Rehabilitation Associate Therapy (20 hrs, Mon-Fri)

                                                                  JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Rehabilitation Associate-Therapy                                                 
Job Code: 222011
Immediate Supervisor:  Therapy Support Staff Supervisor                             
Status: Non-exempt                                    

DEPARTMENT FUNCTION/JOB OVERVIEW

The responsibilities of the therapy based rehabilitation associate are to provide therapeutic assistance with the activities of daily living, mobility and physical care needs of the patient.  Having successfully completed the advanced training curriculum, the rehabilitation associate provides rehabilitative and technical care to the patient under the direction of licensed personnel, including the occupational therapist, physical therapist and speech & language pathologist. Work will be performed in an ethical and legal manner following organizational policies, processes, protocols and procedures. Responsible for quality service delivery and internal/external customer relations for Madonna as a whole, including upholding the mission and values for the department and facility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinates patient care by understanding and utilizing rehabilitation program policies and procedures and job descriptions.
2. Reviews daily patient schedules to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
3. Objectively reports clinical observations to supervising clinician.
4. Maintains inventory of supplies and order new supplies as indicated.
5. Produces and follows accurate daily RA schedules.
6. Follows direction from occupational therapist in patient activities of daily living needs and provide direction to unlicensed assistive personnel.
7. Follows direction from physical therapist in patient mobility and transfer needs.
8. Follows direction from speech therapist in patient activities related to feeding and swallowing.
9. Follows instruction from supervisor to perform other functions as assigned in order to achieve the goals within the department and/or system.
10. Instructs and mentors new staff to rehab program environment and operational policies and procedures.
11. Communicates with occupational/physical/speech therapist and other clinical staff members regarding patient condition, changes, concerns, and developments to ensure quality service delivery.
12. Communicates with patient, families and co-workers in a respectful manner to maintain a positive customer oriented approach.
13. Receives direction from a licensed clinician and provide assistance with components of interventions in order to meet patient goals.
14. Follows instruction from occupational/physical/speech therapist to perform other functions as assigned in order to achieve the goals within the department and Madonna as a whole.
15. Assists occupational/physical/speech therapists, therapist assistants, and other treating personnel in patient treatment.
16. Assists with patient group sessions as directed by supervisory staff, including eating groups.
17. Participates and assists in department and facility committees and/or task forces.
18. Perceives customer relations as a primary focus and continually strives to satisfy the needs of every customer in all areas of the workforce.
19. Following successful completion of cardiac monitoring education and competencies, provides cardiac monitoring and set-up for scheduled therapy sessions, including reporting of adverse patient conditions to appropriate clinical personnel.
20. Maintains a clean, organized and safe environment.
21. Handles and operates all necessary equipment, including computer software applications, and performs required duties according to established safety standards to maintain compliance with regulations and prevent injury.
22. Sets up equipment and supplies needed for treatment and clean up during and following treatment sessions.
23. Applies routine modalities of hot packs, cold packs and paraffin as directed.
24. Operates stethoscope, sphygmomanometers, tympanic thermometer, patient lifts, transfer devices, wheelchairs and bed scales.
25. Routes mail to appropriate personnel and/or other departments in a timely fashion; therefore enabling the smooth flow of information and allowing for the ability to respond promptly to our customers.
    
    
    PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
    
    Medium work with frequent lifting.  Moderate assist times 1 transfers for a patient of 250 pounds who is able to use his/her upper extremities for support routinely requires pulling/lifting force of approximately 50 pounds to be generated in order to complete a safe transfer. Requires sufficient strength to produce 50 pounds of force to push a wheelchair with a 300-pound individual on level surfaces. Constant walking with maximum duration of up 30 minutes sustained walking on tile, carpet and other surfaces. Must tolerate frequent standing with sustained periods of up to 1 hour on tile, carpet, and shower surfaces. Must tolerate frequent sitting with sustained periods of up to 1 hour.  Frequent reaching with both arms at low, waist, and high levels. Frequent grasping of both hands for transfers and repositioning requiring normal grip strength based on national averages. Frequent stooping, bending, and twisting are required for patient care. Constant near visual acuity to evaluate and monitor patients.  Ordinary hearing and speaking skills.  May be exposed to biohazardous materials.  May be exposed to patients who are in an agitated or aggressive state.
    
    
    QUALIFICATIONS (Education/training and/or Experience)
    
    Must be a Certified Nursing Assistant.  Six months previous nursing assistant experience, preferred.  Valid Nebraska driverâ??s license and proof of good driving record preferred.  Incumbent must be 18 years of age or older. CPR for Health Care Provider/CPR Professional Rescuer optional.
    
    Background checks are conducted.  When specific authorization forms are requested so that full background and history can be obtained, employees/applicants must sign the form(s) requested.