Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant, Early Intervention / Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) Location: Itinerant in Clackamas County Schedule: 7.5 hours per day / 5 days per week / Instructional School Year Calendar

Clackamas ESD strives to infuse equity in all our programs and bodies of work by maintaining an inclusive, barrier-free environment in which everyone participates and fully benefits.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be the one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources at hr@clackesd.org to discuss your application.

Find your "why" with Clackamas ESD At Clackamas Education Service District, our mission is to lead, serve and innovate for learning. Clackamas ESD provides services in early learning, special education, technology and teacher/staff support to Clackamas County school districts. We ensure students and families in all of our communities -- big and small -- have access to equitable education services. Learn more about CESD here.

About the program: Clackamas ESD delivers Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) support to young children who exhibit delays or disabilities that affect learning. We coordinate services, and provide specialized consultation and instruction at no cost to families. We work hard to fully include children with disabilities in their communities and prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn, providing our services in local preschools, child care centers and homes.

About this position:  The Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) Licensed Physical Therapist (LPTA)  guided by the Physical Therapist (PT), collaborates closely with the Physical Therapist (PT), students, families, classroom staff, related service professionals, administration, community partners, and preschools to support the physical therapy needs of young children birth to five and promote access to quality educational environments and learning opportunities. The PTA assists in implementing motor plans designed to support student engagement across various settings, including school, community, and home. The PTA contributes to creating inclusive learning environments. Under the supervision and guidance of the PT, the PTA follows state regulations for delegation of duties, ensuring that all tasks are carried out effectively and in compliance with professional standards.

Essential functions: 

• Under the direction of the Physical Therapist the LPTA provides individualized, consultative and direct services, services to young children, birth to five/families whose Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) identify motor as a direct or consultative service need. These services may be provided in a variety of settings including homes, childcare, and preschool settings
• Provides on-going training and support to classroom staff, to ensure the motor plan is delivered to fidelity
• Manage preschool-age children's behavior by utilizing intervention techniques documented in a student's IFSP and as directed by the PT
• Fabricates and repairs motor equipment for individual students or classroom use
• Gathers equipment under the direction of the PT necessary to implement PT services in the education setting. This includes picking up and dropping off equipment to a variety of settings
• Assists the PT in delivering physical therapy services by implementing motor plans, providing direct support to students, and collaborating with staff   
• Assists with the development and execution of individualized interventions, including delegating physical therapy activities to other staff, ensuring these interventions are properly delivered, and providing training
• Contributes to maintaining a data-driven system for monitoring student progress, assists in the creation of adaptive equipment, and ensures accessibility and safety across environments. Provides this information to the PT
• Supports professional development and communication within the team, all while adhering to licensing regulations and policies   

Minimum qualifications: 

• Current Oregon license to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant
• Recent successful experience and training in pediatrics and low incidence and complex disabilities
• Familiarity with adaptive equipment and the technology utilized with students with low incidence and complex disabilities.
• Skilled in using tools and equipment necessary to fabricate equipment, or make repairs including band saws, power saws, sanders, and drills
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid first aid and CPR card
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to perform essential functions
• Skill at working with other related services staff and teachers, as resources for planning and delivery of therapy
• Physical and mental attributes sufficient to perform essential functions
• Ability to acquire and maintain a type of physical management certification approved by CESD at the trainer level
• Knowledge about effective positive behavior supports for students who qualify for special education with developmental disabilities including both prevention and intervention strategies guided by the Oregon Department of Education
• Ability to apply skills to school-based therapy by relating intervention programs to curricular outcomes  

Preferred qualifications: 

• Bilingual. Bilingual candidates must pass a language proficiency assessment at an intermediate high to advanced level per CESD guidelines to be eligible for bilingual salary placement
• Valid Driver's license
• Reliable Vehicle  

Salary: Range 20/21* of the Classified Salary Schedule. New hires are eligible to start at up to Step 4 depending on experience, per the Classified Collective Bargaining Agreement. $31.15 - $35.61 per hour.

*Range 21 is for bilingual candidates who pass a language proficiency assessment at an intermediate high to advanced level in any of the major languages of our service communities (Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, and American Sign Language)

Benefits:  

• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance with generous district-paid contribution
• Retirement through the Oregon Public Retirement System (PERS) includes pension and individual account program
• Paid time off, including paid holidays, sick leave, and other personal leave
• Opportunities to grow with us with generous professional development expense reimbursements
• Clackamas ESD covers the full cost of fingerprinting for new employees, saving you $82.50 - a benefit not offered by most other districts
• Read more about our benefits here

Retirement plan contributions: Clackamas ESD employees working 600 or more hours in a calendar year are eligible for the Oregon Public Employee Retirement, or PERS. There are two components to PERS, including the pension, which is primarily funded by CESD and The Individual Account Program, or IAP, which is funded by a six-percent deduction from your paycheck. If you are new to PERS, your PERS deduction will begin automatically after a six-month waiting period.

How to apply: Submit your application at https://www.applitrack.com/clackesd/onlineapp/. Applications for this position must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the listed closing date.

Clackamas Education Service District is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce along with the students and families that we serve.

Clackamas ESD policy provides veterans and disabled veterans with preference as required by law. Clackamas ESD Notice of Nondiscrimination

Clackamas Education Service District is a regional education service agency located in Clackamas County with 2 schools. Total Revenue is $81,927,000 and is trending up. Clackamas Education Service District spends $258,600 per student per year on instruction.