Memphis Metro - Physical Therapist

Thrive Therapies; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Thrive Therapies is seeking a licensed School-based Physical Therapist to support K-12 students with disabilities in the educational setting. You will evaluate gross motor function, develop IEP-related PT goals, implement evidence-based therapies, and collaborate with teachers, OTs, SLPs, and families to maximize mobility and participation during the school day.

You will participate in IDEA processes, prepare evaluation reports, attend eligibility meetings, and contribute to access to education

Qualifications

• Knowledge of IDEA and IEP processes.
• Ability to write evaluation reports and eligibility determinations.
• Strong collaboration with school teams (OTs, SLPs, teachers).
• Experience delivering PT services in educational settings.

Responsibilities

• Deliver school-based PT services to K-12 students with disabilities.
• Evaluate gross motor function and mobility; write IEP-related PT goals.
• Provide direct therapy using evidence-based approaches (NDT, gait training, strengthening).
• Recommend adaptive equipment and train students, families, and staff in proper use.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support access and participation in school.

Skills

IEP collaboration

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Evidence-based PT approaches

Family communication

Education

DPT or MPT from an accredited physical therapy program

Job description

WHY THRIVE THERAPIES

School-based PTs are essential to student mobility, independence, and full participation in school life - yet many practice without adequate consultation time, peer support, or workloads aligned to best practice.

WHY THRIVE THERAPIES

School-based PTs are essential to student mobility, independence, and full participation in school life - yet many practice without adequate consultation time, peer support, or workloads aligned to best practice.

Thrive partners with districts that value physical therapy as integral to educational access. You'll work in environments where your expertise in gross motor development, mobility, and functional capacity is sought at the IEP level and embedded throughout the school day - not limited to isolated sessions.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Thrive PT you will deliver school-based physical therapy services to students K-12 whose disabilities affect their ability to access and navigate the educational environment. Working within the educational model, you will evaluate gross motor function, recommend adaptive equipment, write IEP goals, and collaborate with interdisciplinary school teams. You are a full member of the community.

EVALUATION & ELIGIBILITY

• Conduct comprehensive PT evaluations to determine educational need and IDEA eligibility, including assessment of gross motor skills, functional mobility, gait, balance, coordination, and physical access to the school environment
• Administer and interpret standardized assessment tools (GMFM, BOTMP, PDMS-2, and others) as appropriate to the referral
• Write evaluation reports that are clinically rigorous, educationally framed, and accessible to IEP team members and families
• Participate in eligibility determination meetings and translate PT findings for educational planning purposes
• Conduct re-evaluations (triennials) in accordance with IDEA timelines

IEP DEVELOPMENT & SERVICE DELIVERY

• Develop individualized PT IEP goals targeting functional mobility, gross motor skill development, and physical participation in educational activities
• Deliver direct individual therapy sessions using evidence-based PT approaches including NDT, motor learning principles, gait training, and strengthening programs
• Evaluate for and recommend adaptive equipment - including wheelchairs, walkers, orthotics, and positioning devices - and train students, staff, and families in their proper use
• Provide consultative services to teachers and paraprofessionals on physical access accommodations and safe transfer and mobility support techniques
• Maintain accurate, timely service logs and progress notes - supported by Thrive's AI documentation tools

COLLABORATION & ENVIRONMENTAL ACCESS

• Partner with OTs, SLPs, BCBAs, school psychologists, and special education teachers on integrated, student-centered IEP teams
• Collaborate with school facilities and administration on accessibility modifications when indicated by student need
• Train teachers, paraprofessionals, and families on safe handling, mobility support, and transfer techniques
• Coordinate with occupational therapists on overlapping motor, positioning, and adaptive equipment goals
• Contribute to RTI/MTSS by providing universal gross motor screening and physical access consultation

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• DPT or MPT from an accredited physical therapy program
• NPTE board exam passage; active state PT license in good standing, or documented initiation of licensure transfer prior to start date
• Knowledge of IDEA, IEP process, and the educational model of PT

PREFERRED

• 1+ years of school-based PT experience
• Training in NDT, motor learning theory, or pediatric PT specialty frameworks
• Experience with adaptive equipment evaluation and recommendation
• Experience serving students with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or acquired motor disabilities