Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Position Title: Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Bargaining Unit: Grand Rapids Association of Child Care Workers, Employment Training Specialist, Non-Certified Teachers, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants and Physical Therapy Assistants (GRACEN)

Rate of Pay: Determined by the collective bargaining agreement

Earning Days: Determine by the negotiated calendar

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Certified Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) works under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist (PT) but is also expected to work independently with students. The PTA will be carrying out student goals and instructional objectives as specified in their Individualized Educational Programs (IEP)

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in providing Physical Therapy in the following areas:

• Direct therapeutic intervention with students (individually or in small groups).
• Maintain accurate records regarding student progress.
• Modify/maintain therapy equipment and materials as appropriate.
• Modify/maintain student equipment as appropriate.
• Employ open communication with staff regarding student’s therapeutic needs.
• Write clinic reports and other medical related information for assigned caseload, as directed by the supervising PT.
• Keep therapy area clean and neat.

• Attend parent/teacher conferences, team meetings, Individual Education Program (IEP) team meetings, staff meetings, and other appropriate, requested or assigned meetings.
• Follow District policies, procedures and practices.
• Interact with co-workers, administration, students, parents and the community in positive, supportive, professional and cooperative manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

This description describes the type and level of work performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required in the position.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have completed at least one of the following:
  • At least two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 Credits)
  • Obtained an associate's or higher degree; or
  • Achieved a passing score on a MDE approved assessment.
• Obtained PTA certification by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Be Certified as a PTA by the State of Michigan.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with individuals with disabilities (including children) preferred.
• Demonstrated good attendance and punctuality.
• Excellent effective communication skills (verbal and written).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to respect the confidentiality of student information.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with students, parents & staff in a tactful, professional and courteous manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse environment.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to physically lift students (minimum of 50 pounds).
• Must be able to stoop, bend at the knees, kneel and work on the floor on a continuous basis.
• Must be able to withstand exposure to all types of weather.
• Must be able to physically push wheelchairs.
• Must be able to physically attach wheelchairs to tie-downs in the school vans.
• Must be able to physically restrain students, when required.
• Must be able to assist students with standing, transferring and walking.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being and work output of students.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile and negotiate.

METHOD OF APPLICATION:

Grand Rapids Public Schools manages employment applications online. Applications must be completed online at www.applitrack.com/grps/onlineapp. No hardcopy applications/resumes will be accepted for this position. Computer terminals are available in the GRPS Franklin Campus lobby from 8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday-Friday, for applicant use (Monday – Thursday during the summer).

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested though the Human Resources Department at 616 819-2022 or humanresources@grps.org