Physical Therapist - (1.0)

Physical Therapist (1.0)

Livonia Public Schools is seeking a passionate and student-centered Physical Therapist committed to building strong relationships and creating meaningful learning experiences within a supportive school community. The ideal candidate fosters a positive, respectful culture where every student feels known, valued, and challenged to grow. Responsibilities of this position will include evaluation and treatment for students with physical impairments. This person will consult with teachers and families as well as administer prescriptive techniques or therapy under direction from a medical doctor and be involved in adapting learning activities.

Livonia Public Schools employs approximately 1,800 staff members, serving approximately 13,100 students pre-K post secondary. There are 15 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 3 high schools, 1 career technical center, 1 early childhood center and 1 vocational and transition center in the School District. The annual budget for Livonia Public Schools is $180 million, with a state funding of $10,000 per pupil.

Newly hired public school employees are eligible for a traditional pension and tax-deferred retirement savings accounts with an employer matching contribution. The pension component guarantees you monthly retirement benefit payments over your lifetime once you meet age and service requirements. Additionally, as a new public-school employee, you will be automatically enrolled in a Personal Healthcare Fund (PHF), which is a portable, tax-deferred investment account that can be used to pay for healthcare expenses in retirement. Livonia Public Schools will contribute a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 2% you contribute.

As an employee of Livonia Public Schools, you will be a part of a team working together in a positive work climate and a culture of mutual respect to support the successful education of children. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing you are a team member with Livonia Public Schools, which means you will have the following perks of employment available to you:

• Medical insurance, including prescription drug coverage: The district's contribution is the maximum allowed by Michigan law. Family coverage eligibility for employees working 30 hours or more per week. Single coverage eligibility for employees working 20 hours but less than 30 per week. Optional "cash in lieu" of medical insurance for those who qualify.
• Dental, vision, and life insurance: The district pays 100% of the premium for all employees.
• Long-term disability coverage: The district pays 100% of the premium for employees working 20 hours or more per week.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and their eligible family members. This includes a completely confidential, short-term counseling service that utilizes a practical approach toward problem resolution and is available 7 days a week, with no cost to the employee.
• Paid holidays; earned vacation, sick, and bereavement days.
• Longevity pay.
• Paid "act of God" days, such as snow days.

Additionally, the children of employees working 20+ hours, living outside the district's attendance boundaries, are eligible to attend Livonia Public Schools via schools of choice.

The following represents the minimum qualifications for this position. The District reserves the right to waive any qualification at its discretion.

• Current licensure as a Physical Therapist in the State of Michigan.
• Graduation from an accredited Physical Therapy program.
• Experience working with school-aged children is preferred.
• Knowledge of special education laws, procedures, and the role of related services within IDEA.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate motor skills and functional mobility needs in educational settings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, families, and community providers.
• Strong verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to creating inclusive learning environments for students of all abilities.
• Demonstrated professionalism and adherence to ethical standards.

The Physical Therapist will:

• Conduct evaluations to determine students' physical therapy needs as part of the multidisciplinary evaluation process.
• Develop recommendations that support students' educational access and participation.
• Provide direct and consultative physical therapy services as outlined in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to goal development, progress monitoring, and educational planning.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, nurses, physicians, and families to support student success.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized therapy programs designed to improve functional mobility, positioning, motor planning, balance, coordination, strength, endurance, and participation in school activities.
• Recommend and assist with the selection, use, and maintenance of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, seating systems, and mobility devices.
• Provide training and consultation to school personnel regarding positioning, transfers, accessibility, mobility, safety, and implementation of therapy recommendations within the educational environment.
• Maintain accurate documentation, evaluation reports, Medicaid documentation (as applicable), progress reports, and service logs in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements.
• Monitor student progress and adjust intervention plans as appropriate.
• Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based practices and participate in ongoing professional learning.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the administrator.

The successful candidate should have experience providing services in areas such as:

• Direct Intervention
• Functional mobility
• Gross motor development
• Balance and coordination
• Strength and endurance
• Posture and positioning
• Transfers and ambulation
• Motor planning
• Tone management
• Adaptive equipment and assistive technology
• Environmental accessibility
• Consultation
• Training school personnel on safe handling, positioning, and mobility
• Collaborating with educational teams to support student participation
• Recommending classroom accommodations and environmental modifications
• Supporting implementation of therapy strategies throughout the school day

The work year, salary, and fringe benefits will be consistent with the current agreement between the Board of Education and the Livonia Education Association. This position will remain open minimally through August 26, 2026 for consideration of employment for the 26-27 school year.

All applicants, including current LPS employees, must complete and submit an application through Applitrack, which can be accessed through the Livonia Public Schools webpage. Additionally, applicants must also upload:

• Letter of Interest
• Professional resume
• Copies of educational documents (transcripts/certificates)
• Three current letters of recommendation

The Livonia Public Schools School District prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or transgender status), national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, or disability in any of its educational programs or activities.