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OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

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Physical Therapy Assistant

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Physical Therapy Assistant CODE: 6940 SQ/OQ: Optimal Qualified
WORKING TITLE: Physical Therapy Assistant GRADE: 14 MONTHS: 10
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under general supervision, implements physical therapy programs and activities as planned and directed by the physical therapist. Employees are licensed as physical therapy assistants by the state of Maryland and are qualified under state law to implement physical therapy programs and activities in the absence of the physical therapist; however, all work is subject to detailed review and evaluation by the physical therapist.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of physical therapy assistant principles, practices and procedures. Working knowledge of child development. Ability to effectively work with students with disabilities and to carry out IFSA/IEP programs and activities. Ability to cooperatively interact with parents and other professionals. Effective skills in oral and written communications. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Associates degree required. College curriculum must be approved by the American Physical Therapy Association. Experience working with children or individuals with disabilities. Some physical therapy aide or assistant experience highly desirable. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience equivalent to an Associates degree, which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position, may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a physical therapy assistant license, issued by the Maryland State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Ability to physically assist students in self care areas and mobility/ambulation.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) None
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: Yes

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Implements physical therapy programs as planned and directed by the physical therapist; assists students in learning and improving gross and fine motor tasks, balance, coordination and functional activities such as preambulation, transfer and gait training; assists students in activities of daily living including feeding, toileting and personal hygiene; accepts responsibility for students' personal care and environment throughout the treatment.

2. Administers active and passive manual therapeutic exercise and positioning programs; may apply heat, water, massage and other treatment methods; follows established procedures and observes safety precautions in the application of prescribed modalities.

3. Assists the physical therapist in application of orthoses, prostheses, and other assistive devices; adjusts and cares for assistive equipment and trains students in its proper use.

4. May repair and construct adaptive equipment under guidance of the physical therapist.

5. Observes students during treatment and compiles data on their responses to treatment.

6. May measure range of joint motion, vital signs, and length and girth of body parts.

7. Reports student's progress and responses to treatment to the physical therapist orally and in writing.

8. Assists students to and from classrooms, restrooms, etc.

9. Assists the physical therapist during tests, evaluations, and treatment procedures.

10. May assist in providing in-service training.

11. Performs various clerical tasks such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, maintaining records, etc.

12. Performs related work as required.
Class Established: 9/81
Date(s) Revised: 11/83,7/92, 4/94, 7/01, 7/07
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.