OT/PT Paraprofessional

Job Summary
Preston School District is looking for an OT/PT Paraprofessional to assist Occupational and Physical Therapists by supporting students' therapeutic activities, mobility needs, and adaptive skill development as part of their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Provide direct assistance to students, help implement therapy recommendations, and support safe participation in school routines and activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to work patiently, compassionately, and flexibly with students who have diverse physical, sensory, and developmental needs
• Demonstrate initiative and willingness to follow the direction of Occupational and Physical Therapists, special education teachers, and support staff
• Ability to supervise and assist students safely in a variety of instructional, therapeutic, and mobility situations
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, therapists, and staff
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with general student needs, therapeutic activities, and safe practices for handling and assisting students
• Willingness to learn and implement therapy strategies, adaptive equipment use, positioning techniques, and goals outlined in IEPs under the direction of an OT/PT
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Must be able to pass the Paraprofessional test

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist OT/PT providers in implementing therapy goals, activities, and accommodations as outlined in student IEPs

2. Support students during therapy sessions or in classroom environments by reinforcing therapist-directed activities

3. Provide one-on-one or small group assistance to help students develop motor, sensory, adaptive, and functional skills

4. Help maintain a safe, positive, and accessible environment for students with physical or sensory needs

5. Prepare therapy materials, set up equipment, and assist with scheduling or organization as requested by the OT/PT provider

6. Collect data and provide therapists and teachers with relevant feedback from observations and daily interactions

7. Assist in managing behavior using positive reinforcement, de-escalation strategies, and sensory supports as appropriate

8. Provide personal care assistance such as toileting, feeding, changing, dressing, and hygiene support when necessary

9. Support students with mobility, including lifting, transferring, positioning, and use of adaptive or therapeutic equipment (e.g., walkers, standers, wheelchairs)

10. Document student participation, progress, behavior, and concerns; maintain accurate records as directed by the OT/PT provider

11. Support teachers in integrating therapy recommendations into classroom routines and academic activities

12. Maintain confidentiality of all student information; refer all parent questions to OT/PT providers or the classroom teacher

13. Perform other related duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

1. Ability to lift,