An employee in this class assists a physical therapist with delivering therapy to students with physical handicaps. Employee works with therapist to develop or improve students’ underlying skills that are prerequisites for academic learning. Employee is responsible for adapting furniture, toys, clothes and equipment for use in therapy and for caring for materials and equipment used in therapy. Employee washes equipment, toys, mats, etc., with anti-bacterial soap between student’s use to prevent the spread of disease. Employee also coordinates a feeding program for students in therapy, ensuring that teachers and cafeteria staff are aware of food allergies, special diets, etc., required by students. Employee generally monitors the safety and well-being of physical therapy students.
Performs scheduled therapy activities under the direction of a therapist; assists students in preparation for physical therapy sessions, including obtaining and positioning proper equipment, transporting student to class, and assisting student in preliminary lifting and stretching exercises.
Monitors the safety and well-being of physical therapy students at all times; monitors student attitudes and encourages self esteem; assists students with becoming increasingly independent.
Confers with parents, doctors, nurses, therapists, counselors, etc., to understand the needs of assigned students and to assist in provision of appropriate services.
Confers with physical therapists, administrators, teachers and parents to coordinate a feeding program for students; provides updated information to classroom teachers and cafeteria workers regarding food consistencies, allergies, prescriptions or special diets required by students.
Feeds students, as necessary, monitoring special diets; accompanies students to lavatories and assists as necessary; administers medicine.
Prepares and cares for materials and equipment used in therapy; maintains and issues supplies and specially adapted equipment, furniture, toys and clothing for use by students in therapy; washes all equipment, toys and mats with anti-bacterial cleaner between students’ use to prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
Performs general housekeeping duties; sets up various equipment each morning; puts equipment away at the end of the day; performs repair and maintenance tasks related to school and/or students’ personal equipment.
Performs various clerical duties as needed; maintains records of student progress and reviews with therapist; ensures availability of proper records for meetings with physicians, equipment specialists and others, as appropriate.
Participates in staff development workshops.
Completes random moment in time studies as required by MAC program guidelines.
Performs other related duties as required.
Completion of an accredited educational curriculum for physical therapist assistants and two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be licensed as a physical therapist assistant in North Carolina.
Must be able to use a variety of equipment and classroom tools such as computers, copiers, typewriters, calculators, pencils, scissors, equipment for children with special needs, etc. Must be able to exert a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondence, reports, handbooks, forms, lists, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, simple reports, forms, instructional materials, etc. using prescribed format.
Requires the ability to apply rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form.
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently.
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Working knowledge of the theory and methods of physical therapy and their application.
Skill in modifying and constructing adaptive equipment and devices.
Skill in applying and using therapeutic equipment.
Ability to communicate with students, parents and teachers.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job.