Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist Juniper Hill School

The Physical Therapist evaluates students with physical disabilities and determines necessary motor interventions and services to ensure students can access their educational environment and the curriculum in the least restrictive environment (LRE). In this role, the therapist acts as a lead clinical expert, delivering research-based physical therapy to support students' academic and functional proficiency. This role is essential to Framingham Public Schools' day-to-day operations and strategic goal of fostering the development of the "whole child" by supporting academic, social-emotional, and mental health needs. This commitment aligns with Framingham Public Schools' high expectations for achievement, equal access to quality instruction, academic proficiency for all students, and closing the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools.

Framingham Public Schools (FPS) is committed to excellence for all students and to creating a workforce that reflects our community's rich racial, linguistic, and cultural diversity. Guided by our mission to empower free-thinking, responsible citizens, we value inclusion, equity, and cultural responsiveness in all we do. FPS strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment where every student and staff member can thrive. We actively seek educators and staff who are committed to antiracism, social justice, and civic engagement. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and from members of historically underrepresented groups.

Framingham Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a culturally responsive, antiracist, and inclusive community where all individuals are valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

Framingham, Massachusetts, is a vibrant and diverse suburban community located 20 miles west of Boston, serving as a major hub in the MetroWest area. It successfully blends urban convenience with the comfort of New England neighborhoods, characterized by cultural diversity and a strong community spirit.

A key asset is the Framingham Public School system, which is committed to equity, inclusion, and student success across its nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and Framingham High School. The district is recognized for its dual language programs, comprehensive special education services, and dedication to serving a diverse student population, preparing all learners for college and careers.

Framingham is also home to Framingham State University and offers abundant outdoor opportunities, including Cushing Memorial Park and Callahan State Park. With its blend of educational resources, accessibility, and dynamic community life, Framingham is a welcoming place to live and grow.

Valid Board of Allied Health Professionals in Physical Therapist

Framingham Public Schools seeks candidates whose background, teaching, or service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of education.

• Educational Requirement: A Bachelor's or Master's Degree (Doctorate preferred) from an accredited college or university in Physical Therapy is required.
• Professional Experience: Proven track record of delivering high-quality motor intervention and managing diverse student needs. Experience working in a school district or pediatric clinical setting is required.
• Language Proficiency: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese is encouraged.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required:

1. Clinical Intervention & Support: Ability to design and implement Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 physical therapy interventions to meet the diverse motor and mobility needs of students, including those with IEPs and 504 plans.
2. Data-Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in collecting and analyzing behavioral data, social-emotional screening results, and attendance patterns to inform clinical interventions and track student progress toward IEP goals.
3. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS): Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams (teachers, OTs, BCBAs) to develop proactive strategies that promote accessibility and student engagement.
4. Clinical Consultation: Skill in providing modeling, consultation, and feedback to classroom staff and paraprofessionals regarding safe transfer techniques and equipment use.
5. Restorative Practices & Crisis Management: Mastery of restorative justice, conflict transformation, and de-escalation techniques; ability to provide immediate crisis intervention and lead re-entry meetings for students returning from outside placements.
6. Compliance & Ethics: Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, and ethical standards of physical therapy, including the maintenance of clinical confidentiality and accurate record-keeping.
7. Instructional Technology: Proficiency in using Google Workspace for Education and specialized data-tracking software to manage caseloads, monitor progress, and facilitate collaborative planning.
8. Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and concisely to diverse stakeholders, effectively translating clinical observations into actionable educational strategies for teachers and parents.
9. Cultural Proficiency: Demonstrated cultural proficiency and competence in fostering an equitable and inclusive district environment for all staff, students, and families, ensuring language accessibility in all clinical communications.
10. Professionalism & Clinical Composure: Maintain regular, predictable, and punctual attendance; exhibit professional composure and objective judgment when responding to high-stakes emotional situations or behavioral escalations.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Design, implement, and assess a comprehensive guidance curriculum focusing on academic achievement, career development, and personal/social growth.
• Plan and coordinate classroom group guidance sessions to meet identified physical competencies.
• Prepare students for transitions to the next academic levels and coordinate safety and skill building programs to help students navigate and engage in the school environment.
• Use student planning activities to assist learners in navigating educational experiences that support their fullest potential.
• Assist faculty in understanding student data and provide in-service training on topics related to student achievement.
• Consult with parents/guardians to discuss educational options and complete Social/Developmental histories for special education evaluations.
• Serve as a liaison with the Multilingual Department, Psychiatric Emergency Services, and McKinney-Vento coordinators.
• Commits to ongoing professional development, staying current with evidence-based practices and antiracist pedagogical frameworks.
• Contributes to the school community by participating in staff meetings, serving on committees, and supporting extracurricular activities as directed.
• Plans and supervises purposeful assignments for educational support staff and volunteers to maximize their impact on student learning.

Other duties as assigned.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Mobility, Navigation & Travel: Must move about and traverse throughout the school building and grounds; requires the ability to navigate effectively throughout classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds for supervision and instruction. Must be able to engage in frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching. Must navigate tight spaces between desks and move furniture to reorganize learning spaces.
2. Stationary Tasks: Often remains in a stationary position for considerable periods of time for instructional delivery, administrative tasks, and meetings.
3. Sensory Requirements: Must be able to see and hear continuously to ensure student safety, monitor classroom operations, and provide instruction in active school environments. Continuous need for close and distance vision to monitor students, along with auditory acuity to hear in crowded environments.
4. Communication: Must communicate effectively and clearly with students, parents, and district personnel in person, via email, and on the telephone or video conference.
5. Manual Dexterity & Technology: Frequent use of hands to finger, handle, or feel. Must be able to operate a computer, input data, and utilize instructional technology and office productivity machinery continuously throughout the day.
6. Physical Strength & Patient Support: Ability to frequently lift, move, and position students, classroom materials, and heavy therapeutic equipment. Must be able to exert up to 50 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs of force frequently, to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects and support student mobility/transfers.
7. Working Environment: Must be able to adapt to dynamic, higher-noise school environments during classroom instruction, recess, and observations. Must be able to sustain exposure to high noise levels, classroom germs, and potential for rapid temperature changes.
8. Interaction & Focus: Must interact routinely with diverse stakeholders, meet multiple high-level demands simultaneously, and maintain focus on student needs amid frequent interruptions.
9. School Environment Exposure: Ability to navigate and function effectively within diverse school settings, including classrooms, cafeteria