Physical Therapist Assistant

REPORTS TO:
Director of Special Education and Physical Therapist

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Support and deliver physical therapy services to students with physical disabilities and high support needs in order to promote motor development, functional mobility, safety, and access to the educational environment. Works under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist to implement IEP goals, support student participation in school routines, and ensure services are provided in compliance with IDEA, IEP requirements, and district policies.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Ability to assess student needs related to gross motor development, mobility, balance, strength, and functional movement
• Knowledge of IDEA, special education procedures, and related service requirements
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to explain evaluation information and goals in clear understandable way to audience
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, families, administrators, and related service providers
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals and progress
• Ability to work with students requiring physical assistance, adaptive equipment, mobility devices, and positioning supports
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively to medical, behavioral, or mobility-related situations
• Ability to use technology and data systems for documentation, reporting, and progress monitoring
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and families

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supports Delivery of Physical Therapy Services

• Assists the Physical Therapist in conducting appropriate evaluation of students referred for services by selecting, administering, and interpreting a variety of screening instruments and standardized measurement tools; identify need for physical therapy services based on evaluation results
• Implements IEP goals and objectives related to mobility, gross motor development, balance, strength, and functional independence
• Provides direct and consultative physical therapy support in individual and group settings under PT direction
• Supports student participation in classroom routines, transitions, and school-based activities
• Assists with recommendations and trains staff on mobility equipment, positioning systems, assistive technology, and environmental modifications
• Evaluates students to determine eligibility and need for physical therapy services
• Monitor student progress and adjust goals and interventions based on analysis of progress

Supports Students with High-Needs and Life Skills

• Addresses functional mobility skills such as walking, transfers, navigating school environments, and safe movement
• Supports motor planning, coordination, and postural control for students with complex needs
• Assists students with use of walkers, wheelchairs, standers, gait trainers, and other adaptive equipment
• Collaborates with staff to ensure consistency of strategies across settings

Collaborates with Staff and Families

• Participates in IEP meetings, case conferences, and multidisciplinary team…