Physical Therapist - Abilities First Educational Learning Center in New Windsor, NY

Abilities First • New Windsor, NY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Abilities First is seeking a patient, energetic, and passionate Physical Therapist for its Educational Learning Experience program in New Windsor, New York. The position supports school-age children as part of an interdisciplinary team. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for 35 hours per week and 48 weeks per year, including a six-week summer program. The listed pay ranges are $85,008–$86,009 for a Physical Therapist with a master’s degree and $102,009–$104,009 for a Physical Therapist with a DPT.

The Physical Therapist evaluates students and referrals, establishes and monitors treatment goals, and provides direct therapy. The role includes coordinating care and schedules with classroom staff and related service personnel; maintaining required documentation; assessing and recommending equipment; communicating with families and colleagues; and instructing others in positioning, mobility, transfers, and treatment carryover. The therapist may supervise Physical Therapy Assistants and affiliating student physical therapists, participate in meetings and conferences, contribute to staff training, and attend CSE annual reviews as requested.

The position requires adherence to professional practice and ethics standards, agency policies, safety practices, training requirements, and the NYS DSP Core Competencies. Physical demands include lifting and maneuvering individuals and pushing and pulling students in wheelchairs, with or without reasonable accommodation. The role also requires English verbal and written communication skills for regulatory documentation.

Requirements

• Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited school.
• Licensed with the New York State Department of Education.
• Clean driver’s license deemed acceptable by the agency’s insurance carrier.
• Ability to obtain required certifications, including Handle with Care, CPR, SFA, and Medication Certification.
• Successful background check by NYS OPWDD.
• Ability to lift and maneuver individuals.
• Ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn at the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• English verbal and written communication skills sufficient for regulatory documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Handle with Care certification.
• CPR certification.
• SFA certification.
• Medication Certification.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate students on the assigned caseload and determine appropriate long- and short-term program goals.
• Evaluate new referrals to determine the need for service and appropriate level of service.
• Provide direct treatment to students on the assigned caseload.
• Schedule the assigned caseload in coordination with classroom staff and other related services.
• Submit written documentation according to school and preschool policies, agency forms, content requirements, and deadlines.
• Reassess student progress periodically and adjust goals as necessary.
• Assess students’ equipment needs in collaboration with clinical and educational staff.
• Recommend, fabricate, and adapt equipment for the assigned caseload in accordance with agency policies, with assistance from the equipment technician as indicated.
• Communicate regularly with parents, classroom staff, and related service personnel about students’ programs and progress.
• Instruct parents, classroom staff, and related service personnel in positioning, lifting and carrying, ambulation, transfers, and activities that support treatment-goal carryover.
• Inform appropriate staff and parents or primary caregivers when a child needs periodic reassessment by a physician.
• Participate in staff meetings, team meetings, and parent/teacher conferences as indicated.
• Supervise Physical Therapy Assistants as assigned by administrative staff through weekly meetings.
• Train and supervise affiliating student physical therapists, as assigned, on department policy, professional conduct, evaluation, and treatment.
• Attend CSE annual reviews as requested and provide input on a child’s therapy needs in the educational setting.
• Assist with maintenance of treatment sites.
• Provide department in-service training when indicated.
• Adhere to APTA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and demonstrate proficiency in NYS DSP Core Competencies.
• Keep required trainings and certifications current and seek additional support or training when needed.
• Follow the agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Perform other appropriate job-related activities as requested by a supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Benefits

• Personal and sick time, with additional paid time off in accordance with the school calendar.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement savings plan options.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Access to Free Will.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Career development training opportunities.
• On Demand Pay, with access to earnings as early as the next day.
• Staff appreciation events, employee awards, team celebrations, and ongoing recognition of exceptional performance and service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time