Rehabilitation Aide

Job Title

Responsible for providing or assisting Participants with direct and indirect restorative or rehabilitative care needs under the direct supervision of a licensed therapist, including functional and instrumental activities of daily living and therapeutic activities as determined by the interdisciplinary team and the individual care plan. Under the direction of the Center Administrator, performs restorative care services for participants at the Adult Day Health Center. Assists in general equipment/ inventory maintenance, DME management; assist in scheduling of rehabilitation / restorative / home assessment appointments. Assists in execution of restorative and/or rehabilitation program set up under the direction of Occupational / Physical Therapist.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrates and reflects a commitment to the mission and core values of LIFE Pittsburgh to support the elderly in maintaining their dignity and independence in the community.
• Demonstrates the ability to execute restorative programs following the individualized program developed by the licensed Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist to promote optimal function, independence and community living. Demonstrates strong understanding and safe application of ROM, therapeutic exercises, bed mobility, moist heat, ice / cold packs, gait safety, transfer safety and balance.
• Demonstrates ability to provide and instruct participants in basic personal care as per Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist prescribed restorative program to promote highest functional level and well being as possible. (ie, bathing, grooming, toileting, feeding).
• Demonstrates the ability to clearly and concisely communicate with licensed therapists on progress and performance in restorative programs prescribed to ensure adjustments are made based on needs. (ie, upgrades in weights, adjustment of gait distance, pain modalities adjusted). Provides input and participates in the development and revision of participant's plan of care as a member of the multidisciplinary team based on observation and performance of participant in restorative programming.
• Demonstrates ability to collaborate with activities program to provide input and suggestions with the Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist for inclusion of functional based activity programs and groups within the center. Participates in these groups and activities to ensure suggestions and input are present and adjustments are recommended to licensed therapists.
• Demonstrates ability to assist rehabilitation staff / licensed therapists in treatment sessions when indicated to ensure participant safety and intervention success (ie, difficult transfers, modality assistance, and ADL assistance).
• Instructs family caregivers and caregivers from LP on restorative program performance and provides training or education when indicated for program carryover (ie, HEP, updates on performance, changes to program).
• Ensures detailed and thorough documentation, per protocols in place, to include records of restorative program interventions and performance, equipment inventory logging, in center equipment maintenance and safety checks, and disinfection logs for equipment and DME.
• Ensures rehabilitation department is kept organized and clean, that in center equipment is assessed per protocols in place (ie, walkers, canes, wheelchairs, bedside commodes, shower chairs), and that inventory of equipment is maintained and monitored to ensure a safe and conducive environment within the center for the LP staff and participants.
• Demonstrates the ability to adjust communication style effectively in order to ensure clear and positive exchange of information that promotes and supports cohesiveness, information sharing, collaboration and consensus. Communication with participants, caregivers, and various staff members to build rapport and explain functional performance and observed from restorative programming perspective.
• Provides services promptly, exercises tact, patience and courtesy at all times and conducts themselves in a professional manner with Participants, families, co-workers, and any external contacts. As a representative of LIFE Pittsburgh, promotes goodwill and confidence in our Participants, staff, vendors, visitors, and the general public.
• Proactively maintains requirements for the position (e.g., annual TB, bi-annual physical, etc) and maintains compliance with educational requirements (e.g., Fire Safety, Infection Control, Annual Training, Safe Mobility).

Working Conditions

• Works within the LIFE Pittsburgh Adult Day Health Centers (ADHC) and in the community as needed
• Awareness that working with LIFE Pittsburgh Participants (in the home or the center) involves the potential for exposure to unpleasant sights and smells, exposure to blood borne pathogens and/or other communicable diseases. Universal Precautions must be utilized at all times.

Requirements

Knowledge /Skills / Abilities

• Possesses knowledge of geriatric personal care techniques and terminology.
• Ability to understand techniques trained and the ability to independently execute these programs once training is complete.
• Understands the range of treatment needed by the participants served.
• Must be able to read and understand simple instructions, to understand and carry out verbal and written directions, record messages, and keep records. Record keeping are both in written and electronic format and proficiency in the use of e-mail and other computer-based programs is required.
• Must demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness, discretion, tact, patience and good judgment.
• Empathetic and compassionate demeanor in caring for the elderly.
• Physical and emotional ability to carry out assigned tasks.
• Ability to demonstrate a professional appearance and to maintain a record of excellent attendance.
• Ability to obtain and interpret information in terms of the specific needs of the participant served.
• Possesses knowledge of human growth and development of the participants serviced.
• Must have good interpersonal and communication skills.

Education/Experience:

• HS diploma or equivalency
• Minimum of (1) year experience with the geriatric population in a hands on, direct care giving capacity.
• Experience working with and relating to the geriatric population and their family members.

The position description is intended to describe the essential functions of the position and the general duties and responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be comprehensive in nature. In addition, jobs evolve overtime and; therefore, the description may not reflect the precise nature of the position at a given point in time. Staff may be asked to perform essential and non-essential functions at any time with or without notice.