Physical Therapist Assistant

JOB POSTING POSITION/TITLE:Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) PROGRAM/LOCATION:North River Collaborative Learning Center Program Locations and Local Districts START DATE:August 25, 2025 (2025 Summer Hours TBD) LENGTH OF POSITION:Eleven month schedule, full school-year (183 days) and summer hours (six weeks) as assigned. SALARY SCHEDULE:OT/PT Assistant Scale QUALIFICATIONS: Associates degree in physical therapy from an accredited university. License from the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health Professionals. Evidence of current and ongoing professional development. Three or more years of school-based and/or pediatric experience preferred. REPORTS TO:Coordinator of District Services EVALUATION:Staff evaluation will be implemented as outlined in the North River Collaborative Personnel Policies and Procedures Handbook. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: INSTRUCTIONAL/DIRECT SERVICE In conjunction with the team, contribute to the Individualized Educational Program. Plan and develop evidence-based interventions, including compensation, remediation and prevention strategies and adaptations, focusing on functional mobility and safe, efficient access and participation in educational activities and routines in natural learning environments. Plan and implement gross motor groups to all Learning Center classrooms as part of the integrated service delivery model. Provide therapy in the least restrictive and appropriate setting based on individual needs of students. Monitor treatment effectiveness through observation, data collection and analysis, re-evaluation, and communication with other staff members. Complete progress reports, annual reviews and three-year re-evaluations and other reports as needed. Consult with educators and other school staff to offer curricular and environmental modifications to support diverse learning abilities. Provide training to educators, parents and other school staff as needed to support implementation of recommended procedures or adaptations. Support students’ other educational goals across school settings. Order, construct and/or adapt equipment to meet the educational and environmental needs of the students. Help ensure the proper and safe use of positioning and mobility equipment and identify maintenance and/or replacement needs. Maintain an inventory of PT equipment and supplies and keep equipment and supplies clean and orderly. Communicate with outside professionals or agencies as related to students’ educational needs and in accordance with confidentiality guidelines. Act as a resource to students, parents and staff members who wish to further their understanding of physical therapy. DOCUMENTATION, EVALUATION, AND COMMUNICATION Submit all written reports, goals and objectives on a timely basis. Keep student attendance, progress monitoring, third-party billing and other documentation current and orderly. Provide input for the development of department, program or district budget as requested. Abide by established work hours and follow policies and procedures outlined in the North River Collaborative Personnel Policies & Procedures Handbook. Confer/meet with parents as needed to help them better understand the role of the PT in the school setting, including the student's individual plan. Provide home suggestions when indicated. Attend Annual Review and other meetings as requested. HEALTH AND SAFETY Respond to the needs of individual students so as to enhance their social/emotional health and personal development. Respond to situations in a culturally proficient manner taking into account a whole student perspective. With training, is able to apply de-escalation strategies if necessary to prevent a student from harming themselves or others. Able to safely lift students up to 50 lbs independently and assist in lifting students up to 100 lbs. Able to physically assist students during activities such as: toileting, personal hygiene, in/out of adaptive equipment and mechanical lifts, and other self-care tasks as needed. Able to move with reasonable speed and physically assist students during any emergency drills or actual emergencies. Able to safely and effectively participate in deescalation training and to safely perform physical escort and restraints as needed once trained. Able to safely and effectively participate in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training if requested and to safely perform CPR as needed once trained. D. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Develop student learning and professional practice goals as indicated based on evaluation cycle. Participate in Collaborative and/or member district program development or goals as requested. Attend and provide a record of attendance of relevant professional development to keep abreast of trends and recent developments in the field of physical therapy/school-based practice. Attend and participate in in-service training programs and department/program meetings as required. Keep up to date on current technology for enhancing student success, professional collaboration and efficiency. E. ETHICAL Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students. Maintain professional attitudes and productive relationships with other staff and administration. Treat parents and other professionals with respect. Respond constructively to feedback and goal oriented coaching. F. OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED BY THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR