Physical Therapist

Northside Center for Child Development; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Northside Center for Child Development in New York City is seeking a Pediatric Physical Therapist to provide specialized services to children with disabilities. You will assess conditions, develop individualized plans, and collaborate with families and a multidisciplinary team to support mobility and well-being.

The role emphasizes hands-on therapy, family education, progress tracking, and coordination with schools. A DPT and active state licensure are required, CPP certification preferred.

Qualifications

• DPT required for practice.
• Active state licensure in New York or eligible.
• CPP certification preferred for pediatric PT.
• Experience with pediatric populations and rehabilitation goals.

Responsibilities

• Perform initial assessments to evaluate a child’s physical abilities and needs.
• Create individualized treatment plans based on developmental goals.
• Deliver targeted therapeutic exercises to improve mobility, strength, balance, and endurance.
• Educate families on exercises and home programs for continued progress.
• Track progress, revise plans, and coordinate with other providers.
• Collaborate with schools and community programs to extend therapy beyond sessions.
• Maintain compliance with privacy and safety standards.

Skills

Child development

Communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Empathy

Organization

Education

Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy (DPT)

Current state licensure as a Physical Therapist

Certification in Pediatric Physical Therapy (CPP)

Job description

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OBJECTIVES:

Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Physical Therapist will provide specialized physical therapy services to children with physical disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. The pediatric physical therapist will assess each child’s condition, develop and implement individualized treatment plans, and work to enhance mobility, reduce pain, and support overall physical development and well-being. This position involves close collaboration with children, their families, and a multidisciplinary team healthcare team to ensure effective care and continuous improvement progress monitoring.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform initial assessments to evaluate a child’s physical abilities, limitations, and therapeutic needs.
• Create Individualized treatment plans based on each child’s specific condition and developmental goals.
• Deliver targeted therapeutic exercises and interventions to enhance mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and endurance.
• Utilize specialized equipment and techniques to help children achieve their rehabilitation objectives.
• Educate and guide children and their families on exercise, activities, and strategies to support continued progress at home.
• Track and document progress, revise treatment plans as necessary, and coordinate with other healthcare providers involved in the child’s care.
• Partner with schools, community programs, and relevant resources to extend support beyond clinical therapy sessions.
• Maintain compliance with legal ethical standards, protect patient confidentiality, and ensure a safe, supportive therapy environment.

SPECIFIC SKILLS:

• Strong knowledge of child development, anatomy, physiology, and pediatric physical therapy treatment techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with children, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Compassionate, patient, and empathetic approach to patient care.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize competing tasks.
• Ability to adapt to changing environments and patient needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong clinical assessment, treatment planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, child-centered therapeutic care.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Commitment to working in a mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated personal ethics and values.
• Cross-team collaboration and cooperation
• Team player who works well with a diverse group of people

QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy (DPT).
• Current state licensure as a Physical Therapist.
• Certification in Pediatric Physical Therapy (CPP).
• Experience providing physical therapy services to children with a variety of physical disabilities, injuries, and medical conditions.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

$45.00 for a 30-minute Individual therapy session and $67.50 for a 30-minute group therapy session.

ABOUT NORTHSIDE

Northside Center for Child Development serves more than 5,500 children and families across New York City each year through high-quality, outcome-driven behavioral health, early childhood education, and enrichment services. With over $34 million in annual funding, Northside provides the comprehensive support children and families need to overcome adversity, build resilience, and pursue their dreams.

Founded in 1946 in Harlem, Northside has been a cornerstone of the community for eight decades, leading the way in integrating education and mental health to support children’s development. Several of Northside’s innovative programs were the first of their kind in Harlem, setting standards of care that continue to influence social service agencies throughout the United States today.

Northside’s founders, Drs. Kenneth B. and Mamie Phipps Clark, were renowned, pioneering psychologists whose groundbreaking research was instrumental in the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education landmark Supreme Court decision that declared school segregation unconstitutional. Their belief in the worth, dignity, and potential of every child continues to guide Northside’s mission and inspire its work today. Northside is driven by its vision and principle, \"Each Child…First Chance.\""