Job Description
MARION CITY SCHOOLS
Marion, Ohio
February 5, 2026
POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT Anticipated Openings for the 2025-26 School Year
Title: School-Based Physical Therapist (PK-12)
Department: Certified
Responsible To: Director of Student Services
Employment Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Supervises: Instructional Aides
Terms of Employment: Contract, salary, and benefits per negotiated agreement.
Position Overview We are seeking a dedicated, equity-minded Physical Therapist to join our student services team. In this role, you will provide therapy services to students (ages 3-21) to enhance their functional ability to participate in the educational environment. You will work closely with families, teachers, and IEP teams to ensure every student, regardless of background, has the physical access they need to succeed.
Required Qualifications - Education: Master's or Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
- Licensure: Valid license to practice Physical Therapy from the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers (OTPTAT) Board .
- Certification: Ability to obtain an Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Pupil Services License.
Key Responsibilities - Evaluations & IEPs: Conduct comprehensive physical therapy evaluations; develop and implement goal-oriented Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
- Direct Therapy: Provide individual and group therapy sessions focusing on gross motor skills, gait training, balance, and functional mobility within the school building.
- Consultation: Collaborate with classroom teachers to modify the physical environment and adapt curriculum materials.
- Equipment Management: Assess the need for, order, and fit assistive technology and adaptive equipment (e.g., standers, walkers, specialized seating).
- Advocacy & Support: Serve as a resource for families in a high-need urban setting, providing home-carryover strategies that are sensitive to various socioeconomic constraints.
Performance Responsibilities - Conduct comprehensive physical therapy evaluations as part of the Multifactor Evaluation (MFE) process and through staff referrals; assist school psychologists with testing procedures and placement recommendations.
- Determine student eligibility for physical therapy services and establish appropriate service frequency and intensity based on educational impact.
- Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, ensuring goals are functional, measurable, and aligned with student needs.
- Provide direct physical therapy services (individual and group), focusing on gross motor development, gait training, balance, postural control, and functional mobility within the school environment.
- Deliver services directly and/or through supervision of Physical Therapist Assistants, as appropriate.
- Serve as a consultant to classroom teachers and staff, collaborating to modify physical environments, adapt instructional materials, and support student access to curriculum.
- Assess, recommend, order, fit, and monitor assistive technology and adaptive equipment (e.g., walkers, standers, wheelchairs, specialized seating) in coordination with Student Services.
- Provide counseling, guidance, and advocacy to parents and staff regarding physical therapy-related disabilities, including practical home carryover strategies sensitive to socioeconomic considerations.
- Implement behavioral and motivational strategies to promote positive participation, attention, and functional independence.
- Maintain accurate attendance, progress, and service records in compliance with Marion City Schools policies, Ohio Department of Education requirements, and professional ethics.
- Participate in district and building meetings, professional development activities, conferences, and workshops as required.
- Fulfill assigned teacher work schedules and collaborate with instructional staff in the shared support of students.
- Conduct parent communication through conferences, written reports, and home visits when appropriate to ensure consistent engagement and understanding.
- Stay current with best practices and instructional methods related to school-based physical therapy services.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Student Services Supervisor.
Skills: Experience in pediatric therapy or a school setting is preferred. Strong cultural competency and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse urban population are essential.
Other Duties and Responsibilities: - Exhibit professional behavior, emotional stability and sound judgement.
- Maintain confidentiality and respect for confidential information at all times.
- Establish and maintain cooperative relationships.
- Attends meetings, professional development and serves on staff committees as required.
- Interacts in a positive manner with staff, students and parents.
- Refer suspected cases of child abuse immediately to the appropriate child protective services/law enforcement agency as mandated by state law and Board of Education policy.
- Promote good public relations by personal appearance, attitude and conversation.
- Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect district equipment, materials and facilities.
- Plans purposeful assignments for instructional aides.
- Ensure the safety of students.
Note: The above lists are not ranked in order of importance.
Conduct: Each staff member shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance and abuse of any prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the District.
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.
Marion City Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy of the Marion City Schools Board of Education that the best qualified applicant shall be selected for each position without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, political affiliation, disabling or military status. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to participate in activities involved in the position or program for which application has been made.
*This job description identifies primary responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and activities. This job description is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes as directed by the Superintendent of Marion City Schools.
How to Apply: If you are interested in being considered for this position, you must apply on the Marion City School's website prior to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, April 27, 2026 or until filled. Here is the link to apply
If you have questions, contact Meredith Mucha, via email. mmucha@mcspresidents.org
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Immediate start