Therapy Aide

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About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of Duke Health's four hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

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.

Duke is an 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 (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military 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.

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.