Therapy Aide I

•

JOB SUMMARY

• Assists in patient care and related activities as instructed by the physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, occupational therapist, certified occupational therapist assistant or speech language pathologist.

• Monitors inventory, clinical areas, patient waiting area as assigned to ensure optimal delivery of services.

• Performs clerical functions including but not limited to the following: taking inventory, ordering supplies, photocopying, answering telephone, faxing, scheduling, word processing, database input, voice mail operations, generation of computer reports and filing.

• Clean and organize work area and disinfect equipment after treatment

• Instruct, motivate, safeguard and assist patients practicing exercises and functional activities, under direction of medical staff.

• Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.

• Transport patients to and from treatment areas, using wheelchairs or providing standing support.

• Confer with physical therapy staff or others to discuss and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment.

• Maintain equipment and furniture to keep it in good working condition, including performing the assembly and disassembly of equipment and accessories.

• Change linens, such as bed sheets and pillow cases.

• Arrange treatment supplies to keep them in order.

• Assist patients to dress, undress, and put on and remove supportive devices, such as braces, splints, and slings.

• Demonstrates the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Demonstrates the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem and alerts the appropriate person.

•

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

•

PATIENT / CUSTOMER

• Essential Accountabilities

• Ensures communication and collaboration with supervisors and fellow co-workers to serve patients and other customers to the best of his/her ability.

• Is professional in all actions and appearance

• Ensure compliance with regulatory parameters

• Uses resources wisely – as if they were one’s own.

• Demonstrates understanding and ownership of how his/her role contributes to achieving the success of the Department and the Health System.

• Demonstrates a personal commitment to ensuring a clean and safe working environment.

• Anticipates patients’/customers’ needs and acts accordingly.

• Works to enhance patient satisfaction

• Assist patients and families

• Analyzes problems from the customers’ point of view.

• Honors patient/customer/employee confidentiality.

• Seeks feedback on how to improve performance and offers constructive feedback, as well.

• Applies learning for improved performance.

• Presents self professionally & demonstrates professional behavior during interactions with others

• Strives to understand and value differences in others’ race, nationality, gender, age, background, experience, and style.

•

PATIENT/ EMPLOYEE SAFETY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Patient Care Providers

• Participates in Entity and Department wide initiatives for Patient /Employee safety

• Demonstrates an awareness of patient/ employee safety when carrying out daily responsibilities of their position.

• Validation of annual competencies required for the position

• OPERATIONS

• Essential Accountabilities

• Area Preparation and Maintenance

• Assists therapist with patient care

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures treatment area is compliant with federal, state and local regulatory standards and requirements, including JCAHO, Department of Health, funding agencies, FDA, HIPAA, HCFA, DPW and others.

• Office Procedures

•

QUALIFICATIONS

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education

• High School Diploma required

• Associate's Degree preferred

• Work Experience

• 1 year of experience working in similar clinical setting preferred

• Licenses / Certifications

• BLS / CPR for a healthcare provider, per the American Heart Association required