Physical Therapist

The School Association for Special Education in DuPage County; Illinois; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The School Association for Special Education in DuPage County is looking for a Physical Therapist to provide quality physical therapy services to students. The role involves assessment, intervention planning, and collaboration with educational teams to support student needs.

Applicants must hold a degree in Physical Therapy and an Illinois license, possess strong communication skills, and be knowledgeable about ethical practice in education. The position offers a 185-day work year with compensation determined by the SASED Board.

Qualifications

• Bachelor and/or Master’s and/or Doctoral degree in physical therapy from an approved program.
• Illinois State Physical Therapy license required.
• Strong management, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to independently seek resources and support.
• Knowledge of Physical Therapy Practice Guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Determining the need for assessment and providing strategies to support students.
• Collaborating with educational teams to develop IEPs.
• Implementing intervention plans and adapting materials to student needs.
• Writing reports effectively to communicate student progress.

Skills

Strong management skills

Written communication skills

Interpersonal communication skills

Knowledge of APTA Code of Ethics

Ability to work independently

Education

Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy

Illinois State Physical Therapy license

Job description

• Position Type: Certified/Licensed/Physical Therapist
• Date Posted: 5/18/2026
• Location: Various locations in DuPage County
• Date Available: 08/05/2026
• Closing Date: 06/15/2026

Title

Physical Therapist

Reports To

OT and PT Coordinator

Job Goal

Provide quality physical therapy services, including assessment, intervention, program planning and implementation, discharge planning and communication. Service provision includes both direct and consultative approaches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor and/or Master’s and/or Doctoral degree in physical therapy from a program approved by the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association)
• Illinois State Physical Therapy license from Department of Professional Regulations
• Strong management, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and seek appropriate resources and support
• Have knowledge and understanding of the Physical Therapy Practice Guidelines.
• Function according to the APTA Code of Ethics (HOD 06-00-12-23) and Standards of Practice (HOD S06-03-9-10)
• Have knowledge of basic theory‑based treatments and modalities appropriate in the educational setting including current evidence‑based research
• Understand special education process and the role of the physical therapist to provide a continuum of services

Duties and Responsibilities

• Determine the need for assessment and/or provide educational team with strategies and recommendations to support a student prior to special education referral
• Identify and utilize appropriate tools and methods for assessment/evaluation
• Collaborate/consult with educational team to determine student need areas/priorities and goal/outcomes to be addressed when developing IEPs
• Develop intervention plans including present level of performance, measurable goals, appropriate therapeutic priorities and methods to achieve stated goals
• Implement the intervention plan directly or in collaboration with other team members
• Adapt environment, tools, materials and activities according to the need of the student, providing clear directions to team
• Embed appropriate interventions and strategies into naturally occurring routines and activities of the student's school day, providing clear directions to ensure carryover into student day and safe physical management of student
• Reassess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and strategies, modifying plan as needed
• Use report cards and annual review documents to communicate student progress, therapeutic methods and their effectiveness
• Write reports effectively, communicating the critical information succinctly and thoroughly
• Use appropriate data collection instrument(s) and methods to accurately gather information needed to determine student progress and response to interventions
• Terminate services as appropriate using exit guidelines in collaboration with educational team
• Follow policies and procedures required in the setting
• Manage resources (time/space/equipment) to meet needs of student and/or team
• Demonstrate timely and consistent follow‑through with paperwork, referrals, reports, logs, and other team requests/needs
• Organize and manage schedule to meet the needs of students and building/program teams. Be on time for workday and meetings
• Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with professionals and paraprofessionals demonstrating professional behavior at all times
• Establish a climate enabling students to work efficiently
• Demonstrate leadership qualities (mentoring, in‑service training, serving on committees, participating in professional organizations, supervision of assistants and students)
• Achieve and maintain high standards of professional competence. Identify and pursue own professional growth and development

Examines ethical dilemmas using ethical reasoning to guide decisions and actions and reflects on the results

Terms of Employment

185‑day work year at compensation set by the SASED Board of Control.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated annually for the first four years by the OT and PT Coordinator. After four satisfactory evaluations, evaluations will take place every other year in accordance with the SASED Board of Control policy.