Physical Therapy Assistant

Pay Grade 67 ($3,845.00 - $6,359.00)

Position # 010512

Job Description

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Job Summary

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is responsible for implementing intervention and therapy regarding students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) This position works in the physical therapy program as a related service provider in an educational setting and is responsible for implementing physical therapy care plans developed by a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) in accordance or in conjunction with the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree required.
• Current and valid License/Certification with the PT Board.
• At least 5 years' experience as a PT assistant.
• Experience assessing and selecting assistive technology.
• Knowledge of IDEA policy and procedures.
• Ability to establish working relationships with co-workers and function as part of a cohesive IEP team.
• Experience implementing appropriate therapy under the direction of a Physical Therapist.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Adapts school and classroom environment, tools and materials under the supervision of the Physical Therapist for the purpose of improving student functioning and facilitating student access to curricular and instructional activities.
• Assists Physical Therapist with assessing students' fine motor, and development skills (e.g. oral motor, sensory integration, motor planning, developmental function, activities of daily living, fine motor function postural tone, etc.) for the purpose of determining their deficits and developing recommendations.
• Attends meetings and workshops (e.g. IEPs, training, team meetings, conferences, meetings with outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information, including best practices for school PT delivery.
• Consults with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, teachers, educational assistants, families, etc. for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising students' physical therapy goals/objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations to implement goals.
• Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, parents and other involved persons (e.g. positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc.) for the purpose of providing

appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student's IEP plan for use in the classroom. ? Maintains files and/or records in cooperation with the Physical Therapist (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance with various state, federal, and administrative regulations.

• Maintains treatment equipment and supplies in clean and proper working condition for the purpose of implementing motor/therapy goals.
• Prepares written materials (e.g. activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information. ? Presents information (e.g. student performance data, clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls.
• Provides direct physical therapy services to students according to IEP goals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established practices and procedures.
• Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g. computer technology, mobility aids, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that equipment is in proper working order and/or providing alternative strategies.
• Transports a variety of items (e.g. puzzles, games, assistive devices, assessment tools, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required for therapy sessions. ? Other duties as assigned by the Exceptional Children Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of FERPA and HIPAA.
• Knowledge of NC rules and regulations regarding physical therapy as both a program and related service option.
• Knowledge of IDEA and the IEP process.
• Knowledge of current testing programs and mandated assessment tools.
• Knowledge of current educational issues and best practices.
• Knowledge of effective intervention strategies.
• Ability to apply problem solving processes and creative thinking skills.
• Ability to recognize student strengths and weaknesses in communication.
• Ability to maintain accurate student records.
• Ability to analyze and interpret assessment data.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, co-workers, administrators, and parents.
• Ability to work with teachers and students to demonstrate ways of supporting students in the regular and EC classroom.
• Ability to work with students in many non-traditional treatment settings.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with students who have various cognitive and physical limitations.
• Ability to work with team to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate program progress and implement changes.
• The Physical Assistant Therapy is responsible for implementing intervention and therapy regarding students' fine and gross motor skills and functional abilities (e.g. perceptual-motor, hand functions, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) This position works in the occupational therapy program as a related service provider in an educational setting and is responsible for implementing physical therapy care plans developed by a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) in accordance or in conjunction with the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• The Physical Therapy Assistant reports to the Director of Exceptional Children