Therapy Aide

POSITION DESCRIPTION: A facility Therapy Aide assists in carrying out patient related activities, which are pre-determined for each patient as assigned by the supervising therapist or Director of Rehab. The therapy aide also completes daily department non-patient related duties to keep the therapy department running efficiently.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be able to read written direction, comprehend verbal instruction, perform basic math tasks, write and perform keyboard and computer tasks at a level necessary to accomplish this job.

Verbal communication skills at a level necessary to accomplish this job.

High school education or comparable credentials. Experience in the health care field is a plus.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform treatment specifically directed by the supervising therapist or DOR.

Transport patients to and from the therapy department or appropriate therapy space.

Assist patients in preparation for treatment, dressing and undressing, application of appliances such as braces, corsets, orthotics, and prosthetics.

Carry out treatment programs as are predetermined for each patient and delegated by the supervising therapists or DOR.

Assist patients in ambulating with appropriate devices determined by the supervising therapist or the rehab coordinator.

Assist patients in the safe practice of activities related to the development and maintenance of strength, endurance, range of motion, and activities of daily living as determined by the supervising therapist.

Responsible for the housekeeping duties in the therapy department, including cleaning the work/treatment area and/or equipment, as assigned by the DOR.

Perform clerical duties as assigned by the supervising therapists or DOR.

Assist therapists in getting equipment for patient use as needed, including, but not limited to, wheelchairs, walkers, footrests, linens, personal care items.

Prepare the work and treatment area and/ or equipment

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Professional Conduct

Treat others with dignity and respect.

Attire is to be consistent with the level of professionalism and services provided, and in accordance with the facility’s dress code.

Communicate positively and professionally with facility staff, residents, family members, physicians and case managers.

Demonstrate knowledge, respect, consideration and adherence to facility policies.

Safety

Utilize safe work practices including, but not limited to, body mechanics, infection control, and universal precautions.

Responsible for identifying, reporting and problem solving any safety concern in your work environment.

Attend facility specific fire and safety in-services.

Responsible for the safety of residents while providing direct services including adherence to patient specific precautions (i.e. aspiration, orthopedic, etc.).

Physical Requirements:

For Direct Patient Care:

Must be able to lift and transfer patients to and from all surfaces a minimum of 10 times per day.

Must be able to lift approximately 50-70 pounds a minimum of 10 times per day.

A Rehab Aide spends 80-90% of time standing/walking.

A Rehab Aide spends 10-20% of time sitting.

Proficient with use of hands for repetitive grasping, pushing-pulling, and fine motor manipulation.

Exhibits good visual acuity skills.

Able to bend, reach, climb, kneel (60-80% of day)

Must be able to perform CPR, if required.

For Support Activities:

A Rehab Aide may spend approximately 10-20% of the time sitting at desk or terminal entering data.