Stark County Educational Service Center

Physical Therapist Assistant

Supervisor:  Physical Therapy Supervisor/Executive Director of Student Services 

Summary/Objective:  Provide school based physical therapy for students with disabilities in partnership with school districts by providing direct and consultative services using evidence based interventions and skilled techniques, consultative services to school personnel and families, support to educational staff and students through MTSS, collaboration with team members in assessment and delivery of services, and advocacy for students and families.  Provide supervision to physical therapy assistants in the delivery of services.  Act as a fieldwork instructor in the education of university students.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university
• Secure and maintain a valid Ohio Educator License as required by placement or assignment including a Physical Therapy License from the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Athletic Trainers Board
• Ohio BCI and Federal Background check free of disqualifying infractions
• Comply with drug-free workplace rules and board policies
• Participate (and pass where applicable) in all required training, including but not limited to: Bloodborne Pathogens, Crisis Intervention, Educator Ethics, etc.
• Embody high ethical standards, integrity, and accept responsibility for decisions and conduct
• Adhere to the Stark County Educational Service Center (SCESC) Governing Board policies/administrative guidelines/staff handbook, policies of the assigned district/worksite, and the Ohio Law and Rules governing the practice of PT, OPTA, APTA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice within the scope of practice.
• Promote the proper use, care, and security of SCESC property and report misconduct, vandalism, equipment malfunctions, and other concerns
• Advance the professional image of the SCESC and affiliate districts
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with coworkers and colleagues promoting a cohesive work environment
• Report suspected child abuse and/or neglect to supervisor and/or civil authorities as required by law
• Maintain confidentiality of student related information
• Experience working with children ages 3 to 21 is preferred
• Such alternatives or additions to the above as deemed appropriate by the ESC superintendent

Essential Functions:

• Assist with formal and informal evaluations and reevaluations as appropriate.
• Follow protocol for screening, referral, evaluation, IEP, and organizational procedure/processes
• Demonstrate independent problem solving skills to complete required PTA responsibilities with minimum amount of supervision.
• Assist supervising therapist in developing appropriate student goals and objectives that meet ODE and MSP requirements
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of student performance, progress, treatment minutes and changes in status in compliance with ODE, MSP, and OPTA licensing board requirements, eg. case notes & progress reports) 
• Maintain a soft chart for each student that includes; IEP, PT plan of care, evidence of progress through the use of data sheets and work samples, including notification letter to student’s physician. Use effective methods to collect data
• Select and provide appropriate evidence based activities and skilled techniques in the least restrictive environment
• Use physical space, as provided by the school district, to make it conducive to student progress and demonstrate safe work practices
• Demonstrate knowledge of students’ background, experiences, developmental age, and educational grade level needs
• Collaborate with teachers and other school personnel to transfer the students’ newly learned skills and/or intervention strategies for supported learning in the classroom
• Advocate for student’s physical therapy services
• Efficiently and effectively manage therapy time/caseload schedule, prioritize work tasks to meet the frequency of IEP goals
• Demonstrate receptiveness to supervision and use feedback to augment or modify professional behavior
• Monitor adaptive equipment, wheelchairs, and orthotics for appropriateness
• Maintain inventory, cleaning materials, supplies, and therapeutic equipment
• Collaborate with universities to supervise fieldwork for occupational therapy students
• Communicates and cooperates effectively, professionally, and respectfully with students, families, and school/community professionals
• Efficiently operate Google Applications including Gmail, Drive, Sheets, Docs, etc. 
• Contribute to team effort by integrating individual responsibility with other team member responsibilities
• Consistently follow verbal and/or written instructions from the supervisor to carry out duties and treatment plans that are reflected in the PT plan of care and IEP
• Attend and participate in designated Stark County Educational Service Center staff and department meetings by offering solutions and/or sharing skills from professional training or literature
• Integrate current practice techniques and update performance based on continuous professional development through the reading of professional literature and attending meetings/conferences

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

Working Conditions:  Promote safety, exercise caution, and comply with safety regulations and district/educational service center policies/procedures when involved in the following situations:

• Risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens, bodily fluids, and/or communicable diseases
• Potential for adverse contact by aggressive students
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes
• Balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching and standing
• Lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies and/or equipment
• Operate and/or ride in a vehicle
• Work at various heights, in confined spaces, and/or invariable/diminished lighting
• Report misconduct or violations of policy and procedures to the direct supervisor, appropriate administrator or legal authority (mandating reporting)

Performance Evaluation:

Job performance is evaluated according to the policy and procedures adopted by the Stark County Educational Service Center Governing Board.

The Stark County Educational Service Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, age, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, gender, religion, marital status, military status, or disability.  Individuals are selected for employment based only on merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. This job description is not intended to be a complete list of required duties and it is understood by the employee that other related and reasonable duties will be required if requested by an immediate supervisor or administrative staff member.  This document is subject to change in response to student need, staff factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events.  The employee is expected to follow all policies and procedures in accordance with the Stark County Educational Service Center and district or department assignment.