Job Title: Physical Therapist
Building: Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative
Reports to: Executive Director of the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative
Salary: $46,936-$90,238 (Based on education and experience; wages outlined in the Certified Master Contract available on the district website
Terms: 0.8 FTE (144 contract days)
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, TRA, 403b, and PTO.
FLSA: Overtime Exempt
Union: EMB Education MN-Brainerd
Start Date: July 1, 2026 

APPLY ONLINE:  www.isd181.org    JobID# 1225

Position Purpose: Provides school-based physical therapy services to students (birth through age 21) across member districts of the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative. Services are delivered in accordance with state and federal special education requirements, Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy regulations, and American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) standards. The Physical Therapist supports student access, participation, and progress within educational environments through evaluation, intervention, consultation, and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities
1. Service Delivery

• Deliver physical therapy services in a variety of settings, including home, childcare, school, and community environments.
• Utilize service delivery models including direct, consultative, and collaborative approaches based on student need.
• Support student access to and participation in educational activities through targeted interventions.

2. Evaluation & Assessment

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations focused on functional mobility, safety, access, and participation within the educational environment.
• Use a combination of observation, informal and standardized assessments, and record review.
• Interpret evaluation data to determine educational impact and need for services.
• Prepare written evaluation reports and communicate findings and recommendations to IEP/IFSP teams.

3. IEP/IFSP Development & Implementation

• Participate in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
• Contribute to goal development, accommodations, and service recommendations.
• Monitor student progress and complete required progress reporting.
• Attend and participate in IEP/IFSP meetings and other team meetings as appropriate.
• Interpret relevant medical information for educational teams.

4. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation, including:
  • Evaluation reports and service logs
  • Progress notes and communication with families/staff
  • Third-party billing documentation
  • Training logs and service implementation records
• Ensure documentation meets district, state, and federal requirements.

5. Intervention Planning & Implementation

• Design and implement individualized programs to address student needs, including:
  • Gross motor development
  • Positioning and seating
  • Mobility and accessibility
  • Sensory-motor needs related to physical access
• Monitor and adjust interventions based on student progress and data.
• Support development of student independence and self-advocacy skills.

6. Training & Consultation

• Provide training and support to staff, families, and students on implementation of therapy strategies and programs.
• Collaborate with educational teams, caregivers, and outside providers to ensure consistency of services.
• Serve as a liaison between school teams and medical/community providers when appropriate.

7. Equipment & Assistive Technology

• Evaluate, recommend, and support acquisition of adaptive equipment and assistive technology.
• Coordinate equipment trials, vendor communication, and funding justification (including medical necessity documentation).
• Provide training on equipment use and monitor ongoing effectiveness and safety.
• Modify or fabricate equipment as appropriate.

8. Collaboration & Team Participation

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support student outcomes.
• Participate in meetings including interagency, child study, evaluation planning, and professional learning.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with students, families, and staff.

9. Supervision

• Provide direction and oversight to Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) in accordance with state regulations.
• Support training and implementation of therapy programs carried out by paraprofessionals and other staff.

10. Other Duties

• Perform additional duties as assigned to support student services and cooperative operations.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program
• Current licensure by the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy
• Knowledge of school-based special education laws and service delivery models
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with data privacy requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in pediatric or school-based settings
• Familiarity with IEP/IFSP processes and third-party billing