Physical Therapist Assistant

Lauren's Institute For Education•Gilbert, AZ

16h•$32 - $39•Onsite

About The Position

At Lauren’s Institute for Education (L.I.F.E.), the Physical Therapist Assistant provides therapeutic support under the general supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. The role implements physical therapy interventions for children with developmental disabilities in accordance with DES-DDD guidelines and L.I.F.E. policies. It includes conducting direct observations, communicating with parents, and assisting with client assessments and updates to goals and plans of care. Staff may also support clients in the swimming pool and splash pad as part of their programming.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited PTA program.
Successfully pass the national board of physical therapy examination for Physical Therapist Assistants and receive certification to practice in Arizona as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Experience working with children with developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of regulations and rules related to Physical Therapist Assistants and developmental disabilities.
Level One Fingerprint clearance card, CPR/First Aid, Article 9 certification, and three letters of recommendation.
Understanding of social skill deficits, developmental milestones, and maladaptive behaviors.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Self-motivation, high energy, and good moral character.
Ability to swim and comfort working in pool and splash-pad environments with clients.

Nice To Haves

Strong organizational and time-management abilities to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to adapt quickly and provide flexible support across departments as needs change.
Professionalism, discretion, and customer service skills when working with diverse families and staff.
Collaborative problem-solving and teamwork to support smooth Academy operations.

Responsibilities

Follow L.I.F.E. policies and procedures detailed in the Employee Handbook and Therapy Manual.
Implement physical therapy interventions under the general supervision of a Physical Therapist, addressing the needs of children with developmental disabilities as outlined by DES-DDD.
Conduct direct observations and maintain necessary parent contact under the guidance of the supervising Physical Therapist.
Assist the Physical Therapist in assessing client progress and updating goals and plans of care.
Collaborate with other members of the treatment team.
Establish and enforce behavior rules and procedures for maintaining a successful learning environment, as outlined by the Keys to Behavior or a formal behavior plan.
Adhere to L.I.F.E.’s language policy, including Person First Language, You Can Language, Do Language, varying praise, behavior-specific praise, and Declarative Language.
Pass all fidelity checklists at 80% or better.
Complete daily notes, billing, and quarterly reports on time, and assist with selecting and ordering adaptive equipment.
Record all incidents within 24 hours in accordance with the Incident Reporting Policy.
Use water environments, including the swimming pool and splash pad, with clients as needed; oversee clients in those environments and discuss any needed accommodations with a supervisor.
Perform duties safely and prudently as directed by clinical directors.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Scheduled Spring, Fall, and Winter breaks; break pay is based on tenure and eligibility: unpaid during the first year, 50% pay after one year, and 100% pay beginning in year four.
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
12 paid holidays after 90 days.
PTO: two weeks, increasing to three weeks after two years.
Wellness program with rewards and insurance discounts.
401(k) and Roth plans with company match.
Partial paid FMLA.
Five free L.I.F.E. shirts to start, with seasonal restocks.
Monthly cupcakes, football treats, and staff celebrations.
Employee of the Month gift and parking spot.
Birthday gifts and recognition for service milestones.
Department budgets for staff-requested items.
Discounted degree options and in-house training.
Eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness because L.I.F.E. is a 501(c)(3).
10-acre facility with a thoughtfully designed outdoor environment.