Educational Program Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR

Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (LPTA), Life Enrichment Education Program (LEEP)
Location: Itinerant in Clackamas County
Schedule: 8 hours per day / 5 days per week / Instructional School Year Calendar

Clackamas ESD strives to infuse equity in all our programs and bodies of work by maintaining an inclusive, barrier-free environment in which everyone participates and fully benefits.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be the one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources at hr@clackesd.org to discuss your application.

Find your "why" with Clackamas ESD
At Clackamas Education Service District, our mission is to lead, serve and innovate for learning. Clackamas ESD provides services in early learning, special education, technology and teacher/staff support to Clackamas County school districts. We ensure students and families in all of our communities -- big and small -- have access to equitable education services. Learn more about CESD here.
About the program:
Our Life Enrichment Education Program (LEEP) provides a comprehensive education for students grades kindergarten through transition with complex disabilities and communication needs. Through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), LEEP supports students in accessing academic, social-emotional, communication and life skills curriculum and instruction. Multidisciplinary classroom teams include special education teachers, educational assistants, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, behavior specialists, nurses, adaptive physical education teachers and others as needed. The program focuses on academics, communication, personal management, decision making, independence, self-advocacy, practical living skills, vocational skills, leisure/recreation activities, social skills and access to a full life.
About this position:
The Life Enrichment Education Program (LEEP) Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (LPTA) guided by the Physical Therapist (PT), collaborates closely with the Physical Therapist (PT), students, families, classroom staff, related service professionals, administration, and community partners to support the physical therapy needs of students and promote access to quality educational environments and learning opportunities. The PTA assists in implementing motor plans designed to support student engagement across various settings, including school, community, and home. The PTA contributes to creating inclusive learning environments by participating in professional development activities for staff and district partners. Under the supervision and guidance of the PT, the PTA follows state regulations for delegation of duties and frequency of supervision, ensuring that all tasks are carried out effectively and in compliance with professional standards.
Essential functions:

• Assist the Physical Therapist to develop students' individualized goals that support independence and the ability to access all learning environments
• Provides on-going training and support to classroom staff, to ensure the motor plan is delivered to fidelity
• Manage student behavior by utilizing intervention techniques documented in each student's behavior support plan and guided by the classroom teacher
• Participates in planning and program development with the LEEP Motor Team, including Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Adaptive Physical Education Teacher(s)
• Fabricates and repairs motor equipment for individual students or classroom use
• Orders equipment necessary to implement therapy in the education setting
• Assists the PT in delivering physical therapy services by implementing motor plans, providing direct support to students, and collaborating with staff
• Assists with the development and execution of individualized interventions, including delegating physical therapy activities to other staff, ensuring these interventions are properly delivered, and providing training
• Contributes to maintaining a data-driven system for monitoring student progress, assists in the creation of adaptive equipment, and ensures accessibility and safety across environments
• Supports professional development and communication within the team, all while adhering to licensing regulations and policies

Minimum qualifications:

• Current Oregon license to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant
• Recent successful experience and training in pediatrics and low incidence and complex disabilities
• Familiarity with adaptive equipment and the technology utilized with students with low incidence and complex disabilities.
• Skilled in using tools and equipment necessary to fabricate equipment, or make repairs including band saws, power saws, sanders, and drills
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid first aid and CPR card
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to perform essential functions
• Skill at working with other related services staff and teachers, as resources for planning and delivery of therapy
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to perform essential functions
• Physical and mental attributes sufficient to perform essential functions
• Ability to acquire and maintain a type of physical management certification approved by CESD at the trainer level
• Knowledge about effective school-based behavior supports for students who qualify for special education with developmental disabilities including both prevention and intervention strategies guided by the Oregon Department of Education
• Ability to apply skills to school-based therapy by relating intervention programs to curricular outcomes

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual. Bilingual candidates must pass a language proficiency assessment at an intermediate high to advanced level per CESD guidelines to be eligible for bilingual salary placement.
• Valid Driver's license
• Reliable Vehicle
   
  

Salary: Range 20/21* of the Classified Salary Schedule. New hires are eligible to start at up to Step 4 depending on experience, per the Classified Collective Bargaining Agreement. $31.15 - $35.61 per hour.

CESD Classified Salary Schedule 2026-27

*Range 21 is for bilingual candidates who pass a language proficiency assessment at an intermediate high to advanced level in any of the major languages of our service communities (Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, and American Sign Language)
Benefits:  

• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance with generous district-paid contribution (most employees pay $0 out of pocket to maintain health insurance coverage)
• Paid time off, including paid holidays, sick leave, and other personal leave
• Opportunities to grow with us with generous professional development expense reimbursements
• Clackamas ESD covers the full cost of fingerprinting for new employees, saving you $82.50 - a benefit not offered by most other districts
• Read more about our benefits here

How to apply:
Submit your application at https://www.applitrack.com/clackesd/onlineapp/. Applications for this position must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the listed closing date.
Clackamas Education Service District is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce along with the students and families that we serve.
Clackamas ESD policy provides veterans and disabled veterans with preference as required by law.
Clackamas ESD Notice of Nondiscrimination