Physical Therapist

Exempt; full-time; 35 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; full-benefits

2 Vacancies available:

• 11 months (48 weeks working through the school year; 12 month salary listed)
• 10 months (44 weeks working through the school year; 12 month salary listed)

This position provides comprehensive physical therapy services, including evaluation, assessment, goal setting, and intervention, for eligible students aged 3 to 21 who are referred by Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) to the Frederick County Developmental Center (FCDC). Services are delivered primarily in FCPS school settings to support students functional mobility and participation in the educational environment. Supervision is received from the School-Based Occupational Therapist/Physical Therapist Program Manager.

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
• Coming in 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage .

• Conduct assessments and ongoing observations to develop individualized treatment plans and functional goals for eligible FCPS students
• Deliver direct and consultative physical therapy services to support students with motor challenges that affect their access to and participation in school settings
• Implement interventions aligned with students Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to foster safe, functional independence in educational environments
• Share recommendations and relevant resources with school staff and families based on assessment outcomes and student needs
• Collaborate through consultation, coaching, and training to guide school personnel and families in supporting student success, including safe use of adaptive equipment for access and positioning
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities such as in-service trainings, staff meetings, and relevant conferences
• Maintain thorough, accurate documentation in compliance with timelines and reporting requirements
• Independently manage and adjust daily schedules to uphold IEP mandates and align with FCDC and FCPS operational standards
• Perform additional related duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy

- OR -

• Master's degree in Physical Therapy
• Minimum 2 years of physical therapy work experience

- OR -

• Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy
• Minimum 5 years of physical therapy work experience

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Current PT license issued by the MD State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (or PT license from another state with ability to obtain the MD license before work begins at FCDC)
• Successful completion of National Physical Therapy Registration Examination
• Current CPR certification or the ability to become so certified prior to first day of employment

At the discretion of FCDC administration, this position may be filled as an entry level Physical Therapist. Entry-level placement requires graduation as listed above, and a provisional Maryland PT license with intent to sit for the national PT examination as required by the provisional license. National PT licensing examination must be passed within 3 months after hire. Upon obtaining the regular Maryland licensure and completion of probation period, employee is eligible for upgrade to the higher advertised job classification. Consideration will be given for provisional PT license in another state, with commitment to obtain the corresponding Maryland licensure within the specified time period.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws governing physical therapy, and school-based service delivery
• Knowledge of pediatric physical therapy principles and child development
• Knowledge of school-based intervention strategies for students with disabilities, including the ability to adapt therapy techniques to meet diverse student needs and learning styles
• Ability to use adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and mobility aids for educational settings
• Ability to conduct student evaluations to develop individualized therapy plans (IEPs)
• Ability to manage time effectively while working across multiple student caseloads
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to accurately compile and maintain electronic, therapeutic records and related documentation
• Discretion and good judgement in handling sensitive, personal and medical information and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, teachers, children and their family members and the general public

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS :

• While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently sit and walk; occasionally stoop, climb, lift up to 50 pounds, push and pull up to 40 pounds, reach, perform repetitive motions and drive
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors and occasionally work outdoors.

• Ability to provide own transportation to schools, homes and other sites as appropriate
• This position is considered essential personnel in the event of a public health emergency
• This position is subject to random drug testing, without marijuana
• Certifications must be maintained throughout employment
  

KIND OF EXAMINATION: (may include)

1. An evaluation of training and experience

2. One or more interviews

3. A pre-employment physical examination

4. A pre-employment drug test without marijuana

5. A pre-employment fingerprint supported background investigation