Position Type: Special Education (Non-Instruction) Date Posted: 5/31/2024 Location: Exceptional Student Services School Year Working Calendar Days 207 Days Salary Range Range II Benefited Status Benefited Position - Tier 1 Description: Purpose Statement The job of Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is to assist with the implementation of appropriate physical therapy treatment to meet individual student goals and objectives; identifying environmental barriers and equipment needs; providing recommendations for safety and accessibility and providing direction to supportive staff as indicated under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. This job reports to Director of Exceptional Student Services Job Summary: Essential Functions Assists with evaluating students' gross motor development skills (e.g. mobility, balance, motor coordination, sensory development, muscle strength, etc.) for the purpose of determining their needs and developing recommendations. Complies with direction from assigned Physical Therapist for the purpose of providing guidance and ensuring that program objectives are achieved. Assists Physical Therapist the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities. Assissts in evaluating students' functional capabilities and classroom environment for the purpose of optimizing student's level of participation and developing recommendations. Assists in identifying structural issues for the purpose of removing barriers for students with physical limitations and/or identifying appropriate assistive technology. Assists in interpreting medical reports for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate. Participates in meetings, workships and seminars (e.g. training, IEP's, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information. Consults with occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapist, teachers, class assistants, families, etc. for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising students' occupational therapy goals/objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations. Assists in developing treatment plans, interventions and/or educational materials (e.g. IEP's, gross motor activity programs, etc.) for the purpose of addressing the students' motor skill deficits and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Assists in collaborating with a variety of groups and/or individuals for the purpose of communication information, resolving issues and providing services in compliance with established guidelines. Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, billings, activity logs, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring an up-to-date trail for compliance. Maintains treatment equipment and supplies for the purpose of implementing student goals. Performs site visits at multiple work sites including home visits for the purpose of assistings in providing services. Prepares written materials (e.g. activity logs, progress notes, reports, memos, Medicaid billings, time studies, summer activities packets, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information. Presents information (e.g. student performance data, and clinical feedback, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, gaining feedback and ensuring adherence to established internal controls. Assists in providing direct physical therapy services to students according to IEP goals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with established practices and procedures. Provides training and instruction to teachers on the use of assistive devices for the purpose of ensuring such devices are used safely and optimal benefits are achieved. Reports incidents and observations (e.g. suspected child abuse, suspected substance abuse, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment and adhering to Education Code, administrative and/or school policies. Transports a variety of items for the purpose of ensuring the availability of materials required for therapy sessions. Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices (e.g. computer technology, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that equipment is in proper working order and/or providing alternative strategies. Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications Skills, Knowledge and Abilities SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; applying assessment instruments; operating equipment used in occupational therapy; operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records. KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read technical information, compose a variety of documents, and/or facilitate group discussions; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: student behavior management skills; adaptive equipment; occupational therapy models, practices and theories; health standards and hazards; job-related codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; knowledge of community resources; recordkeeping and record retention practices; stages of child development; and educationally based treatment modalities. ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: being attentive to detail; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; displaying tact and courtesy; being empathetic and nonjudgemental; establishing and maintaining effective relationships, especially with students; displaying mechanical aptitude; working with frequent interruptions; and ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally. Responsibility Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization's services. Working Environment The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 34% sitting, 33% walking, and 33% standing. The job is performed under some temperature extremes and under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness. Experience Job related experience is required. Education Community college and/or vocational school degree with study in job-related area. Equivalency Required Testing Certificates Valid PTA license Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability Continuing Educ./Training Clearances Continuing Education Requirements Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance Hepatitis B Clearance Tuberculosis Clearance FLSA Status Approval Date Salary Range Non Exempt II
Job Title
Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)