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Physical Therapist

Job Details

Russo First Step EC Center 82-12 151st Avenue Howard Beach - Howard Beach, NY
Full-Time
Masters Degree or Equivalent
$80,000.00 - $95,000.00 Salary
Up to 25%
Day

Description

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Physical Therapist to join our pre-school special education team. In this role, you will work with children ages 3-5 years with diverse developmental and physical needs, helping them build the foundational gross motor and portion offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by collaborating with educators, parents, and a multidisciplinary team to create a support and engaging learning environment for each child. 

Assessment and Evaluation:  

  • Conduct initial and ongoing evaluations to assess gross motor, mobility, balance, and physical development needs 

  • Identify functional challenges and recommended services as part of the individualized Education Program (IEP) process 

Intervention Planning:  

  • Develop individualized educational plans (IEPs) aligned with each child’s goals and IEP 

  • Design group and individual therapy sessions to target specific skills, including coordination, strength, and postural control 

Therapy Implementation:  

  • Deliver therapy services in a fun, play-based manner that engages pre-school aged children 

  • Use adaptive equipment, creative tools, and exercises to support children’s participation in classroom and playground activities  

  • Monitor and document progress, adjusting interventions as needed to meet developmental goals  

Collaboration and Consultation: 

  • Work closely with teachers, occupational therapist, speech therapists, and other staff to integrate motor development strategies into the classroom routine  

  • Provide guidance and training to parents and caregivers on activities to reinforce therapy goals at home  

  • Attend and actively participate in IEP meetings to share progress and recommend strategies  

  • Assist in classroom activities and support instructional needs, as well as perform other duties by the Director to ensure the smooth operation of the program  

Documentation and Compliance:  

  • Maintain accurate records of evaluation, therapy sessions, attendance, and progress in compliance with program and regulatory requirements 

  • Prepare detailed progress reports and contribute to IEP updates  

Professional Development and Training:  

  • Stay updated on best practices and advancements in pediatric physical therapy, particularly for children with special needs  

  • Provide in-service training to teachers and paraprofessionals on adaptive techniques, equipment, and mobility strategies 

Qualifications

  • Doctorate or Master’s degree in Physical Therapy
  • Valid state license and board certification
  • Experience working with young children, preferably in an educational setting preferred
  • Knowledge of pediatric motor development and intervention strategies
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills
  • Physical Demands:
    • The employee is required to stand, sit, and use their hands.
    • Walk to and from various locations in the building
    • May need to stoop, bend, and sometimes list and push wheelchairs for children being served.
    • Physical intervention techniques may be required to aid the children in challenging moments
    • Specific vision abilities close vision, distance vision and ability to focus

Benefits 

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

  • Paid time off (holidays, vacation in accordance with school calendar, sick and personal) 
  • Professional development opportunities 
  • Team environment 
  • Medical and dental benefits 
  • Employer-paid life insurance 
  • Optional insurance (life, disability, etc.) 
  • 403(B) retirement plans 
  • Flexible spending account (dependent care, medical, parking, and transit) 
  • Employee assistance program 

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org

About HeartShare 

For over 100 years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives. 

#INDHP

 

 

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