Job Details

Position Type:
Special Education (Non-Instruction)

Date Posted:
5/31/2024

Location:
Exceptional Student Services School Year
2024-2025

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