Physical Therapist

Howard County Public School System; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

Howard County Public School System is seeking a Physical Therapist to provide therapy services for students requiring special education accommodations. This role involves assessing functional mobility needs, collaborating with educational teams, and implementing therapeutic interventions.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy and hold a State of Maryland PT License. A commitment to promoting student independence and safety in the educational environment is essential.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a school-based setting or Infants and Toddlers Program required.
• Must maintain accurate documentation of services.
• Collaboration with students, families, and school teams is essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments to determine school-based mobility deficits.
• Collaborate on student care plans with various stakeholders.
• Implement and monitor therapeutic interventions.

Skills

Knowledge of Gross Motor Development

Knowledge of skilled Physical Therapy interventions

Knowledge of evidence-based practices

Knowledge of durable medical equipment options

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy

Active State of Maryland Physical Therapy License

Job description

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Coordinator of Countywide Services and Principal, provides Physical Therapy (PT) services in a direct or consultative manner for students in Howard County Public Schools who have been found eligible for special education and related services and/or accommodations through the IEP or 504 process. All Physical Therapy services are provided in compliance with Federal, State, and District laws, policies, and procedures. HCPSS PTs collaborate with students, families, and school teams to promote students accessing their educational environment and participating in all school activities in the least restrictive environment with students' maximal independence.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher (PhD preferred) in Physical Therapy from an accredited university.
• Active State of Maryland Physical Therapy License or eligibility for MD PT License.
• National Provider Identifier (NPI) issued by CMS NPPES and active enrollment in Maryland Medicaid.
• Two years of experience working in a school-based setting or in an Infants and Toddlers Program.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physical therapy (PT) assessment to determine school based functional mobility deficits and the need for school-based PT services.
• Interpret and report results of PT assessments verbally and in writing through the IEP and/or 504 process.
• Work with school-based teams to provide training to help ensure safety for students and staff with all transfers and mobility within the school environment.
• Develop PT care plans, including goals and objectives, in collaboration with students, families, other related service providers, teachers, and paraprofessionals, and other IEP or 504 team members.
• Implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions to address students' functional mobility needs within the school environment.
• Monitor students' progress toward all functional mobility goals and objectives.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, IEP meetings, 504 meetings, team meetings, and conversations with family to contribute to students' educational outcomes and inclusion in school activities.
• Collaborate with all members of 504 and/or IEP teams including student, family members, transportation providers, and HCPSS employees to implement strategies, provide training, procure appropriate durable medical equipment, and remove barriers so that students may access all aspects of their educational environment.
• Maintain accurate and data filled documentation of PT assessments, progress notes, treatment notes/service logs, treatment plans, monthly reassessments, in compliance with regulatory and HCPSS standards.
• Serve as Service Coordinator and/or other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Gross Motor Development.
• Knowledge of skilled Physical Therapy interventions for the pediatric population.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices for Physical Therapy intervention.
• Knowledge of durable medical equipment options and their intended uses.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local law regulation provision of Physical Therapy services.

Application Requirements

Complete applications must be submitted; once submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Employment Information

This position may be a 10‑month or 11‑month per year position in the Howard County Educators Association (HCEA) employee bargaining unit. Salary will be on the Related Services Provider salary scale, with placement according to the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA Master Agreement, which considers education and relevant prior experience. The position is exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates must provide references from current and recent supervisors. All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review. Some positions require a physical examination and/or drug testing. Any offered employee must provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E‑Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [e-mail]. HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.