Job Description

** To be considered you must apply on our company website: www.aberdeen.k12.sd.us

Category: Other Certified Licensed Staff (OCLS)/Physical Therapy Assistant
Date Posted: 2/14/2025
Location: Site to be determined
Date of Availability: 2025-2026 school year
Date Closing: Open until filled

Hours:
8 hours per day

Salary Range:
$24.15 per hour, subject to increase based on experience. This position includes employee benefits.

POSITION SUMMARY
The position of a physical therapist assistant is responsible for assisting a licensed physical therapist in providing physical therapy interventions to students with physical disabilities or injuries, by implementing treatment plans/ individualzed education program (IEP) goals, monitoring progress, teaching exercises, and coordinating with teachers and parents to ensure students can access their education with necessary accommodations, all under the supervision of a physical therapist.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Assist with student evaluations by taking measurements, recording data, and observing movement patterns.
2. Implement individualized therapy plans designed by the physical therapist, including stretching, strengthening exercises, and functional activities.
3. Guide students through exercises to improve range of motion, balance, coordination, and gait.
4. Teach students how to use adaptive equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, or braces.
5. Monitor student progress during therapy sessions, documenting observations and reporting changes to the physical therapist.
6. Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to discuss student needs, therapy goals, and classroom accommodations.
7. Educate teachers on how to incorporate therapeutic strategies into daily classroom activities
8. Communicate effectively with the physical therapist regarding student progress and any concerns.
9. Maintain accurate documentation of student therapy sessions, including progress notes, exercise logs, Medicaid billing, and treatment plans.
10. Prepare reports on student progress for the physical therapist and school administration.
11. Schedule therapy sessions and maintain patient records.
12. Adhere to all district policies, handbooks, and regulations.
13. Support the philosophy and mission of the Aberdeen School District
14. Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of the District’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to assisting in providing physical therapy services to students.
2. Knowledge of pediatric development milestones, common childhood injuries, and physical therapy techniques for different disabilities.
3. Knowledge of the physical therapy guidelines and practices.
4. Ability to effectively utilize the principles of strategic and long and short-range planning.
5. Ability to research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations to the physical therapist.
6. Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the District.
7. Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
8. Skill in organization and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
9. Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
10. Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
11. Ability to organize and modify work assignments and (re)-establish priorities to meet deadlines.
12. Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
13. Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.
14. Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
15. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
16. Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
17. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
18. Ability to communicate detailed information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
19. Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
20. Ability to maintain professionalism at all times.
21. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
22. Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations.
23. Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor.

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work has no exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy office setting (e.g. business office, light traffic).

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduated from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program with a valid state license.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with children or adolescents in a clinical or school setting.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Employment is contingent upon a Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance, paid for by the applicant.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.