Contract Physical Therapist Wellness Consultant - Therapy Program Developer

Position Summary

The Physical Therapist Wellness Consultant serves as the therapy program developer for residents with developmental delay within various residential care homes within the Escondido and Ramona areas. This role combines clinical physical therapy expertise with program design responsibility, building and overseeing wellness and therapeutic movement programs that support residents' functional independence, safety, and overall quality of life. The consultant works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, direct care staff, and families to ensure therapy goals are individualized, evidence-based, and meaningfully integrated into residents' daily routines.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development

• Design, implement, and continuously refine wellness and physical therapy programs tailored to residents with developmental delay
• Establish individualized goals addressing functional mobility, gross and fine motor skills, balance, strength, and endurance
• Develop group and individual wellness activities that promote physical activity, community participation, and long-term health maintenance
• Create protocols and cueing hierarchies appropriate for varying levels of cognitive and physical ability

Clinical Assessment & Treatment

• Conduct initial and ongoing assessments of residents' physical, functional, and mobility status
• Develop individualized care plans using standard clinical frameworks (e.g., ICF language, assist-level documentation)
• Monitor resident progress and adjust treatment plans based on outcomes and changing needs
• Provide direct physical therapy interventions as needed within scope of practice

Staff Training & Collaboration

• Train and mentor direct care staff on proper positioning, transfer techniques, exercise implementation, and fall-prevention strategies
• Collaborate with occupational therapists, speech therapists, nursing staff, and program coordinators to ensure a cohesive, whole-person approach to resident care
• Serve as a clinical resource for questions related to mobility, safety, and physical wellness

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in compliance with state licensing and regulatory requirements for residential care facilities
• Ensure programs align with applicable healthcare and disability services regulations
• Participate in quality assurance reviews and support audits as needed

Family & Team Communication

• Communicate resident progress, goals, and recommendations to families and guardians in a clear, compassionate manner
• Participate in interdisciplinary care team meetings and care plan reviews

Qualifications

Required

• Current, unrestricted license as a Physical Therapist (PT) in California
• Experience working with individuals with cognitive impairments, developmental disabilities or intellectual disabilities
• Strong understanding of therapeutic exercise, functional mobility training, and adaptive equipment
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work across clinical, administrative, and family stakeholders
• Working knowledge of documentation standards and regulatory compliance in residential/community care settings

Preferred

• Prior experience developing or leading wellness programs.
• Experience with quarterly goal-setting frameworks (Q1–Q4 clinical goal cycles)
• Familiarity with cueing hierarchies, assist-level classifications, and ICF-based documentation

Core Competencies

• Program design and clinical creativity
• Patience and adaptability when working with varying cognitive and physical needs
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Warm, person-centered communication style

Work Environment

This position is based in a residential care setting supporting adults with developmental delay. Work may involve direct physical assistance with residents, movement across the facility, and occasional lifting or transferring support consistent with physical therapy duties.

Pay: $85.00 - $100.00 per hour

Expected hours: 2.0 – 10.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: In person