Physical Therapy Aide

United Trading Group; American Fork (UT); On-site; USD 22,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

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

Responsibilities include equipment maintenance, clinic setup, and transport of residents to therapy sessions, with emphasis on safety and compassionate care in a

Qualifications

• Clear communication with non-verbal individuals.
• Knowledge of basic anatomy and body mechanics.Ability to work in aquatic or wet environments.
• Strong organization for clinic scheduling and flow.

Responsibilities

• Assist physical therapists with individualized treatment plans.
• Provide compassionate, patient-centered care during exercises, transfers, and ROM routines.
• Assist with high-needs transfers using lifts and gait belts safely.
• Train staff on lifts and transfer devices under PT supervision.
• Assist with wheelchair clinics, transport residents, and log equipment mods.
• Support PM&R clinic setups and orthotic/equipment evaluations.
• Assist with aquatic therapy programs and pool entry/exit procedures.
• Maintain safety and infection-control standards for therapy spaces and equipment.

Skills

Communication skills

Anatomy basics

Water environment

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Physical Therapy Aide

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*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-day responsibilities of this position:

• 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.

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

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, click here!