Therapy Technician - PRN

umchealthsystem; Panama City Beach (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

UMC Health System in Texas seeks a Therapy Aide to assist OT/PT teams in the acute care setting. The role supports patient treatments, maintains equipment inventory, and performs housekeeping duties as needed while adhering to policy standards.

The ideal candidate will monitor patients during exercise and gait activities, assist with transfers, and help communicate patient responses to therapists. On-the-job training is provided; CPR/BLS is required after the first 90 days.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• No hospital experience required but preferred.
• On the job training provided.

Responsibilities

• Monitors patients in routine exercise programs including passive, active assistive, active and Resistive ROM programs as instructed by the PT/PTA or OT/OTA.
• Monitors patients in gait training activities, using weight bearing precautions, and using assistive equipment as instructed by the therapist.
• Assists the therapist with monitoring patient safety during ADLs and transfers.
• Performs modalities as directed by the PT/PTA or OT/OTA and is aware of precautions for modalities.
• Monitors patient transfers and assists with safe transfers using proper body mechanics.

Skills

Patient monitoring

Therapy assistance

Safety awareness

Body mechanics

Communication skills

Infection control

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

We've learned that what is best for patients is also best for employees. Learn more about why we are one of the Best Companies to Work for in Texas.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting the OT, OTA, PT, PTA, and OT/OTA and PT/PTA students with patient treatments, maintaining inventory of equipment and supplies, housekeeping duties and any other assigned duties while in the acute setting. Adheres to policies, procedures, and standards of practice as defined by and/or stated by the 1) American Occupational Therapy Association, 2) Texas State Occupational Therapy Practice Act, 3) American Physical Therapy Association, 4) Texas State Physical Therapy Practice Act, 5) DNV, 6) UMC Standard Policy and Procedure Manual, 7) PM&R Policy and Procedure Manual.

JOB SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors patients in routine exercise programs including passive, active assistive, active and Resistive ROM programs as instructed by the PT/PTA or OT/OTA
• Monitors patients in gait training activities, using any weight bearing precautions, and using assistive equipment as instructed by the therapist
• Assists the therapist with monitoring patient safety while performing ADL's and transfers.
• Performs modalities appropriately as directed by the PT/PTA or OT/OTA and be aware of major precautions and contraindications for modalities including but not limited to continuous passive motion (CPM) machines, hot and cold treatments, coban wrap, paraffin baths, fluidotherapy, whirlpool, ultrasound and splint checks.
• Monitors patient transfers and be able to perform transfers in a safe manner while using proper body mechanics and assist PT/PTA or OT/OTA as needed.
• Performs routine daily/weekly or monthly housekeeping duties including but not limited to cleaning patient care areas with disinfectant after patient use, disposing of soiled linens properly, and maintaining storage areas in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Completes daily tasks as assigned to include but not limited to charge sheets, updating daily patient lists, discussion with nursing staff to prepare patient for PT/PTA or OT/OTA treatments, and prepare patient for next PT/PTA or OT/OTA session.
• Assists in assembling weekly and daily supply orders and will maintain the proper level of supplies/inventory in the department.
• Must communicate patient responses to treatment both verbally and in writing to PT/PTA or OT/OTA.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• No previous hospital experience is required but preferred.
• Computer experience preferred, but not required.
• On the job training provided.

REQUIRED LICENSURES/CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATIONS

• No licensure required.
• Basic Life Support Certification (CPR) after the first 90 days.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Should speak intelligently and in a professional manner before others, demonstrate good public relations, demonstrate assertiveness, flexibility and tact.
• Perform technical procedures as assigned by the therapist.
• Have ability and competence to operate necessary equipment.
• Must be able to instill confidence in patients, physicians, and personnel.
• Adapt to emergency conditions.
• Be alert to changes in the patient's condition.
• Demonstrate economic use of time.
• Know techniques of assisting and handling patients.
• Understand Departmental/Facility policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Be aware of inter/intradepartmental communication.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS

Must display a professional attitude at all times, be thoughtful of others, neat and well groomed. Will need to carry out close working relationships with many people including but not limited to the Director and IP/OP Managers, Supervisor, OTs, OTAs, PTs, PTAs, support personnel, Speech, Audiologists, Physicians, Nursing staff, Social Services, Respiratory Therapy, Radiology, Food and Nutrition, and most importantly patients and their family members or caregivers. Should have the flexibility to schedule around the afore mentioned services if needed and have the ability to organize time in order to treat the maximum number of patients in the allotted working day. Should also offer help to co-workers when down time is experienced.

PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES

Good physical stamina, be able to be on feet most of the day and be fairly strong and energetic. Work frequently requires much walking, standing, carrying, talking, hearing, and listening. Lifting more than 50 pounds is occasionally required to reposition patients. Hours may be long and irregular and may include weekends.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS

Works inside and under normal temperate conditions with adequate light, in a well ventilated, clean area. Some areas are limited in space, and some patient rooms/specific units such as the Burn Unit may be warm. Usually works around others, may expect some moderate noise. Frequently works with biologic or infectious agents and may be exposed to communicable disea