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

• 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).
• Aid in positioning, mobility training, transfers, and use of adaptive equipment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Aid 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.
• 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

• Primarily seated work; may involve lifting or carrying items up to 30 lbs.
• Frequent sitting for extended periods.
• Sit-ups, push-ups, and other exercises to strengthen muscles.
• 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

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.