Substitute Physical Therapist

Position Title: Substitute Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
Department: Special Services
Reports To: Executive Director of Special Services and/or Supervising Physical Therapist
Employment Status: Substitute/As Needed
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Substitute Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides physical therapy services to students under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT). The PTA assists in implementing physical therapy interventions outlined in students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or other educational plans to support student access, participation, mobility, and independence within the educational environment.

The Substitute PTA works collaboratively with the supervising Physical Therapist, special education staff, teachers, paraprofessionals, families, and other related service providers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide physical therapy interventions to students as directed by the supervising Physical Therapist and in accordance with students' IEPs.
• Implement treatment activities and therapeutic exercises established by the Physical Therapist.
• Assist students with mobility, positioning, transfers, balance, coordination, strength, endurance, and gross motor skills as appropriate to the educational setting.
• Assist students in the use of adaptive equipment, mobility devices, orthotics, and other equipment as directed by the Physical Therapist.
• Monitor student performance and response to interventions and communicate observations to the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Collect and maintain accurate data regarding student participation, progress, and services provided.
• Complete service documentation and other required records in a timely and accurate manner.
• Collaborate with teachers, paraprofessionals, and other school personnel regarding strategies recommended by the Physical Therapist.
• Assist with implementation of positioning, mobility, transfer, and accessibility recommendations within classrooms and other school environments.
• Follow established safety procedures when assisting students with transfers, mobility, positioning, and equipment.
• Maintain student confidentiality and comply with FERPA, district policies, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Follow the plan of care and treatment recommendations established by the supervising Physical Therapist and work within the PTA's legally permitted scope of practice.
• Communicate promptly with the supervising Physical Therapist regarding changes in a student's condition, performance, safety, or response to treatment.
• Participate in consultation with school personnel as requested by the supervising Physical Therapist or district administration.
• Maintain professional and ethical standards in interactions with students, staff, families, and community members.
• Perform other duties related to the position as assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant education program.
• Current Missouri license or authorization to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant, as required by law.
• Ability to work under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification if required by the district.
• Experience working with children or in an educational setting preferred.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and district employment requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The employee should demonstrate:

• Knowledge of physical therapy techniques and procedures appropriate for implementation by a PTA.
• Ability to follow treatment plans developed by a Physical Therapist.
• Ability to work effectively with students with a wide range of disabilities and physical needs.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate with educational and related service personnel.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and student confidentiality.
• Ability to safely assist with student mobility, positioning, transfers, and adaptive equipment.
• Flexibility to work in different buildings, classrooms, and educational environments as needed.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the physical functions necessary to provide school-based physical therapy services, which may include:

• Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching.
• Assisting with student positioning and transfers.
• Pushing or maneuvering wheelchairs and other mobility equipment.
• Lifting or assisting students and equipment consistent with district safety procedures.
• Working on the floor or at various student work surfaces.
• Traveling between district buildings as assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Supervision

The Substitute Physical Therapist Assistant works under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist in accordance with Missouri law, applicable professional standards, and district procedures. The PTA does not independently evaluate students, establish physical therapy goals, modify the plan of care, or make decisions reserved for the supervising Physical Therapist.