We are currently seeking a compassionate, collaborative Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) passionate about supporting students with autism and diverse physical, developmental, sensory, and behavioral needs. Operating under a licensed Physical Therapist, this professional implements therapeutic interventions across educational, residential, and community settings to improve student mobility, strength, and overall functional independence. The ideal candidate is patient, adaptable, and skilled at building positive relationships with families and interdisciplinary teams. They must be comfortable providing hands-on physical assistance, positioning, transfers, and gait training throughout the school day. Finally, this individual operates with strong attention to detail and professionalism, working effectively both independently and collaboratively while maintaining clear digital documentation of services and student progress.
Job Responsibilities:
- Implement individualized physical therapy treatment plans under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
- Support students in improving mobility, strength, coordination, balance, posture, endurance, and functional motor skills.
- Assist students with transfers, ambulation, positioning, gait training, and the use of adaptive equipment.
- Provide therapeutic interventions in classroom, residential, recreational, and community-based settings as appropriate.
- Monitor student performance and communicate observations, progress, and concerns to the supervising Physical Therapist and interdisciplinary team.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of therapy sessions, student progress, and daily notes in accordance with school, state, and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with teachers, clinicians, residential staff, nursing, and related service providers to support student goals and daily functioning.
- Maintain therapy spaces, equipment, and supplies in clean, safe, and organized condition.
- Follow all safety procedures, infection control practices, and student support protocols.
- Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development activities as required.
- Support students during transitions, campus mobility, and participation in school activities as needed.
- Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and positive working relationships in all student and staff interactions.
- Complete and maintain TCIS training and all required compliance trainings and certifications.
- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to support student and campus needs.
Requirements:
- An associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program is required.
- A current New York State Physical Therapist Assistant license is required.
- A minimum of 2 years of experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is required.
- A minimum of 1 year of experience working with children, adolescents, or young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), developmental disabilities, or complex behavioral/physical needs is preferred.
- Experience in a residential, educational, pediatric, or multidisciplinary therapeutic setting is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of therapeutic exercises, mobility support techniques, adaptive equipment, and safe transfer procedures is required.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills are required.
- The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team is required.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate documentation are required.
- Computer literacy and experience with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) or electronic documentation systems are preferred.
- Due to the nature of the work in supporting students, the position requires specific physical capabilities.
- The campus consists of some paved areas but primarily features grass, gravel paths, and parking lots. Many areas of the building are fully accessible; however, as a historic building, some areas are only accessible by stairs.
- The candidate must be able to ambulate around the campus, including hills, stairs, grass, and gravel.
Benefits
We offer eligible employees competitive pay and access to a range of benefits and support programs, including medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, short-term disability, 401(k), employee assistance, childcare assistance, discounts, paid holidays, and longevity bonuses. Benefits are based on assignment type, schedule, length of employment, and plan eligibility requirements.
Company Overview
We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.
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