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Manhattan Star Academy, a member of the YAI Network, provides Elementary Education for students 3-21 years of age with intellectual developmental disabilities and learning delays, including children on the autism spectrum.

Our mission is to provide high-quality services to children and their families in a comprehensive, developmentally based program which focuses on the whole child. Instructional activities integrate all the domains of child development, including physical development and health, and social/emotional development; communication, language, and literacy; cognition and knowledge of the world (math, science, social studies, the arts and technology). Our program strives to foster growth and development through a broad range of services within the program while utilizing community resources as appropriate.

Join us in working in a friendly environment that facilitates open communication and participatory management, where you are valued as a professional and where your opinion truly matters. Receive on-going state-of-the-art training, supportive supervision and a commitment to developing your education and career to help you reach your greatest potential as a professional!

Key/Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Provides physical therapy-based services to assigned caseload in various settings including, but not limited to the PT gym, community, playground, home and/or therapeutic pool, consistent with students’ documented therapy goals, including those defined in areas of instructional and therapeutic focus and/or Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Develops and implements safe and appropriate therapeutic interventions, modifying treatment program to ensure achieving students reach maximal capabilities as a result of ongoing evaluation and monitoring of student progress.
• Evaluates, documents and monitors provision of service and student progress in a timely manner in line with policies of organization, governing bodies and in language comprehensible to caregivers.
• Provides children adaptive equipment, lower extremity splints or orthotics for short- and long-term use, as appropriate and conducts regular checks to ensure equipment fits well and is in good working condition.
• Regularly communicates and collaborates with parents, school staff across all disciplines and medical professionals regarding health, equipment use, participation in activities, positioning, motor development, safety and/or mobility within school environment.
• Provides coverage for physical therapy services to students outside of assigned caseload as requested or assigned.
• Facilitates therapeutic adjunct programs including standing, lying, walking programs and collaborates with other related service and academic programs to coordinate activities.
• Provides assessment, mandate recommendations and intervention in related school-based areas of mobility and positioning (safety awareness, motor planning, stair negotiation, school mobility, proper posture) and appropriately documents or updates annual therapy goals for students, as needed.
• Assists with assessments related to orthotics, podiatry and/or durable medical equipment needs, including participation in clinics, documenting medical necessity, obtaining measurements, working with providers, following up with the equipment and brace clinic team regarding fittings and delivery, etc. as needed.
• Provides PT-related training to classroom and support staff regarding transfers and use of equipment, including Hoyer lifts, as needed.
• Completes necessary documentation including trip and home visit slips, and documents departmental in-services and daily notes.
• Follows all standards of practice for Physical Therapy and regulatory requirements set by the New York State Department of Health and Board of Education, and other governing bodies; remains informed regarding changes and updates. 
• Adheres to all school and department standards, policies and procedures.
• Attends and participates in scheduled supervision, department meetings and activities.
• May attend student field trips to assist with ensuring safety of students in various settings, off school grounds.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements including education, experience, licensure/certification, etc. and essential physical capabilities (e.g. lifting, assisting lifting, standing, etc.)

• Valid license and current registration as a Physical Therapist issued by the NYS Department of Education (NYSED); and
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• High degree of personal and professional integrity.
• Ability to remain focused, flexible and work with a great degree of self-direction in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative and solution oriented, with ability to make sound decisions and resolve conflicts.
• Must be well organized with superior attention to detail and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs, specifically Word and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualification Requirements (desired requirements beyond MQRs above)

• Doctorate in Physical Therapy from accredited school, recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
• Two (2) years of experience in Pediatric Physical Therapy, ideally working with school-aged children with significant disabilities
• Research experience and/or clinical experience with children with brain-based disorders and neurological involvement and/or I/DD
• Pediatric Clinical Specialist Certification
• Neurodevelopment Treatment (NDT) training, experience and/or certification

Compensation

• $70,000 to $75,000/Year
• Tuition reimbursement
• Medical and dental insurance (with options for family and more extensive medical plans, as well as vision)
• Paid Time Off and School Holidays
• 403(b) retirement with employer match
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Discounts on travel, entertainment, wireless services, shopping, and more!

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam or disabled veteran. YAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.