Outpatient Physical Therapy Technician

We’re making Maryland stronger!

With roots that go as far back as 1895, the UM Rehab & Ortho Institute continues to be a pioneer in orthopedics and neurological disorders. From bones to brains, our cutting-edge hospital heals even the most serious of injuries, specializing in everything from total joint replacement to spinal cord injuries and neurological condition. In total, our 141-bed facility welcomes over 3,000 patients every year. As the state’s largest provider of inpatient rehabilitation services, we offer some of the most advanced therapies for stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, orthopedic and sports injury, among many others.

General Summary

• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age, culture, ethnicity, and specific individual diagnostic needs of the patients served in his/her department. He/she must be able to assess and interpret data about the patient’s status in order to identify each patient’s specific needs and provide the care needed by the patient group (pediatric, adolescents and/or geriatric patient group, culture and diagnostic specific).
• Physical Therapy Technicians are under the direct supervision of licensed physical therapists. Physical Therapy technicians assist therapists and fitness staff in gym-based therapy programs within the laws and regulations set forth by the Board of Physical Therapy Examiners of Maryland. He/she may perform duties which do not provide direct patient contact but ensure smooth, efficient and safe departmental operations. The Physical Therapy Technician receives knowledge and training under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapy in respect to patients served in his/her unit/program as it relates to growth and development over the life span.
• Consistently expresses and demonstrates compassion and courtesy for patients. Extends courtesy and support to patient's families/visitors.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• Topical Modalities- Hot/Cold Pack: Reports patient's response to therapist.
• Topical Modalities- Hot/Cold Pack: Monitors patient for comfort level appropriately.
• Topical Modalities- Hot/Cold Pack: Obtains specific information from OT/PT regarding type of cold pack required and requests assistance appropriately.
• Topical Modalities- Hot/Cold Pack: Uses appropriate toweling, number of layers and correct application (including positioning of patient and placement of modality.

Respect for individuals, Customer Service, Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Is recognized by colleagues, patients, and visitors as responsive, courteous, respectful, cooperative and works collaboratively with others to achieve goals. Voices differences in opinion professionally through appropriate channels.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact in a manner that is appropriate to the age, culture, ethnicity, spirituality, and individual diagnostic needs of the persons served, visitors and colleagues.
• Performs daily responsibilities with a customer service focus, exhibited by actively seeking opportunities to exceed customer expectations and prevent potential customer complaints. Initiates and participates in service recovery processes and informs appropriate individual.
• Provides performance feedback related to skills, competency, and teamwork as requested within the peer review system.
• Identifies and addresses potential breeches in patient information management and confidentiality issues (HIPPA).

Leadership, Clinical and/or Technical Skills:

• Ensures proper inventory for all treatment areas (gowns, linen, supplies, etc).
• Completes preventative maintenance and monitoring of equipment per schedule.
• Escort patient to appropriate treatment area and assist patient as necessary to prepare for treatment.
• Maintains a clean and orderly environment in all treatment areas to include assisting therapists with set-up and break-down of treatment area.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Assist with data collection/billing/etc.
• Assist with delivery of patient care under the direct supervision of a licensed/certified therapist/licensed therapy assistant in accordance with state law, practice acts, therapy and hospital policies and procedures.
• Provides front desk coverage (i.e.-greeting patients, scheduling, collection of co-pays, answering telephone- receiving and conveying messages).

Quality and Patient Safety:

• Incorporates safe lifting techniques and body mechanics in daily practice.
• Ensures the safety of the clinical environment for patients, visitors, and other staff members. Detects, reports, and takes action to avoid or correct safety risks, and reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate individual.
• Demonstrates knowledge, practice, and accountability for compliance with the TJC National Patient Safety Goals.

Cost Effectiveness:

• Assure proper cost controls that ensure quality of care while minimizing costs in supply management.
• Employs practices that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize charge capture.
• Effectively demonstrates time management skills when delivering patient care, or performing other tasks.

Education and Research:

• Assumes responsibility for maintaining competency and clinical knowledge base related to role.
• Actively participates in the orientation/mentorship of new colleagues.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, and in-service meetings.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Required to receive CPR certification within three months of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Highly effective verbal communication skills including courtesy, resourcefulness and efficiency in answering questions, giving directions, locating staff and explaining hospital/departmental policies and procedures are necessary. Verbal communication skills may include communicating with an interdisciplinary team, patients, and families. Effective writing skills are also required in order to take messages and maintain miscellaneous records, receipts, reports and logs.