About the role
At Meliora Academy, we provide individualized education for students with autism and related challenges, focusing on academics, life skills, and independence. Guided by collaboration, evidence-based practice, and whole-child support, we help students grow with confidence. Join us and make a difference every day.
We are seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and innovative Physical Therapist to join our team. In this role, you'll empower students to improve mobility, balance, strength, coordination, and independence through individualized, evidence-based interventions that support success both in and beyond the classroom.
What You'll Need
- Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy program.
- Current Connecticut Department of Public Health licensure as a Physical Therapist.
- Current Safety-Care, First Aid, and CPR certifications (or ability to obtain upon hire).
- Clinical knowledge and experience evaluating students and developing individualized treatment plans in a school-based setting.
- Experience working with neurodiverse students and students with autism and related developmental disabilities.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and move up to 60 pounds.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, organizational, and documentation skills.
What You'll Do
- Conduct comprehensive physical therapy evaluations to assess students' functional abilities and educational needs.
- Develop, implement, and adjust individualized treatment plans aligned with each student's educational goals and Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Provide direct physical therapy services focused on improving strength, mobility, balance, coordination, endurance, and functional independence.
- Conduct assessments and contribute to Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings and the development of IEP goals.
- Collaborate with teachers and related service providers to integrate motor goals into classroom routines and daily school activities.
- Monitor student progress and modify interventions based on data and student outcomes.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and Medicaid-compliant documentation, including evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports, and annual reviews.
- Educate school staff and families on positioning, mobility, adaptive equipment, and strategies that promote student independence, participation, and safety.
- Attend professional development opportunities, in-service trainings, and team meetings to remain current on best practices in pediatric and school-based physical therapy.
- Review current research and evidence-based practices to ensure high-quality therapeutic services.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Opportunity to work 4 or 5 days per week
- Enjoy both paid time off and extra paid school breaks (for select roles), plus paid holidays
- Wellness perks including gym discounts, mindfulness apps, and prescription savings
- Tuition reimbursement, career development programs, and leadership training
- 401(k) retirement savings with a 4% company match and immediate vesting
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Free Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling, life coaching, and mental health resources
- Life insurance, disability coverage, and Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions at no cost to you
Meliora Academy is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at talent@newstory.com.