Job Description

Job Title:

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) – School-Based

Location:

Phoenix (All Campuses)

Job Type:

Full-Time | Onsite | 10-Month School-Year Position (August–May)

Department:

Therapy Services

Reports To:

Supervising Physical Therapist / Director of Therapy

Position Summary

We are seeking a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to provide physical therapy services to students with physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges in a school-based setting. Under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, the PTA supports student mobility, strength, balance, and functional participation across classroom and campus environments.

The PTA will collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and multidisciplinary team members to implement treatment plans that promote safe movement and increased independence throughout the school day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide consultative and direct physical therapy services under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist
• Deliver gross motor interventions in classrooms, playgrounds, and aquatic settings
• Monitor and report changes in student status to the supervising Physical Therapist
• Complete daily treatment notes, data collection, and progress documentation
• Collaborate with teachers and multidisciplinary teams to support therapeutic and educational programming
• Train classroom staff on safe lifting, transfers, and proper use of adaptive equipment
• Inspect, maintain, and coordinate repairs for adaptive and therapy equipment
• Maintain accurate documentation and recordkeeping systems
• Submit Medicaid billing as directed and maintain attendance/contact records for compliance
• Participate in school meetings, in-services, committees, and professional development activities
• Assist with maintaining therapy department materials and equipment
• Perform related duties, special assignments, and projects as assigned by therapy leadership

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, educators, and service providers
• Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and complete therapy and educational documentation
• Strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills
• Ability to adapt therapy approaches to meet individual student needs
• Ability to work collaboratively in a school-based, multidisciplinary environment

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and hands-on student support
• Ability to lift and/or move students up to 35 pounds independently
• Ability to assist with lifting or moving a student’s body weight with support as required
• Visual and auditory abilities sufficient to support safe and effective therapy delivery

Work Environment

• School-based setting with moderate to loud noise levels
• May work with students who exhibit challenging or physically aggressive behaviors
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program
• Current and active Arizona PTA license/certification prior to employment
• Completion of 2,000 hours of onsite supervision prior to employment
• Reliable transportation to travel between campuses within the Phoenix area
• Negative TB test (skin test or chest x-ray) within three months prior to start
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and ongoing testing as required
• Valid fingerprint clearance card or ability to complete a state-level fingerprint background check
• Ability to obtain an AHCCCS ID for Medicaid billing

Compensation & Schedule

• Salary: $50,000 – $60,000 annually
• Schedule: 10-month school-year position (August–May)
• June & July off
• Full-Time | Onsite

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