Physical Therapist (PT) in Buffalo, NY
Optimal Therapy Associates Services Posted: 2026-09-24
Buffalo, NY 14214
Salary from $34.00 to $36.00 HOUR (USD)
School Based Physical Therapist (PT)
Position Description
DEFINITION:
● Physical Therapists (PTs) assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs
that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling
conditions resulting from disease or injury.
● Physical Therapists in education systems are considered to be related service personnel.
Services provided in an educational setting are designed to enhance the students potential for
learning, to assist the student in acquiring those functional performance skills needed to
participate in and benefit from the educational environment and to help the student function
independently. These services are to include evaluation, treatment, and development of
appropriate physical therapy programs.
● May supervise a physical therapist assistant
1. the licensed physical therapist's setting of the goals, establishing a plan of care,
determining on an initial and ongoing basis whether the patient is appropriate to receive
the services of a licensed physical therapist assistant, determining the frequency of joint
visits with the patient by both the supervising licensed physical therapist and the
licensed physical therapist assistant, except that in no instance shall the interval,
between joint visits, be more than every ninety calendar days, subject to the licensed
physical therapist's evaluation;
2. an initial joint visit with the patient by the supervising licensed physical therapist and
licensed physical therapist assistant;
3. periodic treatment and evaluation of the patient by the supervising licensed physical
therapist as indicated in the plan of care and as determined in accordance with patient
need, except that in no instance shall the interval between such treatment exceed every
twelfth visit or thirty days whichever occurs first; and
4. notification of the supervising licensed physical therapist by the licensed physical
therapist assistant whenever there is a change in status, condition or performance of
the patient.
SUPERVISION:
● Reports directly to the Director of Physical Therapy School Based Services
● May provide direct and indirect supervision to a Physical Therapist Assistant
● Receives supervision from the Occupational Therapist Team Supervisor and/or Team
manager
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
● Education: graduation from an approved school of PT with a master's degree or higher in
physical therapy or determined to be equivalent, in accordance with the commissioner's
regulations;
● Experience: have experience satisfactory to the board in accordance with the commissioner's
regulations;
● Age: be at least twenty-one years of age;
● Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department and uphold the
company values as outlined in the OTAS Employee Manual
● Registration: all licensed physical therapists shall register triennially with the department in
accordance with the regulations of the commissioner;
● Licensure: responsible for payment and renewal of New York State licensure every 3 years
● Background Checks: proof of fingerprint clearance via NYS TEACH system
● Medical: pre-employment physical with proof of required immunizations, annual medical proof
of good health required thereafter
KNOWLEDGE &SKILLS:
● Knowledge and skills of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words,
rules of composition and grammar in order to produce quality documentation of services
provided
● Skills in providing direct service; evaluation, consultation and monitoring of programs by using
logic and reasoning to identify the strength and weaknesses of alternative solutions,
conclusions or approaches to problems
● Written and verbal communication skills at a competent level to provide information to
supervisors, co-workers, families, school personnel, and subordinates by telephone, e-mail, or
in person
● Skills in time management in order to work effectively independently and maintain
documentation as required by regulations and OTAS standards, and maximize productivity
● Skills in staff training and development
● Ability to direct others as necessary
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
● Knowledge of computer systems and the ability to work with word, google docs, and data
analysis programs.
● Independent or in conjunction with a Physical Therapist Assistant:
○ Document student’s condition, treatment program, and necessary functional needs to
achieve educational goals
○ Plan, prepare, and carryout an individually designed program of treatment
○ Identify and document goals, anticipated progress and program adjustment, if
necessary
● Prepare and maintain student progress notes in a timely manner
2
● Discuss the students progress with appropriate school personnel and with the family, including
any treatment procedures to be continued at home
● Schedule students for physical therapy services
● Recommend appropriate adaptive equipment or supplies needed by the student
● Maintain CEU’s per NYSED for Physical Therapist License
● Maintain a safe work environment and be cognizant of personal safety. You are requested to
inspect your work area(s) and equipment daily and report any unsafe conditions/equipment
● Report all on-the-job injuries to the OTAS office as soon as they occur
● Placement to include therapy room, classroom, teletherapy, in home, and neutral site as
indicated by district
OTHER DUTIES:
● Assists and orientates new employees in departmental procedures
● Facilitate professional growth through literature review and attendance at in-services
● Keep up to date technically. Share new knowledge with the team and apply new knowledge to
the job
● Assist in program development/revision
● Assist in maintaining neat and orderly work areas in all locations
● Assist in maintaining adequate inventory of supplies and equipment used in treatment
● Recommend new equipment for purchase
● Assist in Quality improvement and Peer Review Activities
● Maybe required to carry out other tasks as requested
Interested candidates, please Quick Apply below.
Job Posted On: 2026-09-24 Valid Through: 2026-10-24
Optimal Therapy Associates Services
Buffalo, NY 14214
Employment Type: FULL_TIME
