2509-Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist

Full-Time | Exempt, (M-F, 8:30-3:30pm) Location: First Children School – Plainfield, NJ, Compensation Range: $60,000-$85,000/annually

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist to join our team full-time, working with children with special needs. The Physical Therapist will lead to the development, implementation, and coordination of a physical therapy program within a school setting.

The role involves working with students with disabilities and health impairments, requiring effective problem-solving, risk analysis, and a high level of professional judgement.

The Physical Therapist will provide services, make environmental modifications, and train staff, including direct supervision of support personnel. These services are designed to help children meet their educational goals.

First Children School is a New Jersey Department of Education–approved private special education school serving students from PreK through high school with multiple disabilities, including medically fragile, developmentally, intellectually, or physically disabled students, as well as those who are deaf/hard of hearing or visually impaired.

Responsibilities

• Work cooperatively with school personnel to accomplish the goals and objectives of the IEP.
• Coordinates Physical Therapy services with student services provided by other school personnel.
• Maintains records of the interventions and prepares periodic reports as required.
• Adheres to established rules, regulations, laws, and appropriate ethical standards.
• Administers formal and informal (on-going and curriculum-based) assessments.
• Analyzes and interprets information to make recommendations regarding the need for Physical Therapy services.
• Provides appropriate information in an informal and formal basis regarding Physical Therapy Programs.
• Supervises undergraduate interns, paraprofessionals, volunteers, and other professional (as appropriate).
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of New Jersey Standard Course of Study.
• Collaborates/consults with other school personnel—Teachers, School Psychologists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Behavior Therapists.
• Plans evidence-based interventions appropriate for individual students and groups of students.
• Manages the facilities, materials and equipment necessary to delivery of services.
• Develops appropriate IEPs based on students’ strengths and needs.
• Manages time efficiently.
• Engages in continuing education and professional growth activities related to physical therapy.
• Provides consultation to parents, teachers and other appropriate school personnel.
• Seeks the assistance of teachers, parents, and others to meet the physical needs of students.
• Consults/communicate with non-school agencies to enhance services.

Team Structure

This role will be part of the team, reporting to the school principal.

Basic Qualifications

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program preferred but not required.
• Must have a Department of Education certification and active New Jersey License.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Must possess interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective relationships with children and parents/guardians.
• Must display a professional attitude.
• Must possess vision/hearing senses, with or without reasonable accommodation, will enable these senses to function adequately, so that the requirements of the position can be fully met.
• Must possess the ability to be physically mobile, with or without reasonable accommodation, so that the requirements of the position can be fully met.
• Must be able to physically assist with evacuating children during emergency situations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation and sick pay
• Life insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and discount programs
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Employee referral bonus program

Who We Are

First Children Services is a dedicated team of professionals committed to providing exceptional services to children and families. We use a variety of effective techniques and emphasize family involvement to achieve meaningful outcomes. Our team approaches every challenge with compassion, dedication, and determination.

Equal Employment Opportunity

First Children Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic.

Applicants needing reasonable accommodation may email recruitment@firstchildrenservices.com with the job title, requisition ID, and a description of the requested accommodation.