Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

DISTRICT #49 BOARD APPROVED JOB DESCRIPTION

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT Job Title: Physical Therapist Assistant Related Organization Chart

Initial: May 10, 2018 Revised: N/A Work Year: July 5, 2022 Office: Education Department: Special Education Reports To: Special Education Zone Administrator / Assigned Physical Therapist FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Pay Range: Educational Support Personnel Range 28

POSITION SUMMARY: The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) will work in a team environment in partnership with the Physical Therapist, the general and special education teachers, and paraprofessionals in all school settings. Under the direct supervision of the Physical Therapist (PT), the PTA will implement physical therapy interventions in order to improve students' functional independence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The following statements of essential functions and responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of all personnel within this position. Actual duties and responsibilities may vary depending on building assignment and other factors.

• Provides direct physical therapy services to students according to Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.
• Follows and implements documented treatment plans or protocols.
• Adapts school and classroom environment, tools, and materials under the supervision of the PT for the purpose of improving student functioning and facilitating student access to curricular and instructional activities.
• Assists PT with assessing students' gross motor and development skills for the purpose of determining areas of concern and developing recommendations.
• Consults with PT, occupational therapists, speech therapists, general and special education teachers, and paraprofessionals for the purpose of providing requested information, reviewing/revising students' physical therapy goals and objectives, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations to implement goals.
• Implements therapeutic activities and instructs students, teachers, parents, and other involved persons on, Special Education Zone Administrator/ Assigned Physical Therapist Physical Therapist Assistant

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable acco mmodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. including; but not limited to, positioning, adjusting special equipment, etc. for the purpose of providing appropriate care to students and/or supporting the student's IEP for use in the classroom.

• Consults with PT to participate in multidisciplinary meetings.
• Maintains files and/or records in cooperation with the PT, including; but not limited to, progress reports, activity logs, etc. for the purpose of documenting activities and/or ensuring up-to-date for compliance with district, state, and federal regulations.
• Assists the PT during assessments by assisting with documentation and performing clerical duties including Kinney documentation and Medicaid billing.
• Maintains treatment equipment and supplies in clean and proper working condition.
• Assists with monitoring, fabricating, and adapting orthopedics, casts, and adaptive equipment.
• Assists in providing training, consultation, and instruction to teachers on the use of adaptive devices and equipment to ensure devices are used safely and optimal benefits are achieved.
• Troubleshoots problems with assistive devices to ensure equipment is in proper working order.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervision & Technical Responsibilities: This position does not supervise other employees.

Budget Responsibility: This position does not have any direct budget responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position:

Education & Training:

• Associate's degree in physical therapy or graduation from a physical therapy assistant program.
• Training in or willingness to train in nonviolent crisis intervention (CPI) techniques.

Experience:

• No experience required; prior PTA experience in the educational setting is preferred.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal relation skills.
• Basic math and accounting skills.
• Customer service and public relations skills.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform responsibilities without the necessity of close supervision.
• Must be proficient in the use of personal computers and common software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point.

Certificates, Licenses, & Registrations:

• Criminal background check required for hire.
• Valid Colorado driver's license required for hire.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable acco mmodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. OTHER WORK FACTORS The physical demands, work environment factors and mental functions described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds frequently.

Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work primarily in a usual office or school environment.

Mental Functions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate, compare, analyze, coordinate, instruct, evaluate, and use interpersonal skills. Occasionally required to compile, copy, compute and negotiate.