Physical Therapist

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist (PT) works in the educational setting to help students with disabilities benefit from special education instruction in the least restrictive environment. Reporting to the RSP Manager, PT/OT, the PT develops, implements, and coordinates physical therapy programs through evaluation and intervention services. This includes direct services to students and consultative support for teachers and other staff. The PT works collaboratively with students, families, school teams, administrators, physicians, and community agencies to address students’ individual needs, coordinate services, and support transitions from school to the community. The role also includes documenting services and student progress, addressing accessibility and equipment needs, pursuing professional growth, supporting clinical education for physical therapy students, and supervising physical therapy assistants in accordance with Illinois law. CPS offers health and wellness coverage, financial and retirement options, and paid leave programs. Employees must live within Chicago’s geographic boundaries within six months of hire and maintain residency while employed; the Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary or part-time positions, though all CPS employees must reside in Illinois.

Requirements

Entry-level bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in physical therapy from an accredited physical therapy program approved by the APTA.
Pass the national physical therapy licensure examination.
Hold a current and active Illinois license to practice, issued by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation.
Renew the Illinois license every two years by September 30 of each even-numbered year and complete 40 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, as required by the Illinois PT Practice Act.
A valid physician’s referral is required before providing physical therapy services.
Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data as a member of a consultative and collaborative professional team.
Strong oral and written communication skills to support accurate and timely entries in the district’s electronic database.
Meet the Chicago residency requirement within six months of hire and maintain residency throughout employment, unless employed in a temporary or part-time position; all CPS employees must reside in Illinois.

Responsibilities

Evaluate students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and interviews with parents, students, and teachers.
Interpret assessment findings and communicate information to parents and school teams in writing and orally.
Collaborate with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans addressing students’ needs.
Develop and implement individualized physical therapy intervention strategies.
Coordinate services with students, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians.
Collaborate on students’ transitions from school to the community, preparing them to function independently when outlined outcomes are achieved.
Document physical therapy services in a timely manner according to Office for Students with Disabilities guidelines.
Evaluate and document student progress in accordance with the Illinois PT Practice Act and applicable district, state, and federal policies.
Address students’ assistive technology, equipment, transportation, accessibility, environmental accommodation, and emergency evacuation needs through collaboration with school staff.
Seek regular opportunities for professional growth.
Participate in clinical education opportunities for physical therapy students.
Adhere to professional, ethical, and legal standards defined by the American Physical Therapy Association.
Directly supervise physical therapy assistants in accordance with the Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act.