Physical Therapist PT - Treasure Coast FL - $56K-$69K

Job Title:
Physical Therapist PT - Treasure Coast FL - $56K-$69K - $4K Bonus

Location:
Saint Lucie County / Tradition, FL

Employment Type:
W-2 Salaried or 1099 Contractor

Start Date:
2026-27 School Year

Salary Range:
$56,000 to $68,800 W2 or $41 to $51 per hour 1099

DESCRIPTION

Thrive Therapies Group is a pediatric healthcare organization on a mission to revolutionize the care of children with disabilities and those facing barriers to access. We work exclusively in K-12 schools because school is where clinical care becomes transformative. A therapy goal in a clinic is a therapy goal, but a therapy goal in a school becomes a friendship on the playground, a kid who feels they belong, a child who gets to participate in the full arc of childhood. Built by providers, for providers.

We have an IMMEDIATE opening for a school-based Physical Therapist in the greater Treasure Coast, FL area for the 2026-27 school year.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation is paid over 10 months, aligned to the school-year calendar. All figures reflect the Treasure Coast, FL market.

W-2 Base Salary: $56,000 to $68,800 based on experience. W-2 employment means full benefits, paid time off, retirement match, disability coverage, and malpractice insurance, all on us.

1099 Contractor Rate: $41 to $51 per hour. Full flexibility and control over how you work, with a competitive hourly rate and your career mobility fully intact.

Sign-On Bonus: $4,000, paid 25% at 30 days, 25% at 90 days, 50% at 6 months. W2 only.

Longevity Bonus: Up to $2,000 after completing your first full school year.

CEU Stipend: $750 your first year, growing up to $2,000 after five years.

Performance Bonus: Paid annually after exceeding performance metrics.

Health Coverage (W2 only)
Medical, dental, and vision, Thrive covers 100% of employee premiums
Coverage begins day one
Choice of HSA-eligible high-deductible plan or traditional PPO with nationwide network
Dependent and family coverage available
401(k) with up to 5% company match
Optional voluntary benefits including supplemental life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and FSA

Time Off and Schedule (W2 only)
School-year calendar, school holidays off, amounting to 30+ paid days annually
PTO and sick days included

Additional Professional Supports (All Employees)
Malpractice and professional liability insurance fully covered by Thrive, no personal policy required
Quarterly professional development led by clinical leadership, school-based, substantive, and paid
Paid Summer Intensive, pre-year clinical PD that brings the full Thrive team together annually
No non-compete agreement
State PT licensure renewal and APTA dues reimbursed annually

POSITION SUMMARY

As a Thrive PT in the Treasure Coast, FL region, you will deliver school-based physical therapy services to students K-12 whose disabilities affect their ability to access and navigate the educational environment. Working within the educational model, you will evaluate gross motor function, recommend adaptive equipment, write IEP goals, and collaborate with interdisciplinary school teams. You are a full member of the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Evaluation and Eligibility
Conduct comprehensive PT evaluations to determine educational need and IDEA eligibility, including assessment of gross motor skills, functional mobility, gait, balance, coordination, and physical access to the school environment
Administer and interpret standardized assessment tools including GMFM, BOTMP, and PDMS-2 as appropriate to the referral
Write evaluation reports that are clinically rigorous, educationally framed, and accessible to IEP team members and families
Participate in eligibility determination meetings and translate PT findings for educational planning purposes
Conduct re-evaluations in accordance with IDEA timelines

IEP Development and Service Delivery
Develop individualized PT IEP goals targeting functional mobility, gross motor skill development, and physical participation in educational activities
Deliver direct individual therapy sessions using evidence-based PT approaches including NDT, motor learning principles, gait training, and strengthening programs
Evaluate for and recommend adaptive equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, orthotics, and positioning devices, and train students, staff, and families in their proper use
Provide consultative services to teachers and paraprofessionals on physical access accommodations and safe transfer and mobility support techniques
Maintain accurate, timely service logs and progress notes supported by Thrive's AI documentation tools

Collaboration and Environmental Access
Partner with OTs, SLPs, BCBAs, school psychologists, and special education teachers on integrated student-centered IEP teams
Collaborate with school facilities and administration on accessibility modifications when indicated by student need
Train teachers, paraprofessionals, and families on safe handling, mobility support, and transfer techniques
Coordinate with occupational therapists on overlapping motor, positioning, and adaptive equipment goals
Contribute to RTI/MTSS by providing universal gross motor screening and physical access consultation

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

DPT or MPT from an accredited physical therapy program
NPTE board exam passage and active Florida PT license in good standing, or documented initiation of licensure transfer prior to start date
Knowledge of IDEA, the IEP process, and the educational model of PT

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1 or more years of school-based PT experience
Training in NDT, motor learning theory, or pediatric PT specialty frameworks
Experience with adaptive equipment evaluation and recommendation
Experience serving students with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or acquired motor disabilities

WHY THRIVE

100% of our clinicians chose to return for the 26-27 school year. That does not happen by accident. Our founder was once one of those kids whose needs went unidentified until third grade. School-based clinicians changed her life. She built Thrive to bring that care forward.