Rehab Therapy Aide

Administrative Functions

• Assist in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing physical therapy, as well as its programs and activities, in accordance with current rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the long-term care facility.
• Assist in developing and maintaining Rehab Department standards.
• Perform administrative requirements such as completing necessary forms, reports, etc., and submitting to the Rehab Director as required.
• Ensure resident records are not lost/mishandled.
• Maintain a current file of residents treated.
• Maintain treatment records, resident files, and progress notes as required.
• Assist in standardizing the methods in which therapy will be accomplished.
• Maintain an adequate liaison with families and residents.
• Others as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed by the therapist.

Personnel Functions

• Maintain an excellent working relationship with the medical profession and other health related facilities and organizations.
• Create and maintain an atmosphere of warmth, personal interest and positive emphasis, as well as a calm environment throughout the department.
• Develop and maintain a good working rapport with inter-department personnel, as well as other departments within the facility to assure that services and activities can be properly maintained to meet the needs of the residents.
• Assist in the training of competent Rehab therapy aides.
• Coordinate physical therapy with other departments.

Therapy Functions

• Assist the therapist, as directed. Assist in transporting resident to and from Rehab therapy room/area. Assist in Rehab therapy in resident's room as necessary. Act as receptionist to residents for the Rehab therapy department. Assist residents in ambulatory training as directed. Assist in preparing resident for treatment by dress/position.
• Demonstrate to resident and nursing personnel, as necessary, the use of medical appliances involved in therapy (e.g. wheelchairs, crutches, canes, braces, and prosthetic appliances and devices).
• Assist in applying agents such as diathermy, ultrasound, infrared, massage, therapeutic exercise, etc., as instructed/directed.
• Reassure resident before and during therapy treatment.
• Encourage resident to perform and/or participate in daily ADL functions.

Staff Development

• Participate in programs designed for in-service education, on the job training and orientation classes.
• Participate and assist in departmental studies and projects as assigned or that may become necessary.
• Attend and participate in workshop, seminars, etc., as required.

Working Conditions

Works in office, therapy area(s) and patients rooms, etc.

Sits, stands, bends, lifts and moves intermittently during working hours.

Is subject to frequent interruptions.

Is involved with residents, family members, personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances.

Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset residents, family members, personnel, and visitors.

Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department supervisors.

Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary, as well as in other positions as needed.

Is subject to exercising residents.

Must be constantly alert for resident safety.

Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.

Is subject to falls, burns from equipment, odors, assaults from hostile residents, etc., throughout the work day.

Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc. including the AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses.

Is subject to lifting carrying and supporting residents.

Specific Requirements

Must have initiative to carry out assigned task with/without constant supervision.

Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.

Must be a minimum of eighteen (18) years of age.

Must possess the willingness to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional personnel.

Must possess the ability to interpret the policies and procedures of physical therapy.

Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, etc., and maintain the appearance of therapy areas.

Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents and staff.

Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing practices.

Must be able to relate information concerning a resident's condition.

Physical and Sensory Requirements (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

Must be able to move intermittently throughout the work day.Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner. Must be able to cope with the mental, emotional, and physical stress of the position. Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.

Educational Requirements

Must possess, as a minimum, a high school education or its equivalent.

Experience

None required. On-the-job training provided by a Rehab Therapist.