Physical Therapist

Established in 1998 with 97 students, CCCS has steadily increased to more than 4,000 students in grades K-8 across 12 state-of-the-art buildings on four campuses. The school is a true community success story that has transformed the lives of thousands of students and their families, while breathing life back into a city that was once one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant manufacturing suburbs. 

 

Job Summary:

The position of School-Based Physical Therapist provides coordinated physical therapy to school aged

children. He/she plans, implements, and evaluates students to provide appropriate fine motor

and/or sensory integration skills. He/she evaluates occupational roles and physical performance of

students with physical and/or cognitive impairments. He/she provides interventions based on student

deficits and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team.

Essential Functions:

• Evaluates students with physical disabilities or motor challenges to determine the need for physical therapy services in the educational setting
• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans and therapy goals aligned with students’ IEPs (Individualized Education Programs)
• Provides direct physical therapy services to students in individual, group, or classroom settings to improve functional mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and posture
• Collaborates with teachers, special educators, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other school staff to support students’ access to the educational environment
• Participates in IEP meetings by providing professional input regarding student needs, progress, and recommended accommodations or modifications
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation, including assessments, progress reports, treatment notes, and compliance with federal, state, and district regulations
• Educates school personnel and families on proper positioning, mobility techniques, adaptive equipment use, and physical activity strategies to support student independence
• Recommends, acquires, and trains staff in the use of assistive devices or adaptive equipment needed to support student mobility and participation
• Monitors and reassess therapy plans periodically to ensure effectiveness and adjust as necessary to meet student goals
• Travels between schools (if assigned to multiple campuses) and manages a caseload in accordance with district and state guidelines
• Ensures a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students during therapy sessions
• Stays current on best practices and legal requirements in pediatric and school-based physical therapy through continuing education and professional development
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution of higher education
• Valid PA Physical Therapy License
• Pediatric focus and/or School-Based experience preferred
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Self-motivated, with strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
• Excellent communication - verbal and written, and interpersonal skills
• Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check Clearance
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance
• FBI Criminal Background Check

Certificates/Licenses:

• Current Active State License to practice Physical Therapy in Pennsylvania
• Demonstrated Knowledge of:
• Knowledge of therapy skills as defined as generally accepted standards of practice
• The principles, practices, methods, materials, and techniques used in physical therapy
• The possible hazard to patients during treatment and of the necessary precautionary and remedial measures and techniques
• Community organizations and facilities, especially those involved in services for individuals with disabilities
• The psychological and educational processes involved in the treatment of the severely and profoundly mentally challenged and the physically and orthopedically challenged

Demonstrated Ability to:

• Effectively prioritize time and meet deadlines
• Work under pressure
• Maintain confidentiality of data and information
• Understand, interpret, and implement the oral and written instructions of a physician
• Select, apply, and adapt materials and methods appropriate for the therapeutic treatment of physically challenged children and young adults
• Gain the confidence and cooperation of pupils while rendering therapeutic services and instruct them, their parents, teachers, and staff in understanding and dealing with disabilities and health proble