Temporary Physical Therapist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.

About the role

The Physical Therapist’s role in education is to enable children with disabilities to benefit from special education instruction in the least restrictive environment. The school PT develops, implements, and coordinates a physical therapy program through evaluation and intervention services, including direct services to the child and consultative services on behalf of the child, such as support of the teacher and/or other staff members.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews.
• Interprets assessment findings and appropriately communicates information to parents and school teams through written and oral means.
• Collaborates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans to address the students’ unique needs.
• Develops and implements individualized PT intervention strategies.
• Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding effective coordination of services.
• Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding transition from school to community, preparing student to function independently when outlined outcomes are achieved.
• Documents all PT services provided within a timely manner as outlined by the Office of Special Education & Supports.
• Evaluates and documents student progress in accordance with the IL PT Practice Act as well as school district, State and Federal policies.
• Addresses needs for assistive technology, equipment, transportation, accessibility, environmental accommodations, and emergency evacuation for students with disabilities as required to access their educational environment through collaboration and participation with school staff.
• Seeks regular opportunities for professional growth.
• Participates in clinical educational opportunities for students of physical therapy.
• Adheres to professional, ethical, and legal standards of practice as defined by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Provides direct supervision of physical therapy assistants in accordance with Illinois’ Physical Therapy Practice Act.

Requirements

• Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree in physical therapy from an accredited physical therapy program as approved by the APTA.
• Pass the national physical therapy licensure examination and hold a current and active Illinois license to practice as issued by the IL Department of Professional Regulations. This license must be renewed every two years upon payment on or before September 30th of each even-numbered year.
• 40 hours of continuing education per license renewal cycle as mandated by the IL PT practice act.
• A valid physician’s referral is required to provide PT services.

Skills

• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data as a member of a team of professionals working consultatively and collaboratively.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for maintaining accurate and timely entries into an electronic database.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. (The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.)