Duke University Health System (DUHS) Job Descriptions
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THERAPY AIDE
Job Title: THERAPY AIDE
Job Code: 4159
FLSA: N
Job Level: B1
Revised Date: 06/27/2005
Supervisory Responsibility: No
General Description of the Job Class
Perform moderately skilled work aiding physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists (if applicable) with departmental operating procedures and patient treatment.
Duties and Responsibilities of this Level
Level I
Perform patient related tasks and instruction, in which employee has attained competence, as specifically designated by the therapist. Prepare patient and treatment area for care, aid therapist with patient care under direct and/or indirect supervision.
Meet all competency skills for Therapy Aide Level I.
Utilize correct sterile technique when assisting with wound care and dressing changes.
Transport patients to proper location according to the daily time schedule utilizing all necessary safety precautions in all areas of the hospital as requested.
Transport, transfer, and/or assist patient in and out of wheelchair, bed, tilt table, or stretcher safely and without undue discomfort to patient.
Assist in scheduling inpatients and outpatients as needed.
Arrange schedule so patients will arrive in the department for their scheduled visit: delays will be reported to the therapists no later than the scheduled time of expected arrival.
Assist patients as necessary for transfers, dressing and toileting.
Assist in the maintenance, care, and cleaning of equipment and supplies.
Demonstrate knowledge of and utilizes good body mechanics.
Understand oxygen procedures in transport of patients.
Transport/deliver equipment, records, mail/messages in a timely manner as requested or according to daily schedule.
Manage or assist with control of linen and supply inventory as requested to include Organize and stock inventory systematically and efficiently; check inventory levels on a daily basis or according to area standard and place as needed, and check orders received for accuracy and damage. Consistently meet patient care productivity standards for job classification. Work cooperatively with peers to contribute to the overall productivity of the team. Actively support and participate in cross coverage efforts in the department/division.
Report patient responses/reactions to treatment.
Complete activity logs, safety logs, stamped patient attendance information, and other projects as assigned.
Post charges and assist with phone and front office coverage as needed.
Communicate with patient and staff in courteous, respectful, and supportive manner.
Respond promptly to requests for assistance in a cooperative and enthusiastic manner.
Assist with orientation and training of volunteers assigned to PT, OT, or SLP.
Participate in review of activities and processes for area of work; assist in implementing changes to effect continual improvement in services provided; and comply with regulatory and legal requirements. Level II
In addition to duties described in Level I, performs the following:
Aid with and co-treat on more complex therapy procedures appropriate for non-licensed staff, including independent performance of some treatment techniques with on-site supervision.
Manage custom supply orders, including: delivery tracking, sending packing slips to procurement, and processing returns in appropriate and timely manner. Check equipment routinely to ensure proper operation and follows procedures for notification, repair, replacement.
Consistently meet patient care productivity standards for job classification.
Display flexibility in scheduling.
Report patient responses/reactions to treatment, document in medical record as appropriate, and ensure co-documentation and co-signature of supervising therapist.
Provide on-site supervision to assigned aides.
Organize workload for assigned staff in fair and equitable way.
Assist with orientation and training of level I aides and volunteers assigned to PT, OT, or SLP.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education
Level I
Graduation from high school or GED; or an equivalent combination of related education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Level II
Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Licensure/Certification as Athletic Trainer or Massage Therapist, or at least three years relevant experience as rehab aide/tech.
Experience
Level I
Successful completion of an on-the-job training period, rendering competency in performance of required duties after a specified period of time. One year rehabilitative services experience or equivalent education preferred.
Level II
Bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology, Exercise Science, or Licensure/Certification as Athletic Trainer or Massage Therapist, or at least three years relevant experience as rehab aide/tech.
Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification
Levels I and II
BCLS certification or obtain within first three months of employment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Levels I and II
Basic computer skills, ability to learn and use DUHS computer system programs.
Knowledge and ability to learn some therapy principles, techniques, methods and modalities and their proper application.
Knowledge and ability to learn some basic skeletal biomechanics.
Knowledge and ability to learn basic functional anatomy and physiology.
Knowledge and ability to properly apply physical therapy principles and practices in the rehabilitation of patients.
Knowledge and ability to apply proper body mechanics and safety.
Knowledge and ability to provide personal services for patients and care for equipment and supplies.
Ability to understand, follow and communicate/relate oral and written instructions and pertinent information accurately.
Ability to use tact and diplomacy in dealing with patients, staff, and the public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, visitors, and other employees.
Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level
N/A
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
