Physical Therapist - Eligibility Pool (2026-27)

Physical Therapist

Under the direction of assigned supervisor, provide assessment, consultation, and direct physical therapy services to eligible students enrolled in or referred to special education programs; collaborate with general and special education staff and parents to identify strategies, methods and patterns of instructional support.

Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to reflect the principal job elements accurately.

• Plan and implement physical therapy treatment for eligible students; evaluate educationally-related physical disabilities and functional limitations, including but not limited to, gross motor function, balance and equilibrium, orthopedic status, motor planning, developmental or functional activities, range of motion, postural tone, gait, reflex integration and kinesthesia; implement direct care and therapeutic programs; monitor and adjust individual programs.
• Collaborate with general and special education staff and parents to identify strategies, methods and patterns of instructional support that enhance achievement for students with special needs; act as liaison to District staff, physicians, parents and other agencies in implementing the student's IEP.
• Develop assessment reports, treatment plans and goals to improve students' functional abilities and enhance students' ability to learn; prepare written evaluations, maintain records and reports concerning individual students; review relevant reports.
• Communicate regularly with students, parents, school staff, and/or administrators; communicate as needed with physicians and medical/therapy personnel regarding student's educationally-related therapy.
• Participate in, and consult with, the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Teams/Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Teams regarding students' disabilities/physical limitations to extend therapeutic activities to the classroom and home environments; assist in developing students' IEPs.
• Monitor and evaluate equipment needs; order and adjust equipment to assist students at school.
• Visit and monitor 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 physical 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.

The District determines whether a candidate is qualified based on fulfillment of prerequisites, relevant work experience, ability to perform the essential functions, reference checks, effective interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated by interview performance and/or writing samples, and achievement on performance-based assessments (if applicable) that demonstrate the candidate possesses the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. Meeting prerequisites only satisfies the initial screening process and does not indicate the candidate is qualified to perform the essential functions of the position.

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 physical therapy; theory of physical and mental rehabilitation underlying the practices of physical therapy; principles of neurology, anatomy, neuroanatomy, and physiology; neuromuscular function and dysfunction, kinesiology, the modalities, skeletal anatomy, basic pathology involved in neuromuscular and/or orthopedic disabilities; 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; effective record-keeping techniques; diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of District students; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary and punctuation; first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques and universal precautions; computer software, hardware, and related technology.

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 works cope; evaluate physical functions and the developmental levels of students; determine and evaluate treatment plans, goals and physical therapy objectives; provide consultation for classroom and home management of neuromuscular, muscular and sensory motor dysfunction; establish and maintain physical therapy files and treatment logs; apply appropriate physical therapy procedures in working with students at all grade and age levels; provide technical guidance to other personnel; 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: Clinical Doctorate from an accredited physical therapy program. One year of physical therapy experience in a physical disabilities rehabilitative setting or providing physical therapy services. Experience working with students in pediatric physical therapy or educational setting highly desirable. Clinical affiliation in pediatrics is desirable. Possession of a current and valid license issued by the Physical Therapy Board of California to practice physical therapy. Valid first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificates. Valid California Driver's License.

Pre-employment process will include fingerprints, tuberculosis and/or other employment clearance.

Working conditions: 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: 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.