Physical Therapy Assistant- Student Services

Grade 117

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapy Assistant will administer screening tests; assist with writing goals and objectives for IEPs; maintain required documentation for Medicaid reimbursement and legal compliance; provide consultation to parents, teachers, and related staff personnel; provide in-class service delivery; and participate in staff development activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Work under a Licensed Physical Therapist to provide direct, collaborative and consultative services related to physical therapy.

Consult with teachers, patents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, and/or making recommendations.

Attend meetings, such as IEP conferences, parent meetings, in-services, etc., for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding a student’s functional goals.

Maintain files and/or records for the purpose of ensuring documentation for future reference in accordance with state/district policies and regulations.

Perform accurate and timely billing of services for Medicaid reimbursement, as indicated by district policies and procedures.

Maintain inventory of specialized equipment for the purpose of ensuring availability of equipment for student uses.

Participate in various meetings, such as parent conferences, in-service training, site meetings, etc., for the purpose of receiving and/or providing information and/or meeting credential requirements.

Present information on various topics related to area of professional expertise in physical therapy for the purpose of educating school personnel and staff.

Keep current with research, regulations, and evidence-based interventions for the purpose of determining appropriate approaches to address students’ functional physical needs.

Schedule and coordinate students’ therapy programs for the purpose of implementing IEP requirements.

Treat students for the purpose of implementing plans for remediation of functional physical limitations and coordinating with the special education team for maximal results.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job demands.  Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: plan and manage projects, including creating treatment schedules; implement treatment plans; record data on student progress and performance; utilize equipment appropriately; utilize pertinent software applications, including the special education records management software system.

KNOWLWDGE is required in medical/developmental/pediatric information and indications for physical therapy treatment; to understand and appropriately apply the latest research in neurophysiology relating to neurodevelopmental and motor dysfunction to school age populations.  Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: pertinent codes, policies, regulations, and/or various position specific information learned on the job.

ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate and/or classify data; and consider a wide variety of factors when using 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 a variety of standardized methods.  Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school and central office based staff and parents by demonstrating excellent human relations skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing work with specific, job-related data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. In working with others, independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.  Ability to collect data and generate reports is required. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate.  Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work environment; working as part of a team; communicate with diverse groups.  The ability to travel to more than one work location in the course of the day as assigned is required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Current license with the Arizona Board of Physical Therapy.

Current registration with the National Board for the Certification of Physical Therapy Examiners

Medicaid provider registration

Valid and current driver’s license

Level One IVP Fingerprint card

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduate from an APTA accredited physical therapy assistant program.

Experience with preschool and school aged populations is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:     The physical demands described here 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stoop, reach, stand, walk, lift, pull, push, grasp, talk, hear, see and use repetitive motions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds of materials, etc.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, and the ability to adjust focus.  The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:   The Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.

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.

Salary : $25 - $28