Educational Physical Therapist

Berkeley, California, United States

Serve as a member of the multidisciplinary team serving the needs of special education children and their families; provide assessment and direct services related to gross motor development, functional mobility, and postural control; provide direct and consultative physical therapy services based upon needs determined through established processes to ensure educational access; develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students.

• Serve as a member of the multidisciplinary team; provide assessment and direct services related to functional gross motor development, gait, balance, and other identified developmental needs; provide consultation to parents and teachers.
• Conduct developmental and formal assessments to determine program eligibility; assess student abilities in functional mobility (navigating stairs, curbs, and hallways), postural stability, strength, range of motion, motor planning, and environmental accessibility; score and interpret results and write assessment reports.
• Collaborate with IEP team members to develop goals; determine and recommend frequency of services, accommodations/modifications, and least restrictive environment (LRE) needs.
• Provide education and support to families; recommend, design, adjust, or order adaptive equipment such as standers, gait trainers, and specialized seating; demonstrate safe use of equipment.
• Plan and prepare for therapy sessions; provide direct therapy individually and in groups; set up and break down large-scale mobility equipment; maintain records of therapy sessions to document interventions and monitor progress.
• Manage caseload and new referrals; utilize data-driven metrics (such as gait analysis or standardized motor scales) to monitor student changes throughout the school year.
• Conduct formal assistive technology and mobility assessments; provide services related to power mobility or specialized positioning for curriculum access.
• Request and purchase adaptive equipment and mobility aids; ensure all equipment meets safety standards and is properly fitted to the student's growing physical needs.
• Attend various meetings; coordinate professional and community resources with other staff and agencies, including medical providers and California Children's Services (CCS).
• Train and provide work direction to assigned staff; provide in-service training for teachers and instructional assistants on safe lifting, transfers, and positioning to prevent staff injury and support student goals.
• Drive a vehicle to various school sites and District offices to conduct work.
• Supervise assigned Physical Therapy Assistants (PTAs).
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Child development, motor and reflex development, and applicable pediatric treatment techniques.
• Biomechanics, kinesiology, and neuroanatomy related to pediatric disabilities.
• Adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, standers, walkers) and orthotic devices.
• Medical, educational, and community resources, including CCS.
• IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Section 504 regulations.
• Record-keeping techniques and data collection for functional outcomes.
• Proper lifting and body mechanics for transferring students safely.
• Correct English usage, grammar, and technical report writing.

• Observe and assess gross motor development, gait, balance, and functional mobility.
• Develop and conduct therapeutic interventions focused on educational access.
• Communicate effectively with medical professionals, parents, and school staff.
• Develop and implement IEPs and SMART goals focused on functional educational outcomes.
• Train staff in safe handling, transfers, and use of mobility equipment.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Maintain current knowledge of technical advances in the field (e.g., wearable sensors, new mobility tech).
• Meet schedules and timelines.

Any combination equivalent to:
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or Master's degree in Physical Therapy and two years of school-based or pediatric physical therapy experience.

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