PTA - Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) – Equine-Assisted Therapy

Join Our Team and Transform Lives Through Equine-Assisted Therapy LifeStriders is seeking a full-time compassionate and motivated Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to join our dynamic therapy team. This unique role combines physical therapy intervention with equine-assisted services, supporting clients of all ages and abilities through innovative therapeutic approaches.

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Working under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, the PTA will provide individualized therapy services that support improved mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and functional independence. This position offers the opportunity to deliver therapy in a highly collaborative, mission-driven environment where movement, connection, and the healing power of horses come together to create meaningful change.

Team members are trained in the LifeStriders therapeutic model through our LEAP (LifeStriders Equine Assisted Practitioner) certification program, creating a consistent and specialized approach to equine-assisted care across disciplines. This role is ideal for a PTA who values creativity in treatment, enjoys working as part of an interdisciplinary team, and is passionate about helping individuals of all abilities achieve their therapeutic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide physical therapy interventions under the direction of a supervising Physical Therapist and

according to established plans of care.

• Implement individualized therapeutic exercises and activities that support client mobility, balance,

strength, posture, coordination, and functional independence.

• Support equine-assisted therapy sessions, including mounted and unmounted interventions, with a

strong emphasis on safety, client engagement, and individualized support.

• Observe client performance and communicate progress, concerns, and recommendations to the

supervising Physical Therapist.

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support client-centered treatment planning and therapeutic

outcomes.

• Support therapeutic riding instruction as appropriate to role responsibilities and training.
• Assist with social skills groups and interdisciplinary programming as needed.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of client progress, session outcomes, and program notes
• Prepare therapy spaces, adaptive equipment, and session materials to ensure safe and effective

service delivery.

• Ensure compliance with LifeStriders safety protocols, PATH International standards, and best practices

in equine-assisted services.

• Participate in team meetings, program development, and ongoing collaboration to support continuous

improvement across therapy services.

Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• Current Wisconsin Physical Therapist Assistant license in good standing.
• Ability to work under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with clients, families, volunteers, and team

members.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for documentation and program support.
• Passion for helping individuals of all abilities achieve meaningful therapeutic outcomes.
• Ability to work in an active barn environment with varying indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Completion of LifeStriders’ LEAP (LifeStriders Equine Assisted Practitioner) certification is required for

this role. Candidates not currently LEAP certified will be expected to successfully complete the

certification process as part of onboarding and training. LifeStriders provides training and support to

achieve LEAP certification. Certification to be completed within 6 months of hire.

• Commitment to supporting the mission of LifeStriders through compassionate, high-quality equine care,

stewardship of the barn environment, and fostering a safe, welcoming community where horses and

people can thrive together.

• Ability to use Google Workspace and other digital communication tools to support daily operations,

including email communication, scheduling, accessing shared documents, and team communication.

Preferred

• Experience in pediatrics, neurologic rehabilitation, adaptive therapy, or related clinical settings.
• Experience working with individuals with physical, cognitive, developmental, or emotional support

needs.

• Experience in group facilitation or social skills programming is a plus.
• Comfort working with horses and basic knowledge of equine behavior, care, and safety.

Physical Demands / Work Environment

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, push, and pull for extended periods.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions including heat, cold, rain,

snow, and mud.

• Frequent exposure to hay, dust, barn allergens, and animal-related environments.
• Ability to safely wor…