SY 2526 Physical Therapist

KIPP Columbus; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

KIPP Columbus is seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist to support students' physical development and accessibility within the school environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in school-based therapy, strong communication skills, and a commitment to student success. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with staff to integrate therapy goals. Join a mission-driven team focused on empowering students with physical challenges.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Group Term Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience as a school-based Physical Therapist.
• Active Ohio Physical Therapy License required.
• Experience with IEP goals and progress monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Provide direct therapy services and collaborate with school staff.
• Ensure compliance with ADA and IDEA regulations.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Adaptability

Child Development Knowledge

Education

Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy

Job description

Job Description

The Physical Therapist will be licensed by the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and by the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board with a minimum of 1 year experience as a school-based Physical Therapist. A summary of responsibilities include, but not limited to:

● Conduct assessments to determine students' gross motor skills, functional mobility, and access to the school environment.

● Evaluate the impact of physical impairments on students’ ability to participate in educational activities.

● Develop and update individualized education program (IEP) goals based on evaluations.

● Design and implement individualized treatment plans to address motor skill development, mobility, posture, and functional independence.

● Provide direct therapy services, including exercises, activities, and techniques to improve physical functioning.

● Support students in using assistive devices, adaptive equipment, and mobility aids as needed.

● Work with teachers, parents, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other school staff to integrate therapy goals into the classroom and daily activities.

● Provide recommendations for accommodations, modifications, and accessibility within the school environment.

● Participate in IEP meetings to discuss student progress and therapy plans.

● Assess and recommend modifications to the school environment to improve accessibility and safety for students with physical disabilities.

● Collaborate with school staff to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other relevant guidelines

● Maintain accurate records of evaluations, treatment plans, progress notes, and services provided.

● Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

requirements.

● Prepare reports and documentation for IEP meetings and progress monitoring

● Provide training to school staff on safe handling, positioning, and transferring techniques for students with physical disabilities.

● Stay informed about advancements in physical therapy techniques, adaptive equipment, and best practices in school-based therapy.

● Educate students and families on exercises, activities, and strategies to improve motor function and independence.

● Serve as a resource for families regarding community programs, equipment, and other supports for students with physical challenges

In addition, the Physical Therapist may supervise a Physical Therapy Assistant, which includes:

● Ensuring that the he PTA is licensed by the OTPTAT Board and ODEW

● Ensuring that the PTA performs only tasks within their scope of practice and that these tasks align with the PT's plan of care for the student

● Providing direction and oversight for the PTA’s work and make all final decisions regarding the student
● Providing adequate supervision based on the needs of student, the complexity of the care, and the PTA’s experience
● Documenting the supervision provided to the PTA, including any instructions, plan modifications, or evaluations performed

Qualifications:
Qualifications

● Minimum of 1 year experience as a school-based Physical Therapist
● Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program
● Active Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Pupil Services License as an Physical Therapist
● Active Ohio Physical Therapy License issued by the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board
● Experience in analyzing student data and using data to inform the development of specialized services
● Experience conducting ETR evaluations and writing IEP goals as well as progress monitoring
● Ability to manage caseload effectively and adapt to diverse student needs
● Ability to lift, transfer, and position students as needed
● Capability to perform physical activities such as bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods
● Dexterity and strength to demonstrate therapy exercises and operate adaptive equipment
● Ability to persevere with a sense of optimism, strong problem solving skills, and desire to learn and grow in a collaborative professional learning community
● Willingness, and commitment, to go above and beyond to prove the possible with students.
● Ability to multi-task and work within an ambiguous, fast-moving, start-up environment, while driving toward clarity and solutions
● Excellent communication and collaboration skills
● Strong knowledge of child development, sensory integration, and evidence-based practices
● Extreme flexibility, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate high levels of responsibility and multiple priorities
● Model the values of KIPP Columbus (Imagine, Navigate, Seek, Persevere, Integrity, Responsibility, and Empathy)
● Travel may be required

Additional Information

** Compensation and Benefits**
KIPP Columbus offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit plan including medical and dental insurance, as well as group term life insurance, retirement plan and paid time off.

** Statement of Non-Disclosure**

KIPP Columbus is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying to the school for consideration of any position (admission, employment, etc.). KIPP Columbus does not discriminate on the basis of disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity,
religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 4112.02 of
the Ohio Revised Code.