Physical Therapist - LaGrange School Program, Poughkeepsie, NY

About Us

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.
We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities.

We are looking for a patient, energetic and passionate Physical Therapist for our LaGrange School program, located in Poughkeepsie, NY. This is an opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team, focusing on the educational programming for all school-age children at every level of ability.

Schedule:

Monday‑Friday 8:00am‑3:30pm, 35 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (includes a 6‑week summer program).

Annual Salary: $84,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year with a MA, and $ – $ with DPT. Credit given for experience including ATP, NDT & SI Certification.

• Evaluates students on assigned caseload and determines appropriate program goals (both long and short term).
• Evaluates new referrals to determine need for service/appropriate level of service.
• Provides direct treatment to students on assigned caseload.
• Schedules assigned caseload in conjunction with classroom staff and other related services.
• Submits all written documentation in accordance with School and Preschool policies, adhering to paperwork deadlines, agency forms, and content.
• Periodically reassesses students’ progress toward goals and adjusts goals as necessary.
• Assesses students’ need for equipment in collaboration with clinical and educational staff.
• Responsible for recommending, fabricating, and adapting equipment for assigned caseload, according to Abilities First, Inc. policies and with assistance from equipment technician as indicated.
• Communicates regularly with parents, classroom staff and related service personnel regarding individual students’ programs and progress.
• Instructs parents, classroom staff and related service personnel in proper positioning, lifting and carrying techniques, ambulation and transfer techniques, and activities to otherwise implement carryover of treatment goals.
• Informs appropriate staff and parents/primary caregivers of need for periodic reassessment by the child’s physician.
• Participates in staff meetings, team meetings, and parent/teacher conferences as indicated.
• Supervises Physical Therapy Assistants, as assigned by administrative staff through weekly meetings.
• Trains and supervises affiliating student physical therapists, as assigned by administrative staff regarding department policy, professional conduct, evaluation and treatment.
• Attends CSE annual reviews as requested to provide input relating to child’s therapy needs in educational setting.
• Assists in maintenance of treatment sites.
• Provides department in‑service when indicated.
• Adheres to APTA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
• Demonstrates proficiency in all goals and skillsets outlined in the NYS DSP Core Competencies, on which performance will be evaluated.
• Ensures all required trainings and certifications are current and seeks further support and training where needed.
• Adheres to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, requiring all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard for personal safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other appropriate job‑related activities as requested by supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

• Time to Recharge – Personal, sick, and holidays built around the school…