The Stepping Stones Group
Make a Difference Every Day
Empowering Students, Enriching Futures!
School-Based Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) | Full-Time | Preschool-Age 21 Special Education
About the Opportunity
Are you a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant who wants to help students move, take part, and succeed in school? The Stepping Stones Group is seeking a School-Based Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to provide physical therapy services to students under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist. This is more than a job. It's a chance to support students with mobility, positioning, and gross motor development so they can access learning and take part in everyday school activities.
You'll carry out treatment plans, track student progress, work with adaptive equipment, and collaborate with teachers and school staff to reduce barriers to participation.
- Pay: Competitive hourly rate
- Schedule: Monday-Friday, full-time, 37.5 hours per week, following the school-year calendar
- Setting: Onsite, school-based, students from preschool through age 21
- Sites: 1 school site
- Supervision: Direction and supervision by a licensed Physical Therapist
- Resources: Therapy materials and supplies, assessments and protocols, school computers and printers, a district-provided laptop, and a district email address
- Start date: Immediate, through mid-June 2027
- Employment type: W-2
- Location: Shared with candidates during the application process
What You'll Do
- Implement student treatment plans developed by the supervising Physical Therapist
- Provide individual and small-group physical therapy interventions
- Support students with mobility, positioning, transfers, and gross motor skill development
- Assist with the use and maintenance of adaptive equipment, orthotics, and mobility devices
- Monitor and document student progress toward therapy and IEP goals
- Collaborate with teachers, paraeducators, service providers, and families to support student participation in school activities
- Help with environmental modifications and accommodations to improve accessibility
- Maintain accurate service logs, documentation, and records in line with district, state, and federal requirements
- Take part in IEP meetings and multidisciplinary team discussions as requested by the supervising Physical Therapist
- Follow all district policies, safety procedures, and professional standards
Minimum Qualifications
- Degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program
- Current Washington State Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) license
- Ability to work effectively with students with a variety of disabilities and developmental needs
- Ability to assist students with transfers, mobility, positioning, and specialized equipment
- Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills
- Ability to complete required state clearances and background checks
- Authorization to work in the United States
You'll Thrive in This Role If You Are Open To:
- Working with students from preschool through age 21, with a wide range of disabilities and developmental needs
- Assisting students with transfers, mobility, positioning, and specialized equipment
- Working closely with special education staff and related service providers
- Working under the direction of a supervising Physical Therapist
- Working onsite and in person
Preferred Qualifications
- School-based or pediatric experience
- Experience supporting students in educational settings
- Knowledge of special education processes and IEP implementation
- Familiarity with adaptive equipment, mobility supports, and inclusive educational practices
- CPR and First Aid certification
Related Experience We Value
Experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant, School-Based PTA, Pediatric PTA, Physical Therapy Assistant, Rehabilitation Assistant, or Related Services Provider is highly valued.
Why Candidates Choose This Role
- Use your PTA license in a school setting with a consistent weekday schedule
- Make a direct impact on students' mobility, independence, and participation
- Work with a supportive team of special education staff and related service providers
- Use the therapy materials, equipment, and technology provided
- Follow a school calendar, with evenings, weekends, and school breaks typically off
Why You'll Love Working With Us
- Competitive pay
- Health and wellness benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance and 401(k) retirement plan for eligible employees
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Continuing education resources, including free CEUs and approved webinars
- Employee referral bonus program
- Supportive and collaborative clinical leadership
- Opportunities for career growth and advancement
- Meaningful work that directly impacts students and communities
Physical Requirements
- Ability to assist students with transfers, mobility, positioning, and use of specialized equipment
- Ability to lift, transfer, and reposition students safely
- Ability to remain active throughout the school day, including frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and repositioning
- Ability to respond quickly to student needs and safety situations
- Additional requirements may vary by assignment
What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?
Successful school-based PTAs are compassionate, organized, and dependable. They build trust with students quickly, follow treatment plans carefully, document clearly, collaborate well with school teams, and keep students' independence and participation at the center of every decision.
About The Stepping Stones Group
We believe every child deserves exceptional support to succeed academically, behaviorally, socially, and emotionally. We partner with schools nationwide to provide high-quality educational and therapy services, and we give our clinicians the training, resources, and support to do their best work.
Ready to make an impact? Apply today. Please share your Washington PTA license information and any school-based or pediatric experience when you apply.