Job Description

Purpose of Position:

The Pacekids Physiotherapy Assistant's (PT-A) main responsibility is the treatment of preschool and school-aged children within the Early Childhood Services (ECS) school program under the direction of the ECS Physiotherapist(s) (PTs). The PT-A is responsible for following the program plans developed by the PT and supporting classroom staff in the implementation of strategies and activities.

Overview of Responsibilities:

Include but are not limited to:Assist PT in scheduling, planning and implementing physiotherapy treatment sessions Collect data for PT focused goals as outlined in the child's Individual Program Plans (IPPs) - including observations to assist with programming and the PT's assessment Provide PT(s) with accurate data and insightful feedback regarding progress with goals within assigned classroom(s) and/or assigned children Facilitate, model and demonstrate PT focused activities in the classroom(s), gym, and/or outdoor spaces- including individual and/or group programming Support with the demonstration, coaching, and review of proper lifting and transferring techniques with staff while supporting children. Assist with creating meaningful and thoughtful materials and resources that support classroom and physiotherapy programming (e.g. visual supports, activities, equipment, etc.) Distribute and/or follow-up on items provided to the classrooms - i.e., follow-up on stretching protocol implemented by PT and report back; demonstrating how to implement obstacle course; feedback on progress for stair climbing goal, etc. Coach teachers and Classroom Therapy Aides (CTAs) in understanding and implementation of PT goals and strategies in collaboration with ECS PT(s) Attend team case conferences, team meetings, and/or discipline-specific meetings Assist with the preparation and delivery of education and training sessions to Pacekids' families and staff members

Position Requirements:

A minimum of a High School diploma and completion of a Physiotherapy Assistant training program - or equivalent Clearance from a Criminal Record check, including a Vulnerable Sector check, and Child Intervention Check Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal Experience in pediatric equipment (i.e. walkers, wheelchairs, standers) is an asset Proficiency with Boardmaker software and iPad technology (i.e. TouchChat, LAMP) is an asset Experience working with preschool and school-aged children with diverse needs Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients, families and staff Flexibility is essential given the variety of children's abilities, needs and conditions Ability to lift and/or partially transfer up to 50 pounds, independently, and/or participate in two-person transfers

Position Expectations:

Communicates and collaborates effectively with clients, families, CTAs and other team members and reports back any feedback to the PT(s) in a timely manner E-mails and voicemails are responded to within 2 business days Goes into sessions with child/family with an effective plan based on the goals developed by the PT - ensuring panning is appropriate for child's age, interests, ad ability level Creates a positive learning environment that is fun and engaging group and individual treatment plans and is flexible to adjust the plan based on the child's behavior, attention and energy level Data collection is effective, meaningful, legible and well organized, and session notes are accurate, relevant, organized and easily understood - all data is reported clearly to PT(s) Meets deadlines for program specific documentation (i.e. data collection, session notes, and updates) Builds rapport with the teachers/CTAs, children and families, and can effectively explain, model and demonstrate suggestions, as recommended by the PT(s) Identifies training needs and contributes to the development of Aide and/or Family Training Sessions Maintains professional growth and learning in order to ensure that services provided are best practice and evidence based Knowledgeable about various common diagnoses and the impact on physical growth and development is important Ability to manage own schedule as demonstrated by scheduling client treatment sessions/ classroom support collaboratively with the PT, and attending all scheduled meetings Uses socially acceptable voice, speech and language Follows appropriate protocol for reporting absences, vacation requests and payroll submission Adheres to all regulations under the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) Respects and maintains staff and student confidentiality at all times * Ensures that all work conducted is in accordance with the Pacekids' Occupational Health and Safety Policy and protocols, Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulations and Code and other health and safety legislation as applicable