Physical Therapist Assistant

Make a Real Impact Every Day!

At Lauren’s Institute for Education (L.I.F.E.), we believe in empowering individuals with developmental disabilities through education, support, and compassion.

The Physical Therapist Assistant provides therapeutic support under the general supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, implementing physical therapy interventions for children with developmental disabilities in accordance with DES-DDD guidelines and L.I.F.E. organizational policies. This role includes conducting direct observations, maintaining parent communication, and assisting in the assessment and updating of client goals and care plans.

Key Responsibilities

Following all L.I.F.E. policies and procedures as detailed in the L.I.F.E. Employee Handbook and the Therapy Manual.

Implementing physical therapy interventions under the general supervision of a Physical Therapist while addressing the needs of children with developmental disabilities as outlined by the DES-DDD.

Perform direct observation and maintain necessary parent contact with families under the guidance of the supervising Physical Therapist to ensure appropriate delivery of physical therapy program.

Assist the Physical Therapist in assessing clients’ goals for progress or lack thereof and in updating goals and the plan of care.

Willing to collaborate with other members of the treatment team.

Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining a successful learning environment as outlined by the Key’s to Behavior or in a formal behavior plan.

Adhere to the L.I.F.E. Language policy by using Person First Language, You Can Language, Do Language, Varying Praise, Behavior Specific Praises, and utilizing Declarative Language.

• Pass all fidelity checklists at 80% or better.
• Timely with daily notes, billing, and quarterly reports and assist with selecting and ordering adaptive equipment.
• Ensure that all incidents are recorded within 24 hours using our Incident Reporting Policy.
• Self-motivated, possess high energy, and good moral character.

Staff are expected to be able to utilize our water environments with clients as needed as part of their programming. This includes the use of our swimming pool and splash pad. Staff should be able to swim and must be comfortable in these environments. They are directly responsible for the oversight of their clients in these environments and must discuss with their supervisor if accommodations would be needed for them during these times.

• Performs all duties in a safe and prudent manner as directed by the clinical directors.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

An associate degree from an accredited PTA program and successfully passed the national board of physical therapy examination for Physical Therapist Assistants, receiving certification to practice in the state of Arizona as a Physical Therapist Assistants.

Experience working with children with developmental disabilities.

Knowledge of regulations and rules, including those related to Physical Therapist Assistants and developmental disabilities.

Level One Fingerprint clearance card, CPR/First Aid, Article 9 certification, and three letters of recommendation.

• Understanding of Social Skill Deficits, Developmental Milestones and Maladaptive Behaviors
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong organizational and time management abilities to balance multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to adapt quickly and provide flexible support across departments as needs change.
• Professionalism, discretion, and customer service skills in working with diverse families and staff.
• Collaborative problem-solving and teamwork to ensure smooth Academy operations.
• Salary: $31.90 per hour to $38.50 per hour, Full Time

Great Benefits

L.I.F.E. observes scheduled Spring, Fall, and Winter breaks. Pay during these designated closure periods is based on employee tenure and eligibility.

• First year of employment: unpaid scheduled breaks
• After 1 year of employment: eligible for 50% scheduled break pay
• Beginning in year 4 and beyond: eligible for 100% scheduled break pay
• Eligibility and payment are subject to L.I.F.E.’s policies and applicable employment status.
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 12 Paid Holidays after 90 days
• PTO that grows with you: 2 weeks (3 after 2 years)
• Wellness Program: earn rewards + insurance discounts
• 401K + Roth plans with company match

Partial Paid FMLA

This equates to an added 20 - 25% in potential benefits for total compensation.

Awesome Perks

• 5 free L.I.F.E. shirts to start, with seasonal restocks
• Monthly cupcakes, football treats, and staff celebrations
• Employee of the Month gift + parking spot
• Birthday gifts + recognition for service milestones
• Department budgets for staff-requested items

Discounted Degree Options + In-house Trainings

• Eligible for federal student loan forgiveness (L.I.F.E. is a 501(c)(3))
• 10-acre facility with a thoughtfully designed and beautiful outdoor environment