26-27 Special Education Assistant Physical Therapist

Position Summary

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) supports the delivery of physical therapy services to students with disabilities under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT). The PTA assists in implementing individualized interventions that promote students' functional mobility, physical access, and participation in educational activities in accordance with the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

The essential functions or responsibilities listed below 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

Service Delivery

• Implement physical therapy interventions as outlined in the IEP and directed by the supervising PT.
• Provide direct services to students individually or in small groups.
• Support student access to classroom routines, transitions, and school environments (e.g., hallways, playground, cafeteria).
• Assist with positioning, mobility training, transfers, and use of adaptive equipment.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Collaborate with teachers, special educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers (e.g., OT, SLP, BCBA).
• Reinforce physical therapy strategies within classroom and school activities.
• Support staff in implementing PT-related accommodations and strategies as directed by the PT.

Documentation & Progress Monitoring

• Maintain accurate and timely service logs and session notes.
• Collect data on student performance and progress toward IEP goals.
• Share data and observations with the supervising PT to inform progress reporting and program adjustments.

Assistive Technology & Equipment

• Assist in the setup, use, and monitoring of adaptive equipment (e.g., seating systems, walkers, standers).
• Report equipment concerns or needs to the supervising PT.
• Support safe use and maintenance of equipment across school environments.

Compliance & Program Support

• Follow all district policies and procedures, as well as state and federal special education regulations
• Participate in team meetings, professional development, and training as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Abilities, & Skills

• Associate's degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• Current licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Massachusetts.
• Experience working with children or in a school setting preferred.
• Knowledge of school-based service delivery and IEP processes preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.

• Physical Strength Requirements: Primarily seated work; may involve lifting or carrying items up to 30 lbs

• Posture & Movement Requirements: Frequently sitting for extended periods

• Sensory Requirements: Ability to perceive written information (near vision); Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions; Ability to communicate clearly in person and by telephone

• Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in an office environment with frequent interaction with staff, students, staff, and the public. Work environment may include a moderate noise level and frequent interruptions typical of a busy central office

Reporting Relationships

• Position Reports to: The Director of Special Education

Terms of Employment

• Position Type: Full Time
• FLSA Classification: Non Exempt
• Union Status: Non Union
• Salary and benefits are determined in accordance with the Somerville Educators Union, Unit A collective bargaining agreement and the policies of the Somerville School Committee.

Pre-Employment Requirements

MA Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Clearance

Fingerprints

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities or employment of educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.