Physical Therapist Assistant

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Physical Therapist Assistant to join our special education team. In this role, you will work with students with diverse developmental and physical needs, helping them build the foundational gross motor and portion offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by collaborating with educators, parents, and a multidisciplinary team to create a support and engaging learning environment for each student.

Key Essential Job Functions:

Clinical Assessment in consultation with Physical Therapist

•  Conduct clinical Assessment of gross motor function, mobility, balance, and physical developmental needs with Physical Therapist.
• Identify functional challenges and recommended services as part of the individualized Education Program (IEP) process

Intervention Planning:

• Develop individualized educational plans (IEPs) aligned with each students’ goals.
• Design group and individual therapy sessions to target specific skills, including coordination, strength, and postural control

Therapy Implementation:

• Deliver therapy services in a fun, play-based manner that engages school aged students
• Use adaptive equipment, creative tools, and exercises to support students’ participation in classroom and playground activities
• Monitor and document progress, adjusting interventions as needed to meet developmental goals

Collaboration and Consultation:

• Work closely with teachers, occupational therapist, speech therapists, and other staff to integrate motor development strategies into the classroom routine
• Provide guidance and training to parents and caregivers on activities to reinforce therapy goals at home
• Attend and actively participate in IEP meetings to share progress and recommend strategies
• Assist in classroom activities and support instructional needs, as well as perform other duties by the Director to ensure the smooth operation of the program

Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate records of evaluation, therapy sessions, attendance, and progress in compliance with program and regulatory requirements
• Prepare detailed progress reports and contribute to IEP updates

Professional Development and Training:

• Stay updated on best practices and advancements in pediatric physical therapy, particularly for students with special needs

Provide in-service training to teachers and paraprofessionals on adaptive techniques, equipment, and mobility strategies

Physical Demands:

• The employee is required to stand, sit, and use their hands.
• Walk to and from various locations in the building
• May need to stoop, bend, and sometimes list and push wheelchairs for students being served.
• Physical intervention techniques may be required to aid the students in challenging moments
• Specific vision abilities close vision, distance vision and ability to focus

• Associate’s degree in Physical Therapy
• Valid state license and board certification
• Experience working with students, preferably in an educational setting preferred
• Knowledge of motor development and intervention strategies
• Strong collaboration and communication skills

Benefits

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect:

· Paid time off (holidays, vacation in accordance with school calendar, sick and personal)

· Professional development opportunities

· Team environment

· Medical and dental benefits

· Employer-paid life insurance

· Optional insurance (life, disability, etc.)

· 403(B) retirement plans

· Flexible spending account (dependent care, medical, parking, and transit)

· Employee assistance program

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org

About HeartShare

For over 100 years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives