Tacoma, WA - Physical Therapist

Pho Prime, LLC; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Thrive Therapies Group in Tacoma, WA is seeking a school-based physical therapist to support K-12 students within the educational model. You will assess gross motor function, develop IEP goals, and collaborate with teachers and specialists to enable participation and accessibility in the classroom.

Responsibilities include conducting evaluations, writing reports, delivering therapy, and advising on adaptive equipment, with emphasis on family and staff training for functional mobility across

Qualifications

• Knowledge of IDEA and IEP processes in educational PT.
• Experience collaborating with school teams and educators.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive PT evaluations to determine educational need and IDEA eligibility, including gross motor assessment.
• Write evaluation reports and participate in eligibility meetings.
• Develop individualized PT IEP goals targeting functional mobility and participation in school activities.
• Deliver direct therapy sessions using evidence-based PT approaches.
• Evaluate and recommend adaptive equipment and train students, staff, and families in proper use.
• Collaborate with OTs, SLPs, and other specialists on integrated IEP teams.

Skills

IEP knowledge

Collaborative teamwork

Communication with families

Education

DPT or MPT

NPTE exam

Active state PT license

Job description

Tacoma, WA - Physical Therapist Thrive Therapies Group

Address Tacoma, WA

Description

WHY THRIVE THERAPIES

School-based PTs are essential to student mobility, independence, and full participation in school life - yet many practice without adequate consultation time, peer support, or workloads aligned to best practice.

Thrive partners with districts that value physical therapy as integral to educational access. You'll work in environments where your expertise in gross motor development, mobility, and functional capacity is sought at the IEP level and embedded throughout the school day - not limited to isolated sessions.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Thrive PT you will deliver school-based physical therapy services to students K-12 whose disabilities affect their ability to access and navigate the educational environment. Working within the educational model, you will evaluate gross motor function, recommend adaptive equipment, write IEP goals, and collaborate with interdisciplinary school teams. You are a full member of the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

EVALUATION & ELIGIBILITY

Conduct comprehensive PT evaluations to determine educational need and IDEA eligibility, including assessment of gross motor skills, functional mobility, gait, balance, coordination, and physical access to the school environment

Administer and interpret standardized assessment tools (GMFM, BOTMP, PDMS-2, and others) as appropriate to the referral

Write evaluation reports that are clinically rigorous, educationally framed, and accessible to IEP team members and families

Participate in eligibility determination meetings and translate PT findings for educational planning purposes

Conduct re-evaluations (triennials) in accordance with IDEA timelines

IEP DEVELOPMENT & SERVICE DELIVERY

Develop individualized PT IEP goals targeting functional mobility, gross motor skill development, and physical participation in educational activities

Deliver direct individual therapy sessions using evidence-based PT approaches including NDT, motor learning principles, gait training, and strengthening programs

Evaluate for and recommend adaptive equipment - including wheelchairs, walkers, orthotics, and positioning devices - and train students, staff, and families in their proper use

Provide consultative services to teachers and paraprofessionals on physical access accommodations and safe transfer and mobility support techniques

Maintain accurate, timely service logs and progress notes - supported by Thrive’s AI documentation tools

COLLABORATION & ENVIRONMENTAL ACCESS

Partner with OTs, SLPs, BCBAs, school psychologists, and special education teachers on integrated, student-centered IEP teams

Collaborate with school facilities and administration on accessibility modifications when indicated by student need

Train teachers, paraprofessionals, and families on safe handling, mobility support, and transfer techniques

Coordinate with occupational therapists on overlapping motor, positioning, and adaptive equipment goals

Contribute to RTI/MTSS by providing universal gross motor screening and physical access consultation

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

DPT or MPT from an accredited physical therapy program

NPTE board exam passage; active state PT license in good standing, or documented initiation of licensure transfer prior to start date

Knowledge of IDEA, IEP process, and the educational model of PT

PREFERRED

1+ years of school-based PT experience

Training in NDT, motor learning theory, or pediatric PT specialty frameworks

Experience with adaptive equipment evaluation and recommendation

Experience serving students with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or acquired motor disabilities