Licensed Physical Therapist (Leave Replacement)

Shrub Oak International School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Reduced Cost Meals

Employee Assistance Program

Health, vision, dental, life insurance

Flexible spending account

Generous Paid Time Off

401k with company match

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Shrub Oak International School is looking for a dedicated Physical Therapist to join our clinical team located in New York. This role requires expertise in physical therapy assessment, the development of individualized therapy programs, and collaboration with various staff members.

Ideal candidates will have experience working with autistic children, demonstrating a commitment to their safety and quality of care. In addition to a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, experience in pediatric settings is essential. Our school environment supports teamwork and innovative practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of pediatric experience with individuals on the autism spectrum.
• Strong knowledge of physical therapy practices in educational or residential settings.
• Ability to develop, assess, and implement individualized treatment plans.

Responsibilities

• Conduct evaluations and monitor individualized therapy programs.
• Provide direct physical therapy services to enhance student mobility.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to support student needs.

Skills

Licensed Physical Therapist

Assessment and evaluation skills

Evidence-based therapy approaches

Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams

Documentation and clinical reporting

Education

Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT)

Tools

Adaptive equipment

Therapeutic crisis intervention techniques

Job description

Position

Physical Therapist

Compensation: $45‑$70

Department: Clinical

Employment Type: Exempt

Reports To: Physical Therapist Supervisor

Location: On Site

Company Overview

Shrub Oak International School (SOIS) is a therapeutic day and residential school for autistic children, adolescents, and young adults with complex co‑occurring conditions. Located in northern Westchester County, SOIS offers unparalleled educational opportunities for autistic students in a family‑centric, supportive environment. We offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of students across the spectrum, and our curriculum is based on the most advanced and successful evidence‑based clinical and academic approaches in ASD education.

As a school, SOIS maintains a smoke‑free environment to ensure the health and safety of our students, employees, and community. We are a residential boarding school located on a scenic 127‑acre campus, which includes multiple buildings and a working farm for student programming. The work environment will include both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Who We Are

SOIS is a community of dedicated professionals who work together to find meaning with and for our students. We strive to make every day memorable in positive ways and to manage students’ difficulties as a team. We are accountable, timely, and show up whenever needed to support our students and each other.

Core Principles

• We Care
• We are Innovative
• We are Collaborative
• We are Resourceful

Benefits

• Reduced Cost Meals every shift on site (All)
• Employee assistance program (EAP) (All)
• Insurance coverage: Health, vision, dental, life, supplemental and pet insurance (FT)
• Flexible spending account (FSA) (FT)
• Generous Paid time off (PTO) (FT & PT)
• 401k w/company match (FT)
• Tuition/Professional development assistance (FT)

Who You Are

• You have a passion for working with the autism population and ensuring the safety and well‑being of students and staff.
• You are a licensed physical therapist with experience supporting students with developmental, neuromuscular, and physical needs.
• You are skilled in conducting assessments and developing individualized therapy programs that support student access to academic and residential environments.
• You utilize evidence‑based, student‑centered approaches to improve mobility, strength, coordination, and functional independence.
• You are comfortable integrating therapeutic strategies into classroom, residential, and daily living routines.
• You collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams including clinicians, educators, residential staff, and families to support coordinated care.
• You are experienced in recommending and utilizing adaptive equipment and assistive technology to support student success.
• You remain calm, analytical, and solutions‑focused when supporting students with complex needs.
• You demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion when working with confidential student information.
• You are adaptable and able to manage responsibilities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• You get the job done and are capable of strategic thinking while simultaneously rolling up your sleeves to support students and staff.
• You have strong written communication skills, specifically involving documentation, progress notes, and clinical reporting.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct physical therapy evaluations using standardized tools, clinical observations, and review of medical and educational records.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized therapy programs to support student mobility, access, and participation.
• Provide direct physical therapy services using evidence-based and student-centered approaches.
• Adapt physical tasks, classroom environments, and daily routines to support student function and independence.
• Recommend and support the use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated and holistic student care across academic and residential settings.
• Provide consultation and training to staff to support carryover of therapeutic strategies.
• Collaborate with families and caregivers to ensure alignment of therapy goals across environments.
• Maintain accurate documentation including evaluations, treatment plans, progress reports, and discharge summaries.
• Support students in developing functional mobility, coordination, and independence across settings.
• Maintain clinical and administrative records in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Perform additional duties and participate in programming as needed.

Please note: This job description is not a comprehensive list of tasks or responsibilities. Specific assignments can change within the relevant field and training of your position, with or without notice.

Position Requirements

• Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from an accredited program required.
• Minimum of 1 year of pediatric experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities required.
• Strong knowledge of physical therapy principles and application within educational or residential settings.
• Experience with evaluation tools, therapeutic techniques, and adaptive equipment.
• Ability to assess, develop, and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including clinical documentation and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to train staff in therapeutic carryover techniques.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment while supporting students with complex needs.
• Ability to get TCIS trained and complete/maintain all required training.
• Due to the nature of work in supporting our students, all job description list the physical requirements for that position.
• Our campus consists of some paved areas but primarily consists of grass, gravel paths and parking lots. Additionally, many areas of our building are fully accessible, however, as a historic building some areas are only accessible by stairs.
• You must be able to ambulate around the campus, including hills, stairs, grass and gravel.
• Student Facing Positions:
  • Must be able to react and move quickly during student crisis, both for the safety of the student and for the staff.
  • Must be able to run across the campus and throughout the school to catch/monitor an eloping student, and/or to remove yourself from an unsafe situation.
  • You must be able to pass TCIS (Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training for Schools).
  • You must be able to bend, stretch, sit, stand, crouch or kneel for sustained periods of time if implementing a hold.
• Special Accommodations can be requested but will only be approved if the accommodation does not impact the ability to perform your position and it does not put yourself, a student, or any other staff member at risk of harm or injury.

Competencies

Clinical

• Physical therapy assessment and intervention
• Mobility, strength, and coordination development
• Treatment planning and functional goal setting
• Use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology
• Data collection and progress monitoring
• CPR
• First Aid

Behavioral

• Physical therapy assessment and intervention
• Mobility, strength, and coordination development
• Treatment planning and functional goal setting
• Use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology
• Data collection and progress monitoring
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training for Schools (TCIS)

Collaboration & Communication

• Interdisciplinary teamwork
• Family and caregiver communication
• Staff consultation
• Professional documentation and reporting

Safety & Compliance

• Confidentiality and ethical practice
• Adherence to clinical and regulatory standards
• Safe use of therapeutic equipment and environments
• TCIS and safety protocol implementation
• Accurate and timely documentation
• Mandated Reporter Training

EEO Statement

Shrub Oak is an equal employment opportunity employer. Shrub Oak International School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodation can be requested to enable individuals with disabilities to apply for a job or to perform the essential functions of their job. Requests may be approved if the position/department/school/students will not be adversely affected. Please advise us if you require a reasonable accommodation.