Substitute Physical Therapist

Position Type:
Substitute/Substitute Physical Therapist


Date Posted:
5/27/2026

Location:
IU8 Multiple Counties
Physical Therapist - Substitute

Location: Multiple schools and classroom-based locations per assignment.

Reports to: Supervisor as Assigned by the Chief Education Officer

Terms : Based on Need

Labor Status : Hourly

Job Classification : Substitute

Certification: Certification/Licensure as required by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs

Company Overview:

The Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 (AIU8) is one of the 29 intermediate units that provides a vast array of services for member school districts, including student services, training and technical assistance, online learning, and customized programs and services. IU8 includes four counties comprised of 35 school districts (approximately 98 schools) and five Career Technical Centers. Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 serves approximately 47,000 students across four counties within 3500 square miles. Our service area includes four counties: Blair, Somerset, Bedford, and Cambria. We have five different office locations within our service area: Altoona, Duncansville, Ebensburg, Richland, and Somerset. AIU8 has opportunities for everyone, and our service area offers a broad range of living environments from rural to more densely populated city areas.


Job Summary:

This position is responsible for evaluation, planning and implementation of school-based physical therapy services that meet the needs of students with motor impairments to enable students to participate and access their educational setting. This may also include supervision of physical therapy assistants.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

• The PT may be responsible for clinical supervision/oversight of direct service provided by PTA staff

Key Responsibilities:

• Use a variety of appropriate assessments to evaluate individual student needs and progress on a continuous basis, interpret assessment data and use assessment data to generate reports of progress for students ages 3-21.
• Attend, participate in, and/or review information to discuss results of required physical therapy evaluations and IEP or 504 reports.
• Screen and evaluate a student's physical performance areas and physical components that are relevant to the student's functioning in school using a variety of assessments.
• Assist in the development and writing of comprehensive evaluation reports and re-evaluation reports for IEPs, Annual IEP updates, within required formats and compliance timelines.
• Implement physical therapy services using evidence-based practice focusing on student participation and access to curriculum and daily educational routines.
• Participate in educational Multidisciplinary Evaluations (MDE) and Individual Education Plan (IEP) processes for identification of students' strengths, needs, goals, objectives and determination of service delivery requirements necessary for students to benefit from their educational programs.
• Design and implement physical therapy interventions in accordance with the student's IEP or Service Agreement (504 plan) for students covered by Chapter 15.
• Contribute to the ongoing management of the physical therapy program including documentation, communication, record keeping, in-service education, community coordination and maintenance of supplies and equipment within the physical therapy program.
• Complete all documentation and billing within required timelines including Medical Access billing for eligible students and signing off on PTA billing entries when necessary.
• Consult and collaborate with the educational team regarding physical therapy programming.
• Supervise and mentor licensed physical therapy assistants in accordance with the state practice act and licensure laws.
• Demonstrate knowledge of student characteristics of age group(s), student characteristics of exceptionality group(s), and pedagogy.
• Utilize evidence-based practices and appropriate interventions when implementing physical therapy services.
• Demonstrate knowledge of content/area of specialization.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Pennsylvania Academic Standards.
• Select and utilize appropriate materials and resources in planning and preparation specific to the individual area of expertise.
• Create an environment of respect and rapport.
• Establish a culture for learning and skill acquisition.
• Manage student behavior.
• Organize physical space.
• Demonstrate knowledge and use of assessment data to develop and monitor effectiveness of current educational plans, interventions or programs.
• Have high and clear expectations for all students to participate and demonstrate understanding and achievement.
• Maintain student engagement throughout related service provision.
• Provide equitable, accurate, and frequent supportive and constructive feedback to students.
• Demonstrate flexibility in responding to students.
• Use a variety of appropriate assessments to evaluate individual student progress on a continuous basis.
• Interpret both formal and informal assessments to modify instructional decisions within the limits of one's role.
• Interpret assessment and use assessment data to generate reports of progress.
• Communicate effectively in verbal or written form in a professional and timely manner with parents/guardians, students, district/entity, personnel and community agencies.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation and records with attention to designated timelines required by law, IU policy and administrative regulations.
• Ability to work independently to manage scheduling of student sessions and travel time.
• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and other LEA specific systems for timely data entry and record keeping.
• Flexibility in providing service delivery via virtual format as needed.
• Maintain licensure and continued education requirements as guided by the APTA and state licensing board.
• Maintain confidentiality for all areas of the IU, students and staff.
• Develop effective relationships with LEA's, parents, and other organizations to work in partnership with school districts and other organizations in an effective manner.
• Demonstrates understanding of and abides by federal, state and local school laws and regulations and policies.
• Reviews and abides by the Pennsylvania Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators.
• Reviews and adheres to IU policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Ensures all documentation related to a student's education is up to date and properly filed in accordance with policies and practices.
• Communicate effectively in verbal or written form in a professional and timely manner.
• Maintains professional competence, expands and applies knowledge in professional area(s).
• Demonstrates regular and timely attendance.
• Must have personal vehicle for reliable transportation to all work locations.
• Performs other duties as assigned in accordance with IU8 Board policy, administrative regulations, state and federal laws.

Requirements:

• Valid Physical Therapy Degree from an accredited program. Must have at least 3.0 GPA overall. Acceptable Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse History Clearance) and Act 114 (FBI Fingerprint) clearances.
• Valid Pennsylvania Physical Therapy License
• Obtain and maintain CPR/First Aid Certification
• Pediatric and/or school-based experience preferred
• Ability to Travel in personal vehicle to various locations for service provision
• Current and acceptable clearances: Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse History), Act 114 (PDE Fingerprinting), PDE6004 (Arrest & Conviction), and Act 168 (PA Sexual Misconduct background)
• Upon hire, all new employees must obtain a certificate of medical examination as well as a tuberculosis test as required under Chapter 14 of the Public School Code, 24 P.S. 14-1416, 14-1418; 22 PA Code 49.12(b) (regarding education); and 28 Pa Code 23.44 (regarding health and safety).

Desired Qualifications:

• School-based and/or pediatric experience preferred
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills
• Knowledge of special education regulations and procedures
• Knowledge of positive, proactive behavior management techniques and strategies
• Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality
• Proficient technology skills for productivity

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The work environment is office settings, school settings, and other educational settings where learners ages 3-21 are served, including indoor and outdoor locations. Other educational settings may include in-home, non-traditional/alternative, and community.


The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Strength and ability to lift and/or assist in lifting pupils of ages ranging from 3 to 21 and any assistive appliances, for example: wheelchairs.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time.
• Ability to move about various work environments.
• Ability to position self to manage and retrieve various job materials and supplies.
• Ability to push, pull, move, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to operate a computer for extended periods and other office equipment as needed and work-related.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and exchange information with others in a variety of ways for understanding.
• Must be able to interpret, analyze, and problem solve. Must be able to read and understand complex documents relating to federal, state, and local mandates as well as materials relating to education and therapy.
• Ability and willingness to travel as necessary to fulfill job duties and requirements.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform the Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 Human Resources Manager of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.

How to Apply: Online at:

Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 is an equal opportunity employer.