Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

School Based Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

DEFINITION

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with State laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with student status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist. PTAs in education systems are considered to be related service personnel. Services provided in an educational setting are designed to enhance the students potential for learning, to assist the student in acquiring those functional performance skills needed to participate in and benefit from the educational environment and to help the student function independently. For purposes of the provision of licensed physical therapist assistant services in public primary or private primary or secondary schools and for preschool children and receiving services thereunder, continuous supervision of a licensed physical therapist assistant, who has direct clinical experience providing age appropriate physical therapy services for a period of not less than two years, by a licensed physical therapist shall not be construed as requiring the physical presence of such licensed physical therapist at the time and place where such services are performed. For purposes of this subdivision "continuous supervision" shall be deemed to include: the licensed physical therapist's setting of the goals, establishing a plan of care, determining on an initial and ongoing basis whether the student is appropriate to receive the services of a licensed physical therapist assistant, determining the frequency of joint visits with the student by both the supervising licensed physical therapist and the licensed physical therapist assistant, except that in no instance shall the interval, between joint visits, be more than every ninety calendar days, subject to the licensed physical therapist's evaluation; an initial joint visit with the student by the supervising licensed physical therapist and licensed physical therapist assistant; periodic treatment and evaluation of the student by the supervising licensed physical therapist as indicated in the plan of care and as determined in accordance with student need, except that in no instance shall the interval between such treatment exceed every twelfth visit or thirty days whichever occurs first; and notification of the supervising licensed physical therapist by the licensed physical therapist assistant whenever there is a change in status, condition or performance of the student.

SUPERVISION

Reports directly to their supervising PT Receives direct and indirect supervision from the Director of School Based Services and/or Team Manager Receives supervision from the Occupational Therapist Team Supervisor

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education: graduation from an approved school with a two-year college program in a physical therapist assistant program or equivalent in accordance with the commissioner's regulations; Experience: have experience satisfactory to the state board for physical therapy in accordance with the commissioner's regulations; c-1. Examination: pass an examination satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations. Age: be at least eighteen years of age; Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department and uphold the code of code of conduct as outlined in the OTAS Employee Manual Registration: all licensed physical therapist assistants shall register triennially with the department in accordance with the regulations of the commissioner; Licensure: responsible for payment and renewal of New York State licensure every 3 years Background Checks: proof of fingerprint clearance via NYS TEACH system Medical: pre-employment physical with proof of required immunizations, annual medical proof of good health required thereafter

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Knowledge and skills of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar in order to produce quality documentation of services provided Skills in providing direct service; consultation and monitoring of programs by using logic and reasoning to identify the strength and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems Written and verbal communication skills at a competent level to provide information to supervisors, co-workers, families, school personnel, and subordinates by telephone, e-mail, or in person Skills in time management in order to work effectively independently and maintain documentation as required by regulations and OTAS standards, and maximize productivity Skills in staff training and development

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Knowledge of computer systems and the ability to work with word, google docs, and data analysis programs. Under supervision of a Physical Therapist: Document student’s condition, treatment program, and necessary functional needs to achieve educational goals Plan, prepare, and carryout an individually designed program of treatment Identify and document goals, anticipated progress and program adjustment, if necessary Prepare and maintain student progress notes in a timely manner Discuss the students progress with appropriate school personnel and with the family, including any treatment procedures to be continued at home Assist in scheduling students for physical therapy services Recommend appropriate adaptive equipment or supplies needed by the student Maintain CEU’s per NYSED for Physical Therapist Assistant License Maintain a safe work environment and be cognizant of personal safety. You are requested to inspect your work area(s) and equipment daily and report any unsafe conditions/equipment Report all on‑job injuries to the OTAS office as soon as they occur Placement to include therapy room, classroom, teletherapy, in home, and neutral site as indicated by district

OTHER DUTIES

Assists and orientates new employees in departmental procedures Facilitate professional growth through literature review and attendance at in‑services Keep up to date technically. Share new knowledge with the team and apply new knowledge to the job Assist in program development/revision Assist in maintaining neat and orderly work areas in all locations Assist in maintaining adequate inventory of supplies and equipment used in treatment Recommend new equipment for purchase Assist in Quality improvement and Peer Review Activities Maybe required to carry out other tasks as requested #J-18808-Ljbffr Western New York Integrated Care Collaborative, Inc.