Part-Time Physical Therapist

Solterra Academy provides comprehensive special education for students aged 5 to 22 requiring intensive intervention due to severe emotional, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, and/or learning challenges. We believe in fostering an environment that is supportive, developmentally appropriate, and tailored to specific individual needs. Our dedication lies in the cooperative, self-motivated, adjusted, and academically accomplished development of each child.

Are you a Physical Therapist seeking a unique opportunity? Are you passionate and skilled in helping students who require a therapeutic school with a high staff-to-student ratio? As a Physical Therapist at our school, you’ll provide individualized physical therapy services to help students reach their full potential. You’ll collaborate closely with clinicians, teachers, administration, and classroom support staff to ensure each student’s needs are met and they can succeed within our program.

Schedule: Part-Time, Physical Therapist (30 hours/week, flexible hours M-F between 8:00am-2:30pm)

Benefits:

• Training provided by Solterra Academy
• Competitive hourly rate with annual reviews and potential bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Generous PTO based on service length for personal, medical, and vacation needs.

IEP Responsibilities:

• Prepare students' individual goals and objectives in SMART format.
• Implement the IEP as approved by the PPT.
• Develop system to track student progress on IEP goals.
• Submit report card narratives and IEP progress marks by due dates, proofing and editing as needed.
• Prepare for and participate in PPT’s.
• Screen, identify, diagnose, intervene, and follow-up for all identified gross motor disorders.
• Conduct triennial assessments and produce thorough reports within necessary timelines.

Gross Motor Instruction and Support:

• Develop written treatment plans and implement engaging, differentiated lessons/activities designed for students to improve their gross motor skills.
• Partner with the student, family, and primary team members to define and implement physical therapy interventions that support identified needs relative to the prevention of delays, promotion of independence, remediation for loss of function, and compensation for deficits.
• Collaborate with families and other care givers/service providers to develop home programs when appropriate and to provide family education and training that supports the student’s identified needs.
• Provide services remotely when necessary.

Behavior Management:

• Implement PBIS practices with fidelity.
• Implement TCI strategies to support students emotionally and behaviorally.
• Implements students’ BIPs throughout the school day.
• Demonstrate the ability to set limits and maintain personal boundaries.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all interactions with students/families.
• Effectively use patience and therapeutic tone in day-to-day interactions with students.

Data Tracking:

• Complete Medicaid paperwork and service logs in a timely manner.
• Complete all necessary BIRs and Restraint/Seclusion Documentation in a timely fashion.

• State of Connecticut Department of Public Health licensure in Physical Therapy required.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited program in Physical Therapy required. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of one year experience with children required. Experience with children exhibiting severe behaviors strongly preferred.
• CPR certification required within 90 days of hire (provided by Solterra Academy).
• Certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention required with the first training course provided after hire date and maintained throughout employment.

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which include drug testing based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check.