Physical Therapist, CDS

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary

Wayfinder’s Child Development Services provides early intervention in person to children from birth to age 6 with visual impairment or multiple disabilities. Young children maximize any vision they have and reduce developmental delays. Parents learn to provide their child with therapeutic stimulation and advocate for their child’s education and care. Child development reduces the need for special education and increases independence for children with disabilities.

The primary focus on the Physical Therapist, is to provide physical therapy services to children from birth to three years of age. The physical therapist will be responsible for individualized assessment, treatment, and support to enhance physical development and enable motor milestone progression of their clients. The physical therapist will work with children who have developmental delays, disabilities, vision impairment, or other challenges that affect their ability to participate in age-appropriate activities. The physical therapist will provide services in the client’s home, advocate on behalf of the child’s family, partner with parents and caregivers to empower them as advocates for their child.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide direct intervention in the child's natural environment; home, at a center-based site or school. Coordinate scheduling to meet the needs of the family, ensuring weekly visits are met as authorized by the Regional Center or school district.
• Provide appropriate intervention to children birth through three years of age that exhibit severe motor delays with atypical or scattered skills or atypical tone, several global delays, moderate to severe feeding delays or disorders, severe sensory challenges and/or vision impairment.
• Participate in the development and implementation of each child’s Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) in collaboration with the family and education team, providing progress reports as required by each Regional Center or Local Education Agency.
• Maintain accurate, appropriate and complete documentation for all required paperwork including progress notes, IFSP’s, evaluation and consultation, and billing at the frequency determined by program expectations.
• Collaborate with other providers, such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, developmental specialists, and educators to ensure comprehensive care.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to evaluate the physical development of infants and children, focusing on gross motor skills, strength, balance, coordination, and overall functional abilities.
• Utilize a variety of modalities, such as exercises, games, and functional activities, to enhance motor skills and overall physical abilities.
• Participate in regional meetings, staff meetings, in-service training, and professional development and implementation.
• Frequent driving is required throughout Los Angeles County.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Education and Experience:

• Doctorate, Master’s, or Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy from an accredited institution is required.
• California physical therapy state licensure is required.
• Minimum one year of physical therapy experience working with infants/children. Is required. Two years of experience is preferred.
• Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of two (2) years good driving history and must be approved by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Additional Benefits Offered for this role :

• Training and professional development

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.