Physical Therapist Assistant

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education and Physical Therapist

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Support and deliver physical therapy services to students with physical disabilities and high support needs in order to promote motor development, functional mobility, safety, and access to the educational environment. Works under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist to implement IEP goals, support student participation in school routines, and ensure services are provided in compliance with IDEA, IEP requirements, and district policies.

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Illinois Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) License
2. Valid Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) licensure
3. Associate's degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program
4. Experience supporting students with complex adaptive, behavioral, sensory, or communication needs
5. Ability to assist students with daily living and life skills, including feeding, toileting, mobility support, and personal care, while promoting independence.
6. Ability to safely lift, support, and assist students as needed, including occasional physical handling and transport, in a manner consistent with best practices and student safety protocols.
7. Experience working successfully in a diverse, multicultural environment

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Ability to assess student needs related to gross motor development, mobility, balance, strength, and functional movement
• Knowledge of IDEA, special education procedures, and related service requirements
• Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills and able to explain evaluation information and goals in clear understandable way to audience
• Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, families, administrators, and related service providers
• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor IEP goals and progress
• Ability to work with students requiring physical assistance, adaptive equipment, mobility devices, and positioning supports
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively to medical, behavioral, or mobility-related situations
• Ability to use technology and data systems for documentation, reporting, and progress monitoring
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and families

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supports Delivery of Physical Therapy Services

• Assists the Physical Therapist in conducting appropriate evaluation of students referred for services by selecting, administering, and interpreting a variety of screening instruments and standardized measurement tools; identify need for physical therapy services based on evaluation results
• Implements IEP goals and objectives related to mobility, gross motor development, balance, strength, and functional independence
• Provides direct and consultative physical therapy support in individual and group settings under PT direction
• Supports student participation in classroom routines, transitions, and school-based activities
• Assists with recommendations and trains staff on mobility equipment, positioning systems, assistive technology, and environmental modifications
• Evaluates students to determine eligibility and need for physical therapy services
• Monitor student progress and adjust goals and interventions based on analysis of progress

Supports Students with High-Needs and Life Skills

• Addresses functional mobility skills such as walking, transfers, navigating school environments, and safe movement
• Supports motor planning, coordination, and postural control for students with complex needs
• Assists students with use of walkers, wheelchairs, standers, gait trainers, and other adaptive equipment
• Collaborates with staff to ensure consistency of strategies across settings

Collaborates with Staff and Families

• Participates in IEP meetings, case conferences, and multidisciplinary team meetings
• Consults with teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff to embed PT strategies into daily instruction
• Provide information and instruction to staff and parents which may include: interpretation of assessments and recommendations; explanation of potential impact of development, medical and/or sensory-motor problems on school performance; instruction in the physical management of students, such as safe lifting, positioning, assisted ambulation, gross motor programs, vocational tasks, leisure activities, and/or equipment use
• Gather appropriate information from parents, students, and other team members regarding the student's functional motor performance in school settings
• Communicates regularly with families regarding student progress and strategies
• Provides training and guidance to staff as appropriate
• Serve as a liaison among school, medical personnel and medical equipment vendors

Compliance and Documentation

• Compile and maintain necessary records, progress notes and IEPs on students served in accordance with policies, and in accordance with the Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act
• Ensures services align with IEPs and legal mandates
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations. Obtain necessary release of information documents prior to exchanges with outside professionals

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 187 day working calendar

WORKING CONDITIONS: The position requires physical activity including lifting, carrying, transferring students, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and assisting with mobility equipment. Work is performed indoors.

SALARY RANGE: P2

Apply online at: www.niles219.org

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

Niles Township High Schools District 219 is an equal-opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of District 219 to decide all matters relating to employment solely on the basis of the applicant's ability to perform the essential functions of the position. District 219 ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, color, national origin, religion, age, or handicap.