Therapy Aide

Therapy Aide
Full Time

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supports physical therapy care delivery by preparing treatment area, patient, equipment and materials; performing procedures, under the supervision of a physical therapist

Physical Therapist Aide Job Duties:
• Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Prepares patients for physical therapy treatment by welcoming, comforting, providing and/or assisting patient into physical therapy apparel or apertures.
• Provides information to patients by answering questions and requests; allaying fears.
• Helps treat patients by applying heat packs; paraffin dips; assisting patients into whirlpool; helping patients onto exercise equipment, monitoring motion; tracking walking time and distance; measuring mobility; performing prescribed exercises and strengthening techniques.
• Educates patients by demonstrating proper use of equipment and exercise routines.
• Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Provides equipment and supplies by sterilizing and delivering equipment and supplies to treatment area; positioning equipment for therapist access; positioning patient on equipment.
• Ensures operation of physical therapy equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instruction; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.
• Maintains physical therapy supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Serves and protects the hospital community by adhering to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Enhances physical therapy department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
High school degree or equivalent. Computer literate. Knowledge of and experience with various filing systems, typing and proofreading. Prefer candidate with a minimum of one-year experience working hands on with senior population.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

 As required by the State and facility, including seminars, in-services and special training.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:
Competencies:
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies to perform the essential functions of this position:

Work requires an extensive knowledge of business and an excellent command of the English language

Must have knowledge of secretarial, office administrative procedures, and knowledge of use and operation of standard office equipment, at a level generally acquired through 1+ years related experience. 

Must have knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software. 

Must have high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations. Position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy. 

Some analytical ability is required in order to gather and summarize data for reports, find solutions to various administrative problems, and prioritize work. 

Work requires continual attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing materials, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines. 

Problem solving—the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner, gathers and analyzes information skillfully. 

Customer service—the individual manages difficult client/customer situations, responds promptly to customer needs, solicits customer feedback to improve service, responds to requests for service and assistance and meets commitments.  Have the ability to deal well with people and provide excellent customer services.

Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities and uses time efficiently.
 
Quality control—the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, monitors own work to ensure quality and applies feedback to improve performance.  Must be detail-oriented.

Quantity—meets productivity standards and completes work in a timely manner
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Adaptability—the individual adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events. Have the adaptability to situations requiring the precise attainment of set limits, tolerances or standards.

Dependability—the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.

Safety and security—the individual observes safety and security procedures and uses equipment and materials properly.  Must be able to handle confidential information professionally and ethically.

Must be able to work well with supervisor, public, staff and co-workers.

Knowledge of special needs and limitations of elderly.

Methods and techniques used to include residents and involve them in activities.

Alert to attitudes and feelings of residents.

Knowledge of and familiarity with handicrafts, skills, games and other activities and vendors of supplies and equipment.

Understanding and self-discipline to relate sensitively to residents’ feelings and needs.

Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• To be able to lift up to 25 lbs.
• To be able to reach, bend, kneel and squat
• To be able to walk and stand on a repetitive and constant basis.
• To be able to use step stools.
• To be able to hear call system, pager signals and spoken English language.
• To be able to wear protective gloves supplied by the facility.