Physical, Occupational Therapy Assistant

DEFINITION

Under direction of a licensed physical/occupational therapist, to provide assistant to students in the area of physical and occupational therapy and adaptive physical education; and to perform related clerical duties as required.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this class provide assistance to students who demonstrate impairment or loss of physical function due to illness, injury, or deprivation that interferes with normal growth and development.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from an assigned supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following

1. Under direction of a licensed physical/occupational therapist, assists in planning activities and intervention programs to meet identified student needs; arranges and schedules activities and notifies appropriate parties.
2. Instructs individual students, parents, and teachers in activity programs; conducts group activities, as directed.
3. Assesses student physical therapy performance through observation; records student performance; documents student services rendered and maintains necessary reports regarding student status/progress; reviews student performance with licensed therapist and informs therapist of any unusual problems.
4. Consults with and develops working relationships with parents, teachers, and physicians to facilitate understanding of student needs and delivery of services.
5. Assists in the care and maintenance of equipment; assists in the fabrication and fitting of orthopedic devices.
6. Recruits volunteers and matches volunteers with students. Attends in-service and workshop programs.
7. Performs related duties consistent with job description and assignment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of

1. Handicapping conditions and the related anatomy and physiology.
2. Adaptive physical education techniques. Behavior modification methods.
3. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. First aid and safety requirements.

Ability to

1. Interpret and apply individualized education program goals into functional activities. Implement a behavior management program and to motivate impaired students.
2. Plan, organize, prioritize, and implement various volunteer services activities.
3. Creatively develop and implement adaptive physical education techniques to the needs and interests of students.
4. Learn growth and development principles of students with special physical needs. Work in an environment requiring physical stamina.
5. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
6. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is appropriate.

A representative way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience

Two years of responsible paraprofessional experience working with handicapped students in a physical therapy or adaptive physical education setting.

Training

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by college level or vocational training pertaining to children and their handicapping conditions.

Special Requirements

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Oregon driver's license. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a First Aid Card.