Physical Therapist - Special Ed Local Plan Area (2026-27)

Physical Therapist

Under the direction of assigned supervisor, provide assessment, consultation, and direct occupational therapy services to eligible students enrolled in or referred to special education programs.

Essential functions include:

• Plan and implement physical therapy treatment for eligible students; evaluate educationally-related physical disabilities and functional limitations; implement direct care and therapeutic programs; monitor and adjust individual programs.
• Prepare written evaluations, maintain records and reports concerning individual students; review relevant reports.
• Communicate daily with students, parents, school staff, and/or administrators; communicate as needed with physicians and medical/therapy personnel regarding student's educationally-related therapy.
• Consult with the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Teams/Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Teams regarding the students' disabilities/physical limitations to extend therapeutic activities to the classroom and home environments.
• Monitor and evaluate equipment needs; order and adjust equipment to assist in the increased function of students and the prevention of deformity.
• Visit students' educational environments to assess adaptive equipment needs to allow eligible individuals to participate in educationally-relevant activities.
• Develop and evaluate programs and procedures for occupational therapy, assessment, and services; review therapy goals for students, recommend adjustments as appropriate for students' IEPs/IFSPs.
• Serve as District liaison with agencies, schools and other organizations to coordinate related communication and services. Attend and participate in District-approved staff conferences, meetings and in-service training.
• Attend clinics for inter-agency coordination of services.
• Operate and maintain a variety of therapeutic equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications include:

• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures governing assigned area
• Methods to interpret apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Principles, methods, equipment and techniques of occupational therapy
• Principles of neurology, anatomy, neuroanatomy, and physiology
• Safety precautions including hazards associated with client-specific activities
• Methods, materials, and equipment used to alter existing or to fabricate specialized equipment
• Problems and concerns of students with special needs
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• First-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques and universal precautions

Ability to:

• Implement applicable laws, codes, policies, procedures, and District regulations governing work scope
• Maintain current knowledge of related technological advances applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, procedures and District regulations related to workscope
• Evaluate physical functions and the developmental levels of students
• Determine and evaluate treatment plans
• Operate therapeutic equipment
• Monitor and evaluate equipment needs
• Order and adjust adaptive devices
• Understand and relate to students with special needs and their caregivers
• Organize, coordinate, and prioritize a variety of activities, programs, and services
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action
• Prepare and deliver clear and concise presentations to a variety of audiences
• Communicate effectively using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing
• Understand and follow oral and written directions
• Work independently
• Meet schedules and timelines
• Maintain accurate and confidential records
• Work cooperatively
• Perform first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Operate personal computer, related software, and other office equipment

Prerequisites include:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited school or related fields.
• Experience working with students in an occupational therapy or educational setting preferred.
• Valid California Board of Physical Therapy License
• Valid first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificates
• Complete District's training on universal precautions
• Valid California Driver's License

Pre-employment process includes employment eligibility clearance.

Working conditions include:

Physical therapy services environment, classroom setting, and student's homes; driving a vehicle to conduct work; flexible schedules; constant interruptions; potential contact with blood and other body fluids and communicable diseases.

Physical requirements include:

Consistent mental alertness; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects up to 30 pounds, occasionally 30+ pounds; bending and twisting at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; dexterity of both hands and fingers while performing duties; seeing to read, write and use the computer; hearing and speaking to exchange information, in person or on the telephone, and make presentations.

Non-discrimination policy:

The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.