Physical Therapist

Onward Education; Illinois; On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits package

Professional development

Job summary

Onward Search Education (Onward Education) is hiring a part-time School Physical Therapist for the 2026-2027 year in Cook County, Illinois. The role is in-person across one to two school sites with a caseload of 10-15 students.

Start ASAP, part-time schedule, school-year 2026/2027. Responsibilities include assessments, therapy implementation, progress data collection, IEP-aligned plans, and collaboration with families and educators to promote access and participation.

Qualifications

• Active Illinois PT license required.
• Graduate degree from accredited PT program.
• Experience with pediatric populations or school-based settings preferred.
• Knowledge of IEP procedures and related service documentation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physical assessments and develop therapy plans within the school setting.
• Provide direct physical therapy services to improve gross motor skills, mobility, and coordination.
• Collect data and document progress toward IEP goals, adjusting interventions as needed.
• Collaborate with families, teachers, and related service providers to support student success.
• Recommend adaptive equipment and environmental modifications to enhance access and participation.
• Support students across district sites with consistent, quality therapy services.

Skills

Pediatric therapy

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Education

PT degree

Job description

Onward Search Education is a specialized education staffing and talent solutions company that helps educators, therapists, and school health professionals find top jobs with the nation's top schools. We're partnering with a school district in Cook County, Illinois to hire a dedicated Physical Therapist for the 2026-2027 school year. This is a part-time, district-wide opportunity supporting students across one to two school sites with a caseload of approximately 10-15 students.

As a School Physical Therapist, you'll support students with physical disabilities, motor challenges, and mobility needs by conducting assessments, developing and implementing therapy plans, providing direct therapy services, monitoring progress toward IEP goals, and collaborating with educational teams to help students access and participate fully in their school environment.

Position Details

• Start Date: ASAP
• Location: In-Person
• Schedule: Part-time
• School Year: 2026/2027

Responsibilities

• Conduct physical and functional evaluations to assess students’ motor abilities, strength, posture, balance, and mobility needs within the school setting.
• Develop and implement individualized therapy plans aligned with IEP goals and educational needs.
• Provide direct physical therapy services to improve gross motor skills, mobility, coordination, balance, strength, and functional independence.
• Collect data and document student progress toward IEP goals, adjusting interventions as needed.
• Recommend adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, and mobility supports to enhance student access and participation.
• Collaborate and communicate with families, teachers, special education staff, and other related service providers to support student success.

Qualifications

• Active Illinois Physical Therapist (PT) license required.
• Graduate degree from an accredited Physical Therapy program.
• Experience working with pediatric populations and/or in a school-based setting preferred.
• Knowledge of special education procedures, IEP development, and related service documentation.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary educational team.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay and benefits package.
• Access to a wide network of schools and districts for diverse placement options.
• Streamlined hiring process to get you started quickly.
• Ongoing communication and advocacy throughout your placement.
• Personalized support from dedicated recruiting professionals.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

Why Apply

If you're passionate about creating positive change and supporting students' success, this is the opportunity for you! Work alongside a dedicated team of educators and support staff, helping students reach their full potential.

Employer Details

• Onward Search is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in an employment with regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state and local laws and ordinances. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• Onward Search is unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp or Independent Contractor arrangements at this time. All freelancers will be paid as W2 employees.
• Onward Search offers medical, dental, vision benefits, as well as a 401k program, for all eligible full-time temporary assignments.
• Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.
• Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing, and technology. Our clients are continuously turning to us to fill their open positions. Therefore, there is no application deadline for this position, as we are seeking candidates for this type of role across all our clients on an ongoing basis.