Pediatric Physical Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Join Our Team

At Finger Lakes Therapy Works, we believe children make the greatest progress when therapy is delivered in the environments where they live, learn, and play. As a New York State-approved Early Intervention and Preschool provider, we bring physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and special education directly into homes, childcare settings, preschools, schools, and community environments throughout the Finger Lakes region.

Our Physical Therapists help children build the strength, mobility, confidence, and independence they need to fully participate in everyday life. We believe the best outcomes are achieved through play, meaningful family partnerships, and collaboration across disciplines.

If you're passionate about pediatric physical therapy and want the flexibility and fulfillment of community-based practice, we'd love to meet you.

Mission: Meeting your child where they are.

Position Summary

The Pediatric Physical Therapist provides comprehensive evaluations, individualized treatment, and caregiver coaching to infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children experiencing developmental delays, neuromuscular disorders, orthopedic conditions, or physical disabilities. Services are delivered in children's natural environments using evidence-based, play-centered interventions that improve gross motor development, balance, strength, coordination, posture, mobility, and functional participation.

Unlike traditional outpatient or clinic-based physical therapy, this role focuses on family-centered coaching and integrating therapeutic strategies into children's daily routines and natural environments to maximize long-term developmental success.

Why Join Finger Lakes Therapy Works?

We believe exceptional therapists deserve an exceptional workplace.

We offer:

• Flexible scheduling that supports work-life balance 
• Clinical autonomy with supportive leadership 
• Collaborative interdisciplinary care alongside Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Special Educators, School Psychologists, and Service Coordinators 
• Diverse and engaging community-based practice settings 
• Opportunities for mentorship and professional development 
• Meaningful relationships with children and families 
• A mission-driven culture focused on helping every child achieve their fullest potential 

What You'll Do

Assessment & Evaluation

• Conduct comprehensive pediatric physical therapy evaluations using standardized assessments, clinical observations, and caregiver interviews. 
• Assess gross motor development, posture, balance, coordination, strength, endurance, mobility, gait, and functional movement. 
• Identify developmental strengths, movement challenges, and environmental factors impacting participation in daily activities. 
• Collaborate with families to establish meaningful, individualized therapy goals. 

Individualized Intervention

• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans aligned with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), when applicable. 
• Deliver evidence-based, play-centered interventions that promote motor development, functional mobility, postural control, balance, coordination, and independence. 
• Adapt therapeutic activities to reflect each child's developmental stage, interests, strengths, and family priorities. 
• Monitor progress and modify intervention strategies to maximize developmental outcomes. 

Family Coaching & Education

• Coach caregivers on positioning, mobility, strengthening exercises, developmental play, and movement strategies that can be incorporated into everyday routines. 
• Educate families on home exercise programs, adaptive positioning, equipment use, and techniques that support continued progress between therapy sessions. 
• Foster trusting relationships built on collaboration, encouragement, and shared decision-making. 

Collaboration

• Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Special Educators, School Psychologists, physicians, childcare providers, and community partners. 
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, transition planning, and coordinated care discussions. 
• Assess and recommend adaptive equipment, orthotics, mobility devices, positioning systems, and environmental modifications that enhance participation and independence. 

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports, and required documentation accurately and within established timelines. 
• Maintain compliance with New York State Early Intervention, Preschool Special Education, payer requirements, and Finger Lakes Therapy Works standards. 
• Monitor progress toward therapy goals and adjust intervention plans based on clinical findings and family feedback. 

Professional Practice

• Maintain required licensure and continuing education. 
• Deliver ethical, culturally responsive, and family-centered care. 
• Stay current with evidence-based pediatric physical therapy practices. 
• Contribute to a collaborative, supportive, and positive clinical culture. 

What Success Looks Like

Successful Physical Therapists at Finger Lakes Therapy Works:

• Build meaningful relationships with children and caregivers. 
• Deliver engaging, individualized, play-based physical therapy interventions. 
• Empower families to confidently support their child's motor development at home. 
• Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant documentation. 
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary team members. 
• Demonstrate measurable improvements in mobility, motor skills, and functional participation. 

Required Qualifications

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program. 
• Current New York State Physical Therapist license. 
• Eligibility to provide Early Intervention and/or Preschool Special Education services in New York State. 
• Knowledge of pediatric development, motor learning principles, and evidence-based physical therapy practices. 
• Excellent communication, organization, and interpersonal skills. 
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for community-based visits. 
• Ability to successfully complete required background screenings. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pediatric physical therapy. 
• Experience in Early Intervention or Preschool Special Education. 
• Experience providing services within homes or community settings. 
• Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS) certification or interest in pursuing specialization. 
• Experience with adaptive equipment, orthotics, positioning systems, and mobility devices. 
• Experience coaching families and caregivers. 
• Bilingual language skills are considered an asset. 

Physical & Work Environment

This position is performed primarily within children's homes, childcare centers, preschools, schools, and community settings. The role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, squatting, lifting, floor-based play, manual facilitation of movement, positioning children during therapeutic activities, and transporting therapy materials and equipment. Local travel throughout the Finger Lakes region is required.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: Competitive starting compensation of approximately $72–$80 per hour , with opportunities for growth based on experience, performance, and career progression.

Career Path: Clinicians have a clear pathway to advance into salaried positions with increased responsibility, stability, and leadership opportunities .

Eligible team members may also receive:

• Medical, Dental & Vision — Employer-sponsored coverage with multiple medical plan options. 
• 401(k) with Employer Match — Employer match of up to 4% of eligible pay. 
• Employer-Paid Insurance — Life, AD&D, short-term disability, and professional liability coverage. 
• Paid Time Off — Paid holidays, sick time, and PTO, with additional time off available as you progress. 
• Mentorship & Professional Development — Clinical support, supervision, mentoring, and opportunities to grow your expertise. 
• Clear Career Path — A career ladder with defined expectations and opportunities for increased compensation, responsibility, and leadership. 
• Meaningful Work — Deliver family-centered care in the homes, schools, and communities where children learn and grow. 
• Paid Meetings — Staff meetings and twice-yearly parent progress meetings are paid time. 
• Continuing Education — Support for ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities. 
• Flexible scheduling 
• Mileage reimbursement 
• Licensure and professional membership support (where applicable) 

You Will Thrive Here If You...

• Believe therapy is most meaningful when it is integrated into children's everyday lives. 
• Enjoy helping children achieve new movement milestones through play and purposeful activities. 
• Value building strong partnerships with families. 
• Appreciate the flexibility and autonomy of community-based practice while working within a collaborative interdisciplinary team. 
• Are passionate about helping children gain the confidence and independence to fully participate in daily life. 
• Want to grow professionally in a supportive, mission-driven organization. 

Finger Lakes Therapy Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee and family feels respected, valued, and supported.

Flexible work from home options available.