Physical Therapy Aide

State of Utah; American Fork (UT); On-site; USD 34,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Utah State Developmental Center is seeking a Physical Therapy Aide to provide direct and indirect operational, clinical, and logistical support to licensed physical therapy staff. This role enhances mobility and independence for individuals with ID/DD, focusing on wheelchair/PM&R clinics, aquatic therapy, and safe transfers.

Under PT supervision, you’ll train staff, assist in aquatic and clinical settings, maintain equipment, and ensure infection-control standards are met, all while

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with non-verbal or limited-verbal individuals.
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, body mechanics, and safe patient transfer techniques.
• Ability to work comfortably in an aquatic environment and assist individuals in the water.
• Strong organizational skills to manage scheduling and flow for specialized clinics.

Responsibilities

• Assist physical therapists in carrying out individualized treatment plans for residents with varying degrees of intellectual and physical disabilities.
• Provide compassionate, person-centered assistance during positioning, therapeutic exercise, ambulation, and range-of-motion routines.
• Assist with high-needs transfers (using mechanical lifts, transfer boards, and gait belts) with an emphasis on safety and resident comfort.
• Under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, train new and existing employees regarding the use of mechanical lifts, transfer boards, and gait belts.
• Wheelchair Clinics: Assist seating/mobility specialists and PTs during comprehensive wheelchair evaluations, fitting, and adjustment sessions.
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Clinics: Provide clinical setup and logistical support during multi-disciplinary PM&R physician consultations.
• Assist with resident positioning for spasticity management assessments, orthotic fittings, and adaptive equipment evaluations.
• Assist therapy staff in executing aquatic therapy programs in the therapeutic pool.
• Prepare residents for pool entry/exit, including assisting in locker rooms with dressing, transfer mechanisms, and aquatic adaptive equipment.
• Maintain pool-area safety protocols, monitor water-safety equipment, and assist therapists in-water as delegated.
• Sanitize, inspect, and maintain therapeutic equipment, treatment rooms, clinic areas, and aquatic supplies in accordance with facility infection-control standards.
• Perform minor adjustments and routine maintenance checks on wheelchairs, walkers, and adaptive equipment.

Skills

Communication

Body mechanics

Aquatic environment

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma

CPR/First Aid Certification

Water Safety/Lifeguard certification

Job description

FT / PT Status – Full-Time

Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.

Salary – $16.20 - $34.95 Hourly Wage

Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Application Deadline – 9/11/2026*

• Assist physical therapists in carrying out individualized treatment plans for residents with varying degrees of intellectual and physical disabilities.
• Provide compassionate, person-centered assistance during positioning, therapeutic exercise, ambulation, and range-of-motion routines.
• Assist with high-needs transfers (using mechanical lifts, transfer boards, and gait belts) with an emphasis on safety and resident comfort.
• Under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, train new and existing employees regarding the use of mechanical lifts, transfer boards, and gait belts.
• Wheelchair Clinics: Assist seating/mobility specialists and PTs during comprehensive wheelchair evaluations, fitting, and adjustment sessions. Transport residents to and from clinics, log equipment modifications, and assist with mechanical trial fittings.
• Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Clinics: Provide clinical setup and logistical support during multi-disciplinary PM&R physician consultations. Assist with resident positioning for spasticity management assessments, orthotic fittings, and adaptive equipment evaluations
• Assist therapy staff in executing aquatic therapy programs in the therapeutic pool.
• Prepare residents for pool entry/exit, including assisting in locker rooms with dressing, transfer mechanisms (pool lifts/ramps), and aquatic adaptive equipment.
• Maintain pool-area safety protocols, monitor water-safety equipment, and assist therapists in-water as delegated.
• Sanitize, inspect, and maintain therapeutic equipment, treatment rooms, clinic areas, and aquatic supplies in accordance with facility infection-control standards.
• Perform minor adjustments and routine maintenance checks on wheelchairs, walkers, and adaptive equipment.
• Maintain organized inventory of physical therapy supplies, orthotics, and clinical mobility aids.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-day responsibilities of this position:

Qualifications

Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with non-verbal or limited-verbal individuals.
• Knowledge of basic human anatomy, body mechanics, and safe patient transfer techniques.
• Ability to work comfortably in an aquatic environment and assist individuals in the water.
• Strong organizational skills to manage scheduling and flow for specialized clinics.

Preferred Or Trainable/on-the-job Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• CPR / First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire); Water Safety / Lifeguard certification preferred for aquatic therapy support.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or prior experience in a rehabilitation/physical therapy setting preferred.
• Capacity to work with difficult and treatment resistant patients.
• Ability to work well with multidisciplinary teams.

About The Role

The Utah State Developmental Center is seeking a Physical Therapy Aide (Physical Therapy Technician/Assistant) to provide direct and indirect operational, clinical, and logistical support to licensed physical therapy staff. This position is dedicated to enhancing the physical mobility, functional independence, and overall quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). Core responsibilities include supporting specialized wheelchair and PM&R clinics, assisting with aquatic therapy programs, and executing safe patient transfers and equipment maintenance.

Location

895 N 900 E

American Fork, Utah, 84003

United States

Background Check Required

You must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Drug Test Required

No

Schedule Code

B - Competitive Career Service

Why You Should Join Our Team

Benefits

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

The mission of the Utah State Developmental Center is to serve as "a statewide resource center for people with disabilities while promoting opportunity through choice and outcome based support." This will be accomplished by providing critical services, support and resources for the intellectually disabled individuals that reside at our facility. For more information on USDC.

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].