Physical Therapy Tech

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES/CRITICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.         Therapy Support: As directed by licensed therapy, assist patients in ambulation, transfers, mobility activities, ADLs, exercise programs and leisure activities utilizing appropriate therapeutic techniques. Observes patient participation in treatment areas. Communicates with primary therapists to report on responses to treatment, progress and condition to optimize therapy documentation. Assist to apply heat/cold modalities under supervision of therapists. Provides positive support and education to patients and families regarding unit policies, procedures and interventions. Performs other duties required to maintain a high level of service. Participates in continuous training, education, & completes annual competencies to meet departmental requirements. Demonstrates professional behaviors and complies with departmental policies. 

2.         Environmental maintenance: Ensures treatment areas are sanitary and tidy according to departmental policies and procedures, which may include, but is not limited to cleaning of treatment equipment and surfaces. Maintains equipment check logs and returns therapy items to designated storage areas. Monitors inventory, orders and maintains supplies according to need and infection control guidelines. Orders linens and maintains linen closet in orderly conditions. 

3.   Reception Support

• Demonstrates a good working knowledge of the department’s programs and services to provide accurate information to referral sources and patients.
• Provides information to callers, routes calls as appropriate, takes clear and concise messages. 
• Retrieves voice mail messages and responds to them promptly.
• Contacts therapists when Stat/urgent or other orders are received

• Effectively communicate with Unit coordinators and other departments within Stamford hospital and outside vendors.

   

4.   Clerical duties –

• Inpatient:

  • Updates schedule grid in shared Excel document throughout the day

    • Retrieve new orders from order audit trail to update OT, PT,ST  spreadsheet located in common folder 

      • Update and reset productivity grid at end of month

        • Uses Meditech to retrieve patient information, diagnoses, tracking patient order history, d/c or admission date.

          • VMU

            • Ensure each room on rehab unit has wheelchair, walker and binder 

            • Post VMU therapy schedules on whiteboards in patient rooms daily

            • Track missed units on rehab unit and input into grid

          • General: 

            • Completes clerical duties including faxing communications and copying as requested 

            • Maintains inventory of therapy supplies

COMPETANCIES & WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma or equivalent. 

BLS certification 

Familiarity with medical terminology helpful. 

Good computer and phone skills a must. Knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint preferred.

Satisfactory completion of Tech departmental orientation program with successful completion of annual competencies which includes the following: 

• Knowledge of patient precaution and therapeutic procedures
• Knowledge of mechanical assist equipment ( Hoyer lift, steady aide, Rise and Go walker, etc.)
• Knowledge of safe patient handling, transfers, and mobility in different rehabilitation settings (critical care or intermediate care unit, orthopedic/surgical unit, IRF, and General medicine)        

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: High school diploma or equivalent