Physical Therapy Aide Job at Alameda Health System in San Leandro

Summary

SUMMARY: The Physical Therapy Aide works under direct supervision of licensed Physical Therapists. The Physical Therapy Aide follows a treatment program designed by the physical therapist for the patient. The Aide does not evaluate patients nor do they initiate or change a treatment plan without the direction of the physical therapist. The Aide may perform PT related tasks including gait, bed mobility, transfers, sit and standing activities, general strengthening and range of motion activities, hydrotherapy, or other basic modalities as directed by the Physical Therapist. The Aide also has other assigned tasks in the department, such as clean-up, clerical and reception, stocking linen and supplies, computer charge entry, transportation, and miscellaneous errands. The Aide is required to document daily treatment notes and charges for each patient treated.

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.

1. Patient care:

A. As assigned, assists therapists with co-treatments, transfers, and group classes.

B. As assigned, assists patients in ambulation activities for orientation and endurance. Utilizes appropriate assistive devices (e.g. canes, walkers, crutches, braces, parallel bars) and safety belts. Guard patients in a safe manner.

C. As assigned, renders routine Passive, Active, and/or Active Assist Range of Motion.

D. As assigned, renders routine strengthening exercises with a variety of equipment.

E. As assigned, practices functional bed mobility, wheelchair mobility, and transfers with patients.

F. As assigned, prepares and cleans up after therapy modalities such as whirlpool, hot packs, and cold packs. Monitors the patient during the modality session as directed by the therapist.

2. Paperwork:

A. Completes Treatment Attendance Records or charge documents on each patient served.

B. Completes weekly and monthly statistics.

C. Uses timekeeping system and completes sign-in book, leave of absence requests, and other employee forms.

D. Completes monthly summaries on Skilled Nursing patients or daily progress notes on acute patients.

E. Maintains daily temperature log for Hydrocollator, paraffin bath, and refrigerator/freezer.

3. Cleaning chores:

A. Cleans PT equipment, mats, ambulatory devices, hydrotherapy tanks, hot pack machines, etc. on an assigned schedule or as needed. Maintains an adequate supply of cleaning agents, primarily for whirlpool care and sanitization of treatment areas.

B. Maintains adequate supply of personal protective equipment in department.

C. Folds, sorts, stocks linen. Maintains adequate supply of linen in treatment areas.

D. Monitors water level in Hydrocollator, ultrasound gel in bottles, and defrost freezer when needed.

4. Miscellaneous:

A. Assists with answering phones, filing, copying, shredding, collating, scheduling appointments, compiling statistics, logging referrals, mail. Performs errands for the department to other areas of the hospital.

B. Computer charge entry.

C. Helps monitor, replenish, and store assistive devices and other supplies as assigned.

D. Attends all required safety, regulation, and education programs.

E. Transports patients to and from different wards for therapy or hydrotherapy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Either: One-year experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant or one year experience as a Physical Therapy Aide providing direct patient care. Pre-Physical Therapy school students or foreign trained physical therapists may be considered with demonstration of an appropriate knowledge base.