SUMMARY: Assists the physical therapist, student, teacher, parents and classroom staff in meeting students’ IEP gross motor and physical activity goals. He/she will develop in each student an understanding of the relationship of normal movement, exercise and school function; motivate each student to cultivate their potential in gross motor function, physical fitness and good social and emotional adjustment; discover and develop talents of students in gross motor skills; and develop strength, skill, agility and coordination in individual, dual and team physical activities in sports.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follows through on the designated educationally relevant therapy program to meet the student’s IEP goal requirements in the areas of gross motor and physical activity through a direct, integrative or consultative type of service delivery.
• Assists Physical Therapist in obtaining data for screening students on appropriate referral for the need of a complete physical therapy evaluation.
• Assesses the gross motor and physical activity needs of students during each therapy session.
• Educates the teacher, classroom staff, or parents regarding classroom or home follow through programming necessary to assist the student in meeting his or her IEP goals.
• Cleans, maintains, and organizes gross motor or sensory integration equipment necessary to meet the indicated IEP goals.
• Keeps accurate documentation regarding therapy program details including attendance records, daily notes, quarterly progress reports, monthly Medicaid billing reports with the co-signature of a licensed physical therapist as outlined through the APTA and AZ State Physical Therapy Board; notes parent/ teacher communications and any required paperwork for special incidences.
• Coordinates educationally relevant physical therapy programming with the multidisciplinary staff and outside services as necessary.
• Coordinates with the Adaptive Physical Education staff, promoting the Dysart-Surprise Special Olympics program through student encouragement, participation as a coach, or participation during district or county practices, competitions, and events.
• Demonstrates competence in understanding and caring for special needs students based upon their age, grade, functional, cognitive and physical level of development to promote student’s safety and maximum independence in the school environment.
• Demonstrates the competent usage of proper body mechanics when transferring or lifting students.
• Demonstrates knowledge of school fire drill and emergency exit procedures at each school facility assigned.
• Demonstrates the willingness to travel between schools and to make their own schedule, taking into consideration the students’ IEP goals and other team members’ schedules.
• Assists in the setting up and break down of therapy rooms at the beginning and end of the school year.
• May attend annual IEP meetings of students on their caseload, under the direct supervising physical therapist ultimately responsible in discerning progress, writing new goals, and establishing team and parental rapport.
• Resolves conflict by appropriately communicating with those involved.
• Accepts constructive criticism and gives suggestions in a professional manner.
• Attends continuing education courses as appropriate to the pediatric school environment as well as monthly motor team and related service team meetings.
• Shares knowledge of professional developments and current trends in the educational therapy area.
• Provides input regarding equipment or therapy supplies or needs.
• Manages the motor team lending library, including inventory, organization and courier of equipment and well as facilitating the check-out/in process of inventoried items.
• Demonstrates a knowledge of motor and sensory equipment to assist in cataloging, locating, ordering, and delivery of necessary items to motor team staff.
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by direct supervisor, the assigned licensed physical therapist or the Special Education director.
• Establish and maintain good rapport with students, employees, community members and vendors.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION:

• AA Degree or Higher in Physical Therapy Assistant from an accredited school.
• License in Physical Therapy Assistant from the AZ State Board of Physical Therapy.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC).
• Possession of a valid Arizona driver's license at time of appointment, and throughout employment. Proof of current auto liability insurance at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Personal transportation for job-related travel.

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working with school aged children for a year or more is preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Knowledge of rules and regulations of state licensure, including ethical and legal responsibilities that apply to physical therapy practitioners in the educational setting.
• Reading and interpreting general documents such as employee handbooks and safety/training manuals.
• Effective writing, speaking skills, organization, time management and collaborating with school staff.
• Basic principles of critical thinking and application of analysis.
• Knowledge of best practice trends, emerging technologies and basic understanding of specialized equipment relevant to the area of assignment.
• Demonstrates competency in computer applications such as Google Suite, Word, and Excel. 

SKILL IN:

• Effective communication (verbal and written).
• Adapting and modifying school activities to support student access and participation.
• Organizing/maintaining records and work samples.
• Maintaining student behavior in a positive and constructive manner.
• Taking precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Researching industry trends, solutions and best practices.
• Establishing rapport and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, supervisors, vendors, students, parents, the general public, and other business associates of the school district.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of relevant software applications including proficiency in electronic documentation.

ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class require: stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Light Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Working Conditions: Work is routinely performed in an indoor classroom/office environment. May require some work in the field with moderate exposure to travel.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

The Dysart Unified School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Dysart Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in employment or in any of its educational programs or in the provisions of benefits and services to students.