Therapy Aide - Outpatient Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

The PT/OT Aide will assist the Physical and Occupational Therapists to prepare the environment and the patient for routine care. All activities are performed under the direct supervision of a licensed OTR, PT, COTA, or PTA. Particularly, this PT/OT Aide role is for primarily the  Locomotor Training Department. As an active and hands-on position, the PT/OT Aide - Locomotor has the opportunity to greatly improve the patient experience through rehabilitation services. This collaborative role engages problem solving skills in order to facilitate patient recovery. It also assists in creating a welcoming environment for patient care. 

Job Functions include:

- assisting patients with transfers, in preparation for a PT session. 

- assembling equipment and adjusting it to patient needs.

- assisting therapist in moving patient’s legs and hips to simulate walking. 

- effectively and professionally communicating with patient and all members of team.  

- maintaining the therapy and nursing equipment and environment.  

- completing assigned clerical duties.

- instructing new employees and volunteers in departmental maintenance tasks.

- assisting patients with weight shifts and other daily activities 

- attending and actively contributing to department meetings.

- conduct assigned OT groups or assisting PTs or PTAs in a group setting. 

PRN - As needed

Shepherd Center seeks candidates who are compassionate and caring for patients and their families/caregivers. 

Other characteristics we look for include: flexibility, self-motivation and direction, ability to learn and apply knowledge quickly; proficiency in organizing and completing multiple tasks and projects in a timely manner; effective and appropriate communication skills in all interactions; and consistent demonstration of proficiency in area of expertise. 

In locomotor training sessions, the participant is typically suspended in a harness over a treadmill, while specially trained therapists, or a robotic device, move their legs to simulate walking. 

Physical Demands of the position include: Constant: Reaching,Stooping, crouching and twisting Frequent: Pushing and Pulling tasks of between 40-75 lbs.

Required Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent

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Required Minimum Certification

• No minimum certification

Required Minimum Experience

• Previous therapy aide or clinical/healthcare experience preferred.

Required Minimum Skills

• Basic computer skills.

• 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 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.

• Ability to follow instructions and problem solve.

• Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.

• Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.

• Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.

• Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.

• Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.

• Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in exercise science, health science, biology or related field of study preferred.

• Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury Stroke, Concussion and Vestibular Disorders.

Physical Demands

• 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.

• Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 30 lbs.

• Repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling physical requirements.

Working Conditions

• Normal patient care environment.

• Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.

• Some potential exposure to infectious viruses.

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