Physical Therapist - Special Ed Local Plan Area (2026-27)

Young World Physical Education; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is hiring a Physical Therapist for the Oakland Unified School District, focusing on providing therapy services for exceptional children. This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy, relevant experience, and valid licensure. Responsibilities include assessing students, planning treatment, and collaborating with IEP teams. The salary ranges from $88,949.50 to $119,200 monthly. This role is currently limited to internal candidates for the first 5 days after posting.

Qualifications

• Experience working with students in an occupational therapy or educational setting preferred.
• Valid first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificates required.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessment, consultation, and direct occupational therapy services.
• Plan and implement physical therapy treatment for eligible students.
• Monitor and evaluate equipment needs.

Skills

Communication skills

Therapeutic skills

Team collaboration

Assessment skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy

Valid California Board of Physical Therapy License

Job description

Physical Therapist – Special Ed Local Plan Area (2026–27)

Oakland Unified School District Programs for Exceptional Children (PEC) – Oakland, California.

Job Details

Job ID: 5705892

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: May 11, 2026 7:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 6, 2026

Job Description

IN-HOUSE VACANCY – INTERNAL CANDIDATE ONLY: Due to union restrictions, this position is only available to current employees of this school district for the first 5 days following the posted date. Applications submitted by job seekers not currently employed by the school district will not be considered during this time period.

Title: Physical Therapist

Reports To: Assigned Supervisor

Department: As Assigned

Classification: Classified

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Work Year/Hours: 186 Days/7.5 Hours, or duty days/hours as assigned

Issued: Created: June 2007; Revised: May 2010; December 2016

Salary Grade: WTCL 64 with Bachelors; WTCL 65 with Masters or Doctorate

Basic Function: Under the direction of assigned supervisor, provide assessment, consultation, and direct occupational therapy services to eligible students enrolled in or referred to special education programs.

Representative Duties (Essential Functions)

• Plan and implement physical therapy treatment for eligible students; evaluate educationally related physical disabilities and functional limitations; implement direct care and therapeutic programs; monitor and adjust individual programs.
• Prepare written evaluations, maintain records and reports concerning individual students; review relevant reports.
• Communicate daily with students, parents, school staff, and/or administrators; communicate as needed with physicians and medical/therapy personnel regarding student’s educationally-related therapy.
• Consult with the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Teams/Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) Teams regarding the students’ disabilities/physical limitations to extend therapeutic activities to the classroom and home environments.
• Monitor and evaluate equipment needs; order and adjust equipment to assist in the increased function of students and the prevention of deformity.
• Visit students’ educational environments to assess adaptive equipment needs to allow eligible individuals to participate in educationally-relevant activities.
• Develop and evaluate programs and procedures for occupational therapy, assessment, and services; review therapy goals for students, recommend adjustments as appropriate for students’ IEPs/IFSPs.
• Serve as District liaison with agencies, schools and other organizations to coordinate related communication and services. Attend and participate in District-approved staff conferences, meetings and in-service training.
• Attend clinics for inter-agency coordination of services.
• Operate and maintain a variety of therapeutic equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The District determines whether a candidate is qualified based on fulfillment of prerequisites, relevant work experience, ability to perform the essential functions, reference checks, effective interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated by interview performance and/or writing samples, and achievement on performance-based assessments (if applicable) that demonstrate the candidate possesses the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. Meeting prerequisites only satisfies the initial screening process and does not indicate the candidate is qualified to perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge Of

• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures governing assigned area
• Methods to interpret apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• Principles, methods, equipment and techniques of occupational therapy
• Principles of neurology, anatomy, neuroanatomy, and physiology
• Safety precautions including hazards associated with client‑specific activities
• Methods, materials, and equipment used to alter existing or to fabricate specialized equipment
• Problems and concerns of students with special needs
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• First‑aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques and universal precautions

Ability To

• Implement applicable laws, codes, policies, procedures, and District regulations governing work scope
• Maintain current knowledge of related technological advances applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, procedures and District regulations related to workscope
• Evaluate physical functions and the developmental levels of students
• Determine and evaluate treatment plans
• Operate therapeutic equipment
• Monitor and evaluate equipment needs
• Order and adjust adaptive devices
• Understand and relate to students with special needs and their caregivers
• Organize, coordinate, and prioritize a variety of activities, programs, and services
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action
• Prepare and deliver clear and concise presentations to a variety of audiences
• Communicate effectively using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing
• Understand and follow oral and written directions
• Work independently
• Meet schedules and timelines
• Maintain accurate and confidential records
• Work cooperatively
• Perform first‑aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Operate personal computer, related software, and other office equipment

Prerequisites

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school or related fields.
• Experience working with students in an occupational therapy or educational setting preferred.
• Valid California Board of Physical Therapy License
• Valid first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificates
• Complete District’s training on universal precautions
• Valid California Driver’s License

Pre‑Employment Process

Employment eligibility will include fingerprints, tuberculosis and/or other employment clearance.

Working Conditions

Environment

Physical therapy services environment, classroom setting, and student’s homes; driving a vehicle to conduct work; flexible schedules; constant interruptions; potential contact with blood and other body fluids and communicable diseases.

Physical Requirements

Consistent mental alertness; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects up to 30 pounds, occasionally 30+ pounds; bending and twisting at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; dexterity of both hands and fingers while performing duties; seeing to read, write and use the computer; hearing and speaking to exchange information, in person or on the telephone, and make presentations.

Non‑Discrimination Policy

The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.

Position Type

Position Type: per FTE

Salary

Salary: $88,949.50 to $119,200 Monthly

Job Requirements

• Postgraduate Certificate degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.