Physical Therapist - .6 FTE - Anticipated Opening

Position Type:Special Education/Physical TherapistDate Posted:3/9/2026Location:Acton-Boxborough Regional SchoolsDate Available:08/26/2026Closing Date:until filledAdditional Information: Show/HideSalary: Per ABEA Contract; Range .6 FTE of $58,000 - $105,000Major Responsibilities:Physical Therapists in a school-based setting work with individuals aged 2.9 through 22 in accessing their educational environment and academic curriculum by assessing and treating these individuals who have physical impairments, or developmental delays that affect their movement and function. The role involves using a variety of therapeutic techniques and interventions to help individuals maximize their independence. The Physical Therapist is a related service provider who can be an integral member of the Special Education Team, with regard to mobility, safety, and physical access, if the individual requires such intervention.Details of Roles and Responsibilities:Assessment and EvaluationConduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate an individual's physical development, strength, mobility, balance, coordination, and motor skills.Develop individual educational programs based on evaluation results, goals, and parent/teacher input.Monitor progress and make adjustments to therapy plans, as needed.Therapy SessionsProvide group, or one-on-one therapy sessions in various settings within the school (e.g., therapy room, classroom, P.E., recess, special education classrooms, etc.)Use play-based techniques, therapeutic exercises, adaptive equipment, assistive devices, classroom accommodations/modifications, and other intervention to help children develop functional skills.Focus on improving physical development (e.g., strength, mobility), and gross motor skills (e.g., balance, coordination), and safe access throughout the school environment.Collaborative CareWork closely with parents, caregivers, teachers, and other healthcare providers (e.g., occupational therapists, P.E. teachers, general educators, special educators, psychologists, paraprofessionals, etc.), to ensure a holistic approach to the individual's development.Provide guidance and training to parents and caregivers on how to support therapy goals at home and in the community.Work with the individual's team, and school administration to develop evacuation/safety plans for students, when an alternate plan is needed.Implementation, Documentation and Reporting of ServicesFollow district, state, and federal policies.Development and implementation of therapy programs in compliance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of therapy sessions, progress reports and assessments.Write clear reports and documentation for insurance purposes, schools, parents, and other healthcare professionals.Advocate for children's needs by providing recommendations for accommodations and modifications in educational environments.Participate in IEP/evaluations meetings, providing expertise on therapy-related accommodations and goals.Education and Advocacy* Educate families and school personnel on techniques and strategies to support a child's physical and motor development.* Advocate for children's needs within the educational setting.Communication and Collaboration* Build relationships with families, providing education and resources to support student needs at home and in the community.* Maintain partnerships with external agencies and vendors for the procurement of therapy supplies and services.Supervision* Must follow the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professionals requirements to supervise a Physical Therapist Assistant. Supervision can be provided through phone, written, or electronic communication, as well as in-person contact. The Physical Therapist must provide adequate supervision to ensure the provision of safe, quality care.Work Environment:The PT will work across district schools, requiring travel between buildings. The position involves some lifting of equipment and/or individuals as necessary for therapy activities, or emergency purposes. Physical stamina and exertion to carry out therapy sessions and techniques, including activities such as standing, bending, kneeling, and demonstrating exercises.Qualifications:Licensure/Certification* Current Massachusetts State licensure to practice as a Physical TherapistExperience* Experience working with children, especially in pediatric settings (e.g., schools, clinics, hospitals, etc.), is preferredKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesWillingness to learn understanding and follow special education laws and regulations, including IDEA and Section 504Strong communication skillsStrong problem-solving abilitiesExcellent time-management skillsAbility to be flexible to frequently changing scheduleCapacity to work with a team of professionalsKnowledge of child/adolescent development, and therapeutic approaches for pediatric care is essential.Knowledge with specific pediatric diagnoses/disabilities (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Down's Syndrome, Neurological/Orthopedic conditions, etc.)Application Procedure:Apply onlineYou can watch our educators talk about working at Acton-Boxborough here: https://youtu.be/TenOhRXzESEYou can learn more working at Acton-Boxborough here: https://sites.google.com/abschools.org/joinactonboxborough/homeWe believe that our students deserve to learn from educators who reflect their backgrounds and life experiences, and we want our staff to reflect the wide range of student identities we seek to serve. To this end, our District is committed to increasing the diversity of our certified educators and leaders. We believe that by building a more representative workforce, our students will have better outcomes and be more prepared for an increasingly diverse world. We encourage the following to apply: candidates of color, individuals with diverse life experiences and on-traditional backgrounds, and allies in our diversity, equity, and inclusion work.