Physical Therapist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers.

CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.

Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community.

Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support.

OSD provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success.

OSD supports networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support.

Job Summary

Reporting to the RSP Manager, PT/OT, the PT’s role in education is to enable children with disabilities to benefit from special education instruction in the least restrictive environment. The school PT develops implements and coordinates a physical therapy program through evaluation and intervention services, including direct services to the child and consultative services on behalf of the child, such as support of the teacher and/or other staff members.

The Physical Therapist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

PT evaluates students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews. PTs interpret assessment findings and appropriately communicate information to parents and school teams through written and oral means.

The PT collaborates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans to address the students’ unique needs.

Develops and implements individualized PT intervention strategies.

Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding effective coordination of services.

Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding transition from school to community, preparing student to function independently when outlined outcomes are achieved.

Documents all PT services provided within a timely manner as outlined by the Office for Students with Disabilities.

Evaluates and documents student progress in accordance with the IL PT Practice Act as well as school district, State and Federal policies.

Addresses needs for assistive technology, equipment, transportation, accessibility, environmental accommodations, and emergency evacuation for students with disabilities as required to access their educational environment through collaboration and participation with school staff.

• Seeks regular opportunities for professional growth.
• Participates clinical educational opportunities for students of physical therapy.

Adheres to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association.

Provides direct supervision of physical therapy assistants in accordance with Illinois’ Physical Therapy Practice Act

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Physical Therapist must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required

The PT must have an entry-level bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in physical therapy from an accredited physical therapy program as approved by the APTA.

The PT must pass the national physical therapy licensure examination and hold a current and active Illinois license to practice as issued by the IL Department of Professional Regulations. This license must be renewed every two years upon payment on or before September 30th of each even numbered year.

In addition, the IL PT practice act mandates 40 hours of continuing education per license renewal cycle. A Physical Therapist cannot provide PT services without a valid physician’s referral.

Experience Required

All qualified applicants should possess a myriad of skills, which would allow them to collect, analyze, and interpret data as a member of a team of professionals working consultatively and collaboratively. Potential applicants should also possess strong oral and written communication skills, which teams would ultimately use to fuel and maintain the most accurate and timely entries into an electronic database of the district’s choice.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
• CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Dental
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program
• Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
• We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance
• Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
• CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Days
• Parental Leaves
• Short-Term Disability
• Religious Holidays

Leaves

• Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
• Conditions of Employment
• As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.