Pt/Ot Aide - Abi Therapy

The PT and OT Aide assists the Physical and Occupational Therapists to prepare the environment and the patient for routine care and assists the patient with routine activities of daily living as determined in treatment plan. All activities are performed under the direct supervision of a licensed OTR, PT, COTA, or PTA. This hands-on role contributes to the improvement of patient experience through rehabilitation services. This collaborative role addresses and resolves issues in order to facilitate patient recovery.

• Instructs new employees and volunteers in departmental maintenance tasks.
• Transports patients throughout the center.
• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
• Assists patient with weight shifts and other daily activities (grooming, feeding, dressing, toileting, bathing etc.) or assigned OT therapy activities.
• Completes assigned clerical duties.
• Cleans and returns wheelchairs, bathroom equipment, and other equipment as assigned.
• Performs other duties as required/requested/assigned.
• Assists patients with transfers on the nursing units, in preparation for a PT session, or as directed.
• Attends and actively contributes to department meetings.
• Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
• The PT and OT Aide assists in creating a welcoming environment for patient care.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.
• Maintains the therapy and nursing equipment and environment.
• Performs consistent with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.
• Assembles equipment and adjusting it to patient needs.
• Conducts assigned OT groups or assisting PTs or PTAs in a group setting.

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• No minimum certification

• Previous therapy aide or clinical/healthcare experience preferred.

• Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.
• Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
• Basic computer skills.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
• Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.
• This is a support role that requires an individual to be able to interact directly with patients in a positive and supportive manner.
• Ability to follow instructions and problem solve.
• Ability to learn and operate therapy equipment.
• Must display knowledge of growth, development and the ability to obtain, interpret and disseminate information in terms of age specific patient needs (adolescent, adult and geriatric.
• Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
• Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.

• Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury Stroke, Concussion and Vestibular Disorders.
• A bachelor’s degree in exercise science, health science, biology or related field of study preferred.

• Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.
• Repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling physical requirements.

• Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.
• Some potential exposure to infectious viruses.
• Normal patient care environment.