Physical Therapist

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Full‑time professional position located in Plainfield, NJ. Salary: $60,000–$85,000 per year.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist to join our team full time, working with children with special needs at First Children School. The Physical Therapist will lead the development, implementation, and coordination of a physical therapy program within a school setting, working with students with disabilities and health impairments. The role involves effective problem‑solving, risk analysis, and a high level of professional judgment.

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.
• Coordinate Physical Therapy services with student services provided by other school personnel.
• Maintain records of interventions and prepare periodic reports as required.
• Adhere to established rules, regulations, laws, and appropriate ethical standards.
• Administer formal and informal (ongoing and curriculum‑based) assessments.
• Analyze and interpret information to make recommendations regarding the need for Physical Therapy services.
• Provide appropriate information in an informal and formal basis regarding Physical Therapy Programs.
• Supervise undergraduate interns, paraprofessionals, volunteers, and other professionals as appropriate.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the New Jersey Standard Course of Study.
• Collaborate/consult with other school personnel—Teachers, School Psychologists, Speech‑Language Pathologists, and Behavior Therapists.
• Plan evidence‑based interventions appropriate for individual students and groups of students.
• Manage the facilities, materials, and equipment necessary to deliver services.
• Develop appropriate IEPs based on students’ strengths and needs.
• Manage time efficiently.
• Engage in continuing education and professional growth activities related to physical therapy.
• Provide consultation to parents, teachers, and other appropriate school personnel.
• Seek the assistance of teachers, parents, and others to meet the physical needs of students.
• Consult and communicate with non‑school agencies to enhance services.

Basic Qualifications

• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program preferred but not required.
• Department of Education certification and active New Jersey license.
• Read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective relationships with children and parents/guardians.
• Professional attitude.
• Vision/hearing senses adequate to meet job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Physical mobility adequate to meet job requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to physically assist with evacuating children during emergency situations.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation and sick pay
• Life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and discount programs
• Employee referral bonus program

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.

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