Posting number: 26-27-05214
Department: Support Services
Division: Special Education / SUPPSVC
Job classification: Physical Therapist
Posting type: Open
Categories: K-12
Tacoma Public Schools
Expected Start Date: September 1, 2026
FTE: 1.0
Hours per day: 7.5
Salary Level: Based on preparation level and experience per TEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Range is $73,549 (BA+0 step 1) through $144,248 (MA+90 step 20).
Union/Days per year: Teacher, 182 workdays, 10-month
Benefits: This job has the full range of benefits offered by Tacoma Public Schools.
Additional Information: This position is a replacement contract for the 2026-2027 school year. The assignment is anticipated to run from 9/1/26-11/21/26 or upon the return of staff member on leave, whichever occurs.
This position plans and administers physical therapy services for students with disabilities which impact their educational program.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Evaluates students in the areas of functional mobility, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and gross motor function to determine physical therapy needs.
2. Develops, plans, implement, and revises IEP goals and objectives and treatment plans to meet each student’s particular needs.
3. Administers physical therapy techniques and procedures to improve and maintain student function.
4. Instructs, motivates, and assists student to perform various physical activities as well as use of assistive and supportive devices such as crutches, canes, wheelchairs, and prostheses.
5. Maintains up-to-date cumulative physical therapy records and other records as required by the District and state and federal law; follows all relevant state and federal regulations for special education; maintains confidentiality.
6. Confers with physicians and other practitioners to obtain additional student information; implements revisions in treatment program; integrates physical therapy treatment with other aspects of student’s educational program; works as a team member with the student, family, teachers, special education staff, and other health care practitioners to help the student achieve desired goals; instructs students and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
7. Requisitions, repairs, and replaces physical therapy supplies and equipment; oversees maintenance of a sanitary and safe environment in the physical therapy treatment area.
8. Provides direction, instructions, and supervision to assigned therapy assistants.
9. Serves as a consultant for physical therapy matters to other staff members; serves on committees (including IEP teams) and participates in meetings.
10. Participates in the development of objectives, standards, and procedures in the District physical therapy program and in planning, implementing, and evaluating physical therapy services to be provided.
OTHER JOB DUTIES
1. Maintains professional competence through continuing education activities; maintains physical therapy license and ESA certification; keeps appraised of current legislation pertaining to physical therapy practice; participates in professional development activities.
2. Performs related duties as assigned, on a temporary basis.
3. Regular, reliable, predictable attendance or physical presence is an essential job requirement and critical to the performance of the work.
CONDITIONS
The daily activities of the physical therapist are performed in a school setting. There is a high level of interaction with students; may be required to deal with distraught parents/students. The work requires getting up and down off the floor, physically moving and guiding student motor movements, and lifting students up and down from chairs and from the floor, and also requires the moving of equipment. Frequent interruptions occur, and visual and mental concentration on details and precision is required. The physical therapist is required to travel to different sites and may be exposed to infectious diseases; may be required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, twist, climb, and/or be mobile.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited college or university; Master’s degree, preferred; experience as a physical therapist in a public-school setting, preferred; or any combination of experience and training which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work.
Licenses/Special Requirements
Valid Washington State driver’s license.
Current Washington State physical therapist license.
Valid Washington State ESA physical therapist certificate.
Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.
Must maintain all licenses and certifications as a condition of continued employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of physical therapy.
Knowledge of state and federal laws governing the provision of physical therapy services within public schools.
Knowledge of state and federal regulations and procedures governing special education.
Ability to document evaluation results and develop goals and short term objectives.
Ability to lift (40-50 pounds), carry, and position students.
Ability to transport students to and from their classrooms.
Ability to demonstrate reasonable, reliable and regular attendance.
Ability to prepare accurate, detailed records.
Ability to communicate effectively with students with special needs.
Ability to sit, stand, bend, and squat.
Ability to plan and organize work and to set priorities.
Ability to obtain, clarify, and exchange information.
Ability to perform physical therapy services in accordance with established guidelines and local, state and federal laws.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people in a multi-cultural, diverse socioeconomic setting.
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to work as a team member.
