Physical Therapy Assistant

Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Do YOU want to work on a team that is committed to empowering individuals? At Helen Keller Services, our employees work in an environment that is more than just a workplace, it’s a community.

Since 1893, Helen Keller Services (HKS) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have combined hearing and vision loss.

Helen Keller Services for the Blind is currently seeking a full-time Physical Therapy Assistant to join our Children Learning Center located in Brooklyn, NY.

SUMMARY

The Physical Therapist Assistant must demonstrate a sincere commitment to HKSB’s Mission and Values. Must possess the knowledge and competencies to perform the job duties; always conduct him/herself as a professional. Works in the CLC’s preschool program which is 12-month, full-day, and center-based with 8-9 children, one teacher and > 2 assistant teachers/classroom. Provides PT services to students who have developmental delays and whose IEP mandates Physical Therapy as part of their preschool special education program, up to 10 sessions per day. This also involves writing daily session notes into EasyTrac, quarterly report cards, annual and kindergarten progress reports, and IEP goals/objectives under the supervision of a certified Physical therapist. Required to attend IEP meetings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the development and execution of function/program within his/her span of control in accordance with HKS’ Mission and Strategic Objectives. Specifically responsible for:

• Familiarity with eye conditions and their impact on vision and overall development
• Familiarity with medical diagnoses (i.e., genetic, ASD, etc.)
• Understanding of anatomical/physiological systems (i.e., neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, etc.)
• Understanding of developmental milestones and behavioral issues
• Understand and execute a formal case review of the student’s history including educational, therapeutic, and medical information that is available.
• Assist with the assessments of the students’ present level of functioning in the following areas related to their Physical Therapy needs:
  • Quantity and quality of gross motor skills
  • Active/passive joint range of motion and soft tissue flexibility
  • Muscle strength, power and endurance
  • Postural and extremity alignment
  • Balance reactions
  • Motor coordination
  • Assistive technologies (i.e., adaptive equipment, orthotic devices, sensory aids, etc.)
• Under the supervision of a Physical Therapist and based on the student’s IEP evaluations and accompanying medical assessments and the student’s parent’s input, determine appropriate short-term instructional objectives and annual goals.
• Therapeutic exercises for joint range of motion, soft tissue flexibility, muscle performance
• Neuromuscular reeducation for postural alignment and control, balance reactions, motor coordination
• Gait training
• Dynamic activities for functional performance
• Use of therapeutic and adaptive equipment for seating, standing, walking, locomotion
• Use of orthotic devices to maintain/control/improve alignment and function
• Respect the rights of each student’s family to participate in decisions regarding their assessment and instructional program.
• Facilitate each student’s independence and problem solving in their gross motor skills.
• Required to earn 36 educational units during their three-year renewal cycle with the New York State Office of Professions.
• Enter daily session notes into the New York City, Department of Education’s EasyTrac system.
• Compose and submit all CLC Quarterly Report Cards, Annual and Kindergarten Progress Reports written based on observations and data collected from the student objectively and professionally.
• Participate and contribute in weekly team meetings and all full staff meetings.
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times and contribute to the upkeep of their personal space and shared workspace.
• Responsible for other duties as may be assigned or requested by his/her immediate supervisor and/or the Director of the Department.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Completion of a 2 year Physical Therapy Assistant Program

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Pass the National Physical Therapy Assistant Test, register with the New York State Office of Professions. Physical Therapy Assistants are required to earn 36 educational units during their three-year renewal cycle. Renewed every 3 years with the New York State Office of Professions.

WORK LOCATION

Brooklyn, NY

JOB TYPE

Full-Time

SALARY RANGE

$55,000 - $65,000 Annually

At HKS, we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:

• Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off
• Paid Holidays Off
• Life Insurance
• Short/Long Term Disability
• Voluntary Ancillary Benefits
• FSA, HSA, and Commuter plans
• 403b Program w/Employer Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Career Advancement opportunities

HKS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodations to individuals with illness, injury, or disability to complete the essential functions of their job.