Description
Lake Forest School District 67, in collaboration with Lake Forest Community High School District 115, is seeking a full-time Physical Therapist (1.0 FTE) to serve students across both districts starting August 2026. The Physical Therapist will provide direct and consultative services to students with disabilities, focusing on improving functional mobility, access to the educational environment, and participation in school activities. The Physical Therapist will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to assess student needs, develop and implement IEP goals, and support staff in adapting the physical environment for student success.
Description: The Physical Therapist provides school based services to students with identified needs in order to support access, participation, and success within the educational environment. The Physical Therapist prevents, assesses, diagnoses, interprets, and treats communication, fine/gross motor, sensory, cognitive-communication, mobility, and functional deficits. They collaborate with families, staff, and students to identify supports, accommodations, and modifications that promote inclusive practices and improved student outcomes. May include up to 37.5 additional paid hours during the summer.Benefits:
Salary Range - $50-$75/hour based on credentials and experience
Reimbursement - PTs are eligible for tuition reimbursement and all other benefits in the LFEA 67 collective bargaining agreement.
Retirement System - IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) - the district pays the full district premium, and employees pay the 4.5% employee contribution.
Essential Functions:
Assessment and PlanningConduct comprehensive evaluations in the specialist's discipline to determine eligibility, develop recommendations, and inform instructional practices
Develop and implement individualized IEP goals that are appropriate to the student's needs, developmental level, and educational context
Serve as case manager or related service provider for assigned students (as designated), ensuring compliance with timelines and IEP/504 requirements
Prepare clear, data-driven diagnostic and progress reports; interpret evaluation data from both school-based and outside providers
Develop and implement plans that integrate IEP goals, accommodations and modifications within the classroom setting
Provide the necessary equipment for optimal classroom participation
Service DeliveryProvide direct and indirect therapy services in individual, group, classroom, and community settings
Implement evidence-based practices to support communication, fine/gross motor skills, daily living, self-regulation, social communication, mobility, and/or functional skills
Select, implement, and support use of assistive technology and/or adaptive/mobility equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, gait trainers, positioning supports) to maximize student participation
Establish and maintain a safe, supportive, an well-organized therapy environment that fosters independence and student engagement
Maintain accurate service delivery logs, progress monitoring data, and Medicaid documentation as required
Collaboration and CommunicationActively participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, including IEP/504, evaluations, transition planning, and problem-solving sessions
Collaborate with staff to adapt environment, tools, materials, equipment and activities according to the need of the student as well as ordering those supplies, materials, tools and equipment for therapy needs
Provide culturally and linguistically responsive communication with families; facilitate parent education and training on strategies to support student needs
Share relevant student information with staff (e.g., IEP-at-a-Glance, BIPs, strategies, information about needs, accommodations)
Engage students in self-advocacy, student-led IEPs, and transition planning
Participates and leads a variety of meetings (e.g. training workshops, seminars, committees, IEP's team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information and growing professionally
Professional ResponsibilitiesReflect on practice, seek feedback, and adjust strategies based on student outcomes and evaluation data
Maintain compliance with district, state, and federal documentation requirements
Participate actively in professional learning communities, staff development, and district initiatives
Pursue professional development and maintain licensure; contribute to the profession by sharing expertise and supporting colleagues
Adhere to Board of Education policies, procedures, and ethical standards
Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the supervisor
Qualifications:
Education, Experience, and Licensure (required and preferred):Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program
Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with appropriate endorsement or Illinois State license in PT through the Division of Professional Regulations
National certification (Federation/State Licensure for PTs)
Pediatric and special education experience preferred
Valid Illinois Driver’s License and access to a reliable and insured vehicle for travel between service sites.
Ability to implement Nonviolent Crisis Intervention strategies, including physical restraint, time-out, and safe transfer of students, as appropriate
Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):Oral and written communication skills.
Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and Illinois special education law
Ability to initiate and complete work without an inordinate amount of supervision and direction
Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
Proficient use Google Apps for Education, online testing platforms, and school-based processing and management systems.
Treats others with respect, works with integrity and ethics, and demonstrates teamwork skills.
Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, District policies and building and department procedures.
Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
Demonstrate timely and consistent follow-through with paperwork, referrals, reports, logs, Medicaid tracking and other reports as needed or appropriate
Demonstrates the ability to effectively evaluate students and determine qualification or termination of services
Ability to organize and manage schedule to meet the needs of students and building/teams
Physical Demands:
The job requires regular physical exertion, including lifting, transferring, and positioning students; pushing/pulling wheelchairs and adaptive equipment; and assisting students with mobility and functional movement. Frequent activities may include kneeling, squatting, climbing, and floor-based interaction with students. Occasional heavy exertion may be required (lifting more than 50 lbs with assistance). Independent transportation is required due to service across multiple sites.
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly subject to inside environmental conditions and is subject to noises associated with both office and educational environments.The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Application Procedure: Interested candidates must apply online. Click here to access the online application.
To learn more about Lake Forest School Districts 67 & 115, visit our website at www.lakeforestschools.org.
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