School Physical Therapist (PT) at HeartShare Human Services of New York

Description

Are you passionate about helping young children reach their full potential? Join our dedicated Preschool Special Education team as a Physical Therapist, where you’ll make a meaningful impact on the lives of children ages 3–5 with diverse developmental and physical needs.

In this role, you’ll use your expertise, creativity, and compassion to help children build foundational motor skills that support their independence and success. You’ll collaborate with educators, parents, and a multidisciplinary team to foster an inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environment for every child.

What You’ll Do

🧩 Assessment & Evaluation

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of gross motor, mobility, balance, and physical development.

• Identify functional challenges and recommend services as part of each child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

🎯 Intervention Planning

• Develop individualized and group therapy plans aligned with IEP goals.

• Design engaging activities to improve coordination, strength, and postural control.

🎨 Therapy Implementation

• Deliver therapy in a fun, play-based setting that motivates and inspires preschool-aged children.

• Use adaptive equipment and creative techniques to support participation in classroom and playground routines.

• Monitor progress and adjust interventions as children grow and develop.

🤝 Collaboration & Consultation

• Partner with teachers, occupational and speech therapists, and classroom staff to integrate motor strategies throughout the school day.

• Provide hands-on guidance to parents and caregivers to reinforce therapy goals at home.

• Actively participate in IEP meetings and program planning.

📝 Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of evaluations, sessions, and progress.

• Prepare detailed reports and contribute to IEP updates in compliance with program and regulatory standards.

📚 Professional Growth & Development

• Stay current on best practices in pediatric physical therapy and special education.

• Lead or participate in professional trainings for teachers and paraprofessionals on adaptive techniques and mobility strategies.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• Doctorate or Master’s degree in Physical Therapy

• Valid NYS Physical Therapy license and board certification

• Experience working with young children, ideally in an educational or pediatric setting

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move between classrooms and therapy areas throughout the day

• May need to bend, stoop, lift, or push wheelchairs to support children as needed

• Must be able to use hands for therapeutic activities and equipment

• Occasionally perform physical intervention techniques to assist children safely during challenging moments

• Vision requirements: close and distance vision, and ability to maintain focus during sessions

• Strong understanding of pediatric motor development and intervention strategies

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a collaborative mindset

Why Join Us?

• Collaborative and supportive interdisciplinary team
• Meaningful work that directly impacts children’s growth and independence
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development
• Inclusive and mission-driven organization dedicated to helping every child thrive

Benefits 

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect: 

• Rewarding Work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
• Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Wellhub Discount
• Verizon Wireless Discount.
• BJs Membership discount.
• Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to [email protected].  

About Heartshare

Who WE ARE:

For over 150 years, Heartshare has been dedicated to championing and empowering New Yorkers society has too often overlooked and underestimated.

To learn more about HeartShare, please visit our website at www.heartshare.org or Follow us on Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook

HeartShare Human Services of New York | Homepage

HeartShare Human Services of New York nurtures and empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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