Licensed Physical Therapist

We are a private day and boarding school in northern Westchester County, serving the needs of an international coed population of children, adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum. Embark on a fulfilling career where your passion meets purpose...

If you’re passionate about working with and mentoring students on the Autism Spectrum --- Come join our team!

What are we looking for?

The Physical Therapist, under the guidance of the OT/PT program supervisor and the Clinical Director, delivers comprehensive therapeutic services to eligible autistic students with complex emotional-behavioral needs to enhance their access to the academic environment and maximize participation in activities within the day and residential school setting. The physical therapist is responsible for evaluating students and developing appropriate therapy programs that consider classroom routines and needed accommodations or adaptations. They employ a variety of strategies to address musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, or other physical impairments impacting students’ physical function and participation, such as exercises and manual therapy to assist body structures and functions, adapting physical tasks, adapting the classroom environment, recommending assistive devices, or training staff to carryover therapeutic strategies.   

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Assesses students using appropriate evaluation tools, such as standardized or informal tests, clinical observations, and review of medical and educational reports to determine the need for physical therapy intervention.  

• Develops and implements individualized therapy programs for qualifying students.  

• Documents screenings, evaluations, Individual Transdisciplinary Education Plan summaries, goals and objectives, quarterly progress reports, discharge summaries, visual supports related to physical therapy, and other data, as required.  

• Provides consultation with teachers and other staff members regarding student’s physical function within the day and residential school environment, and in-service training to assist with carryover of student’s therapeutic plans.   

• Consults with caregiver/s regarding students’ therapy programs.  

• Investigates and recommends types of equipment needed to meet student needs, such as vendor options, and provides justification. Adapts and maintains specialized equipment related to physical therapy within the school environment, and maintains records as required. 

• Maintains clinical and administrative records as required by program and governing body guidelines.  

• Performs other related work as required.  

Qualifications and Minimum Experience 

• Doctorate in Physical Therapy from an accredited Physical Therapy program (DPT) 

• Min 1-year pediatric experience working with students on the autism spectrum or developmental disabilities.  

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles and methods of physical therapy and their proper application in the educational environment.  

• Considerable knowledge of appropriate evaluation tools, therapeutic and adaptive equipment, and assistive technology.  

• Skills in adapting or designing equipment for individual needs. 

• Ability to screen, evaluate, develop and implement individualized programs, and provide require physical therapy services.  

• Ability to train others in simple therapy principles.  

• Ability to accuracy document sessions and progress.  

• Ability to maintain accurate records. 

• Effective communication skills (i.e. speaking, active listening and writing) to engage and develop relationships with a wide variety of students and staff.  

• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, remain organized, and maintain attention to detail.  

Salary: 90,000 to 120,000 per year

Physical Demands 

• Workday regularly includes multiple or conflicting demands, deadlines and time pressures; Work regularly requires sustained concentration.  

• Walking up and down stairs (building has 6 floors) or walking between buildings at a moment’s notice.  

• Supporting students to access therapeutic equipment, such as treadmills, scooters, swings, and stationary bicycles.  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work 

This is a calendar year, full-time position. Full-time staff work a traditional 40-hour work week. 

EEO Statement  

Shrub Oak International School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to apply for a job or to perform the essentials functions of his/her job. Please advise us if you require a reasonable accommodation.