Therapy Technician

Patient Care Assistant

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 American Occupational Therapy Association, Texas State Occupational Therapy Practice Act, American Physical Therapy Association, Texas State Physical Therapy Practice Act, DNV, UMC Standard Policy and Procedure Manual, PM&R Policy and Procedure Manual.

Reports To :

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 :

Required Licensures / Certifications / Registrations :

Skills and Abilities :

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 aforementioned 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 diseases. May come in contact with irritating chemicals or sprays. May be exposed to muscular strain in supporting, lifting and assisting patients.

UMC Health System provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Request for accommodations in the hire process should be directed to UMC Human Resources.