Physical Therapist

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan Options

Pension Plans

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Job summary

A major educational organization in Chicago is seeking a Physical Therapist to provide services to students with disabilities. The role involves evaluating students, collaborating on individualized education plans, and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Candidates must have a degree in physical therapy from an accredited program and hold an active Illinois license. The position offers a range of health and wellness benefits and requires residency in Illinois within six months of hiring.

Qualifications

• Must hold a current, active Illinois license to practice physical therapy.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate findings effectively to parents and teams.
• 40 hours of continuing education required every renewal cycle.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate students through professional observation and interviews.
• Collaborate with the school team for Individualized Education Programs.
• Document all PT services provided in a timely manner.

Skills

Collect, analyze, and interpret data

Strong oral communication skills

Strong written communication skills

Education

Entry-level bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in physical therapy

Job description

Posting Date: Jan 2, 2026, 12:44:33 PM

Primary Location: Central-42 West Madison Street (Ofc Students w/Disab-RSP)

Position Type: Union Position

Overtime Status: Exempt

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world‑class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student‑centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high‑quality public education that prepares students for success.

Job Summary

Reporting to the RSP Manager, PT/OT, the PT’s role in education is to enable children with disabilities to benefit from special education instruction in the least restrictive environment. The school PT develops, implements, and coordinates a physical therapy program through evaluation and intervention services, including direct services to the child and consultative services on behalf of the child, such as support of the teacher and/or other staff members.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews.
• Interpret assessment findings and appropriately communicate information to parents and school teams through written and oral means.
• Collaborate with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans to address the students’ unique needs.
• Develop and implement individualized PT intervention strategies.
• Collaborate with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding effective coordination of services.
• Collaborate with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding transition from school to community, preparing students to function independently when outlined outcomes are achieved.
• Document all PT services provided within a timely manner as outlined by the Office for Students with Disabilities.
• Evaluate and document student progress in accordance with the IL PT Practice Act as well as school district, State and Federal policies.
• Address needs for assistive technology, equipment, transportation, accessibility, environmental accommodations, and emergency evacuation for students with disabilities as required.
• Seek regular opportunities for professional growth.
• Participate in clinical educational opportunities for students of physical therapy.
• Adhere to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Provide direct supervision of physical therapy assistants in accordance with Illinois’ Physical Therapy Practice Act.

Qualifications

• Education Required: Entry‑level bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in physical therapy from an accredited program approved by the APTA.
• Licensure: The PT must pass the national physical therapy licensure examination and hold a current, active Illinois license to practice issued by the IL Department of Professional Regulations. The license must be renewed every two years and the PT must complete 40 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle. A valid physician’s referral is required to provide PT services.
• Experience Required: Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data as part of a consultative, collaborative team. Strong oral and written communication skills to maintain accurate, timely electronic records.

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work‑Life Balance

CPS values the well‑being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies.

Employment Requirement

As a condition of employment with CPS, employees are required to establish and maintain Chicago residency within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part‑time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

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