplinary coaching and consultation.
• Participates in staff meetings, team meetings, professional development, and coaching sessions.
• Demonstrates a caring, nonjudgmental, and equity-minded approach to working with all families.
• Communicates professionally with insurance providers, school districts, childcare providers, and community partners as appropriate.

Documentation & Compliance

• Develops individualized goals and progress reports.
• Completes daily treatment notes, evaluation reports, and billing in a timely and compliant manner.
• Reviews medical reports, initiates medical referrals, and seeks consultation as needed.
• Maintains accurate and complete records in accordance with Part C and Akin policies.
• Monitors and manages caseload requirements, including timely follow-up on new referrals.
• Prepares reports and progress notes as required by Akin.
• Complies with Akin policies and procedures regarding mandatory reporting of child abuse.

Professional Growth

• Continues to develop professional skills and knowledge through trainings, coursework, conferences, literature review, and participation in professional associations.
• Participates in professional development opportunities related to antiracism, oppression, cultural humility, and inclusive practices.
• Incorporates principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging into daily practice.

Other

• Schedules the minimum number of therapy hours as established by departmental policy.
• Maintains high standards of confidentiality, professionalism, attendance, and flexibility.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of ESIT best practices and service delivery in natural environments.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and Electronic Medical Record systems (e.g., Credible).
• Demonstrated ability to support and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Working knowledge of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging principles, and ability to apply these values in practice.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This job is performed in a professional office environment. The following list is representative of the work environment employees encounter while performing the essential functions of this job:

• This position cover various locations in South King County, including: Auburn, Federal Way, Des Moines, and Kent.
• At this time, services are being provided both in person and via teleintervention.

HYBRID WORK ARRANGEMENTS:

Hybrid work is a benefit of Akin’s flexible workplace but cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Hybrid work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This is an active position requiring regular lifting of 25–30 lbs., frequent squatting, floor sitting, and engagement with young children.
• While performing essential job duties, the employee may be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, use hands and fingers, reach, stoop, kneel, and operate a computer or phone.
• Close vision is required for documentation and computer-based work.
• Regular, predictable attendance is required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program with valid Washington State PT licensure.
• Experience working with infants and toddlers ages 0–3.
• Experience working with diverse populations and communities.
• Pass a portable background check through Department of Early Learning
• Pass a tuberculosis (TB) test or have negative test within 12 months prior to hire
• Current in Pediatric/Adult CPR, first aid, and AED, HIV, and bloodborne pathogens
• A valid driver's license and a favorable driving record, with no more than three violations within the past three years

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Early Intervention experience.
• At least one year of pediatric experience.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or multilingual.

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.

The target starting pay for this position is $95,000 - $120,000 per year, typically within the first half of the range. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account.

The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.