SPED Physical Therapist

Physical Therapist Blue Springs School District 2026-2027

Position Summary :

The job of Physical Therapist is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the educational process with specific responsibilities for assessing students' physical development level; providing appropriate treatment to meet individualized student objectives; working with team members in the school to enable students to work toward their potential by improving, developing or accommodating gross motor function required for school setting; preparing students to respond appropriately to the education program; and providing recommendations for program development and student placement. This job reports to the Director of Special Education and Building Principal This is Full Time (182 Day 7.0 hours per day) benefits eligible position. Salary range is $58,000 - $94,500. Salary will be commensurate with full time parallel years of experience.

Essential Functions:

Assesses students' functional capabilities and home and/or classroom environment for the purpose of determining student's functional level and developing recommendations and/or placement. Assesses motor deficits and development skills needs of special education students (e.g., perceptual motor, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations. Attends and participates in IEP team meetings and mandated workshops and seminars as needed for the purpose of assessing and improving student progress, conveying, exchanging, and/or gathering information required to enhance program development, and meeting curriculum guidelines. Consults with teachers, parents, guardians, other personnel, and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services, and/or making recommendations for student's needs for ensuring student success. Directs and supervises the caseload and responsibilities of assigned Physical Therapy Assistants (e.g., modifying curriculum, adjusting assignments, assessing social environment, etc.) for the purpose of providing therapeutic intervention guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved. Interprets medical reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate. Organizes and maintains the treatment area (e.g., setting up and maintaining the work area, ordering, and adapting equipment, fabricating and repairing equipment as needed, etc.) for the purpose of preparing the proper treatment of students in school setting. Plans and meets with students and/or parents with teachers and/or other personnel for the purpose of evaluating IEPs, monitoring student gross motor improvement, and/or recommending plans to special education office based on clinical experience. Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g., student progress reports, student activities, correspondence, internal audits, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information. Provide physical therapy to identified students for the purpose of meeting IEP service needs. Research resources and methods (e.g., intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' functional goals. Screens students for the purpose of determining the need for further individualized assessment. Serves as a liaison and coordinates through written and oral communications with various personnel and community agencies (e.g., medical, judicial, social service and mental health services, school personnel, family, physician, etc.) for the purpose of determining appropriate motor function treatments to meet the needs of specific students. Supervises and educates a variety of personnel in learning and implementing motor programs (e.g., interns, students, Physical Therapy Assistants, teachers, paraprofessionals, transportation and cafeteria staff, custodians, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring their understanding, providing for professional growth of student needs, and achieving overall objectives of school's curriculum. Transports students from/to different educational settings through (e.g., lifting, physically restraining, escorting, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring they are not impulsively run into an unsafe environment.

Other Functions:

Perform other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the student health care needs.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

Skills are required to perform multiple technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: preparing and maintaining accurate records; and adhering to safety practices. Knowledge is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: principles of physical therapy; health standards and hazards; safety practices and procedures; and age-appropriate activities. Ability is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; and maintaining confidentiality; communicating with persons of diverse backgrounds; and working as part of a team.

Responsibility:

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunities to impact the organization's services.

Work Environment:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 30% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Experience:

Job-related experience within a specialized field is required.

Education:

Doctor of Physical Therapy or equivalent

Equivalency:

Background Check:

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to the Blue Springs School District. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. Equal Opportunity Employer Required Testing None Certificates and Licenses CPR/AED/First Aid Certificate, License as PT in State of Missouri Continuing Education Training Maintains Certificates and Licensure Clearances Criminal Background Check, Family Care Safety Registry FLSA Status Exempt Salary Grade 47 5/4/2026