Physical Therapist (Early Childhood)

Position Summary

The Physical Therapist on our Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT) team plays a key role in delivering high-quality Early Intervention services for infants and toddlers ages birth to three. This position provides motor development supports and parent coaching in the child’s natural environment—including homes, childcare sites, and other community settings. The Physical Therapist works collaboratively with internal and external partners to ensure each child and family receives individualized, holistic, and culturally relevant support.

About the Role

This position covers various locations in South King County, including: Auburn, Federal Way, Des Moines, and Kent. At this time, services are being provided both in person and via teleintervention. Hybrid work arrangements may be offered but cannot be guaranteed for all positions. Physical Demands include regular lifting of 25–30 lbs., frequent squatting, floor sitting, and engagement with young children. Regular, predictable attendance is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Provides culturally relevant, family-guided, routine-based developmental supports using a parent coaching model.
• Evaluates children across developmental domains as part of an interdisciplinary team to determine program eligibility.
• Provides motor therapy services to support functional development and meaningful participation in daily activities.
• Engages and empowers caregivers through coaching, training, and ongoing guidance.
• Understands and provides support related to healthy caregiver–child attachment.
• Supports families with transitions into appropriate school, community, or Akin programs in collaboration with the Family Resource Coordinator.
• Supervises interns as needed.

Collaboration & Teamwork

• Collaborates with the Early Intervention team, Family Resource Coordinators, and Akin staff on interdisciplinary IFSPs, goal setting, and case review.
• Connects weekly with team members and participates in transdisciplinary coaching and consultation.
• Participates in staff meetings, team meetings, professional development, and coaching sessions.
• Demonstrates a caring, nonjudgmental, and equity-minded approach to working with all families.
• Communicates professionally with insurance providers, school districts, childcare providers, and community partners as appropriate.

Documentation & Compliance

• Develops individualized goals and progress reports.
• Completes daily treatment notes, evaluation reports, and billing in a timely and compliant manner.
• Reviews medical reports, initiates medical referrals, and seeks consultation as needed.
• Maintains accurate and complete records in accordance with Part C and Akin policies.
• Maintains caseload requirements, including timely follow-up on new referrals.
• Prepares reports and progress notes as required by Akin.
• Complies with Akin policies and procedures regarding mandatory reporting of child abuse.

Professional Growth

• Continues to develop professional skills and knowledge through trainings, coursework, conferences, literature review, and participation in professional associations.
• Participates in professional development opportunities related to antiracism, oppression, cultural humility, and inclusive practices.
• Incorporates principles of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging into daily practice.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of ESIT best practices and service delivery in natural environments.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and Electronic Medical Record systems (e.g., Credible).
• Demonstrated ability to support and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Working knowledge of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging principles, and ability to apply these values in practice.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program with valid Washington State PT licensure.
• Experience working with infants and toddlers ages 0–3.
• Experience working with diverse populations and communities.
• Pass a portable background check through Department of Early Learning.
• Pass a tuberculosis (TB) test or have negative test within 12 months prior to hire.
• A current in Pediatric/Adult CPR, first aid, and AED, HIV, and bloodborne pathogens certification.
• A valid driver's license and a favorable driving record, with no more than three violations within the past three years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Early Intervention experience.
• At least one year of pediatric experience.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or multilingual.