Physical Therapist
Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES
2026 Salary Range: $52,341 – $61,805 annually prorated
Work Location: Midlakes Education Center
Role Summary
As a School-Based Physical Therapist (PT) at Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, you will provide physical therapy services to support students’ participation, mobility, independence, and success within the educational environment. The Physical Therapist evaluates students’ functional abilities and educational needs; develops and implements appropriate physical therapy interventions; and collaborates with students, families, teachers, related service providers, administrators, and other professionals to support mobility, access to and participation in the school setting.
Physical therapy services may address areas including gross motor skills, balance, coordination, functional mobility, motor planning, posture and positioning, adaptive equipment, bracing and other skills that impact a student’s ability to participate in educational activities and routines.
Core Responsibilities
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Evaluation & Assessment: Evaluates students’ functional performance and educational needs using appropriate standardized and non-standardized assessment methods; completes initial evaluations, re-evaluations, observations, and progress monitoring to determine physical therapy needs and supports.
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Physical Therapy Services: Develops and implements physical therapy services and interventions based on evaluation findings, student needs, and the Individualized Education Program (IEP), as applicable. Provides individual and/or group services within therapy areas, classrooms, and other educational environments to support students’ participation, access, and independence consistent with the IEP and current written orders/referral from a NYS licensed Physician, Physicians' Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.
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Adaptations & Assistive Supports: Adapts activities, routines, and environments to support student mobility. Assists with the selection, fitting, modification, and use of adaptive equipment, assistive devices, bracing and other supports. Trains students and staff in their safe and effective use to promote independence and access to the educational environment, when applicable.
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Consultation & Collaboration: Collaborates with teachers, families, administrators, other related service providers, nurses, and other professionals regarding student needs, accommodations, environmental supports, intervention strategies, and progress. Participates in team meetings, case conferences, IEP development, and educational planning.
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Documentation & Data Management: Completes required documentation, including evaluations, re-evaluations, progress monitoring and notes, consultation documentation, IEP-related documentation, and discharge summaries, as applicable using appropriate electronic documentation and data-management software.
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Program & Professional Responsibilities: Maintains accurate program and service records, including service frequency, student data, and other required statistical or departmental information. Participates in department meetings, professional development, staff training, and other activities related to the delivery and continuous improvement of school-based physical therapy services.
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Communication & Professional Practice: Communicates effectively with students, families, school personnel, and other service providers while maintaining appropriate confidentiality. Applies professional judgment and current physical therapy practices to identify student needs, make recommendations, monitor outcomes, and adjust services as appropriate.
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Student Safety & Independence: Supports students’ safe participation and mobility across various educational environments, including classroom, therapy, playground, community-based educational, and other school settings, through appropriate positioning, mobility-related support, adaptive strategies, and functional activities.