Physical Therapist - Adaptive PE Instructor

About the role

Are you prepared to ignite change and transform lives in the field of special education? Leap into an exciting opportunity as a Physical Therapist /Adapted Physical Education (APE) Instructor at May Center School for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Wilmington, MA. The Physical Therapist /Adapted Physical Education (APE) Instructor provides consultative physical therapy and adapted physical education programming to support students’ gross motor development, independence, safety, and overall well-being. This role assesses student needs, develops individualized goals, trains school staff, and collaborates with educational and clinical teams to support student progress.

Responsibilities

• Conduct formal and informal physical therapy assessments and develop individualized goals and recommendations.
• Provide consultative physical therapy services based on student needs and established schedules.
• Design and lead Adapted Physical Education classes, including warm-ups, group activities, and gross motor instruction.
• Collaborate with teachers and clinical team members to develop and implement gross motor goals within students’ IEPs.
• Complete progress notes, evaluations, reports, IEP documentation, and other required records.
• Train, observe, and provide ongoing consultation and feedback to staff implementing physical therapy and APE programming.
• Collaborate with nursing, educational, clinical, and allied health professionals to adjust therapeutic strategies and recommend adaptive equipment.
• Implement individualized educational and behavioral programs, collect data, and support students with academics, daily living skills, vocational tasks, and challenging behaviors.
• Participate in team, IEP, progress review, family, and school district meetings as requested.
• Promote student safety, dignity, independence, confidentiality, choice, and human rights throughout all programming.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited Physical Therapy program.
• Current state licensure and required national credentials as a Physical Therapist.
• Experience conducting assessments and developing physical therapy, adapted physical education, or gross motor programming.
• Knowledge of Individualized Education Programs, Progress reporting, and educational documentation.
• Understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis or willingness to develop proficiency in ABA-based practices.

Skills

• Strong communication, collaboration, training, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with students, families, educators, clinicians, and other school professionals.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and assisting with gross motor activities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Investing in Your Growth: paid training and certification opportunities.
• Support When You Need It: confidential support and guidance through Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financially Generous Paid Time Off: ample vacation time, 10 paid holidays, and 19 PTO days to start; plus a floating holiday for birthday.
• Flexibility: dependent care flexible spending account (FSA), LTD and STD insurance coverage options, voluntary benefit choices.
• Investing in Your Education