Therapy Aide - Pediatrics

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

17h • Onsite

About The Position

The Therapy Aide position at Duke Health, specifically within Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, involves performing moderately skilled work to assist physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists. This assistance covers departmental operating procedures and patient treatment. Duke University Hospital is a large facility with 1062 patient beds, offering comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services, including a regional emergency/trauma center and an endo-surgery center. The role is structured into two levels: Level I, which focuses on fundamental patient care and departmental support, and Level II, which builds upon Level I duties to include more complex therapy procedures, supply management, equipment checks, and on-site supervision of other aides.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 I: Successful completion of an on-the-job training period, rendering competency in performance of required duties after a specified period of time.
• 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.
• BCLS certification or obtain within first three months of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Level I: One year rehabilitative services experience or equivalent education preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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 (Level II).
• Manage custom supply orders, including: delivery tracking, sending packing slips to procurement, and processing returns in appropriate and timely manner (Level II).
• Check equipment routinely to ensure proper operation and follows procedures for notification, repair, replacement (Level II).
• Consistently meet patient care productivity standards for job classification (Level II).
• Display flexibility in scheduling (Level II).
• Report patient responses/reactions to treatment, document in medical record as appropriate, and ensure co-documentation and co-signature of supervising therapist (Level II).
• Provide on-site supervision to assigned aides (Level II).
• Organize workload for assigned staff in fair and equitable way (Level II).
• Assist with orientation and training of level I aides and volunteers assigned to PT, OT, or SLP (Level II).

Benefits

• Compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees