Therapy Aide / Activities Assistant

A Therapy Aide assists licensed Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists in providing rehabilitation services to residents in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) setting. This role supports the therapy department by preparing treatment areas, transporting residents, assisting with exercises, maintaining equipment, and performing administrative tasks. The Therapy Aide plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and efficient therapy environment, contributing to resident well-being and recovery. 

Responsibilities: 

• Resident Assistance: 

? Safely transport residents to and from the therapy gym or treatment areas using appropriate methods (wheelchairs, stretchers, ambulation assistance). 

? Assist residents with positioning and transfers as directed by a therapist. 

? Monitor residents during therapy sessions and report any changes in condition or concerns to the supervising therapist. 

? Encourage and motivate residents to participate in therapy activities. 

• Treatment Area Preparation and Maintenance: 

? Prepare treatment areas before and after therapy sessions, ensuring cleanliness and organization. 

? Set up equipment and supplies as instructed by the therapist for individual and group therapy sessions. 

? Clean and disinfect therapy equipment, mats, and treatment surfaces after use, following facility protocols. 

? Maintain an organized and safe therapy environment, ensuring all pathways are clear. 

• Therapy Support: 

? Assist therapists with specific exercises and activities, under direct supervision, as prescribed in resident care plans. 

? Hand equipment to therapists during treatment sessions. 

? Retrieve and return therapy equipment and supplies. 

? Observe and report resident responses to therapy interventions to the supervising therapist. 

• Administrative and Clerical Support: 

? Schedule resident therapy appointments and manage therapy schedules. ? Maintain therapy department records, including resident attendance logs and inventory. 

? Answer phones, take messages, and direct calls appropriately. 

? Order and maintain therapy supplies and equipment inventory. 

? Perform general office duties such as filing, copying, and data entry. 

• Safety and Compliance:

? Adhere to all facility policies and procedures, including infection control, safety, and resident rights. 

? Ensure proper use and maintenance of all therapy equipment. 

? Report any equipment malfunctions or safety hazards immediately. 

? Maintain resident confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations. 

• Team Collaboration: 

? Communicate effectively with therapists, nursing staff, residents, and family members. 

? Participate in department meetings and in-service training as required. 

? Work collaboratively with all members of the interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive resident care. 

Qualifications: 

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Some college coursework or a certificate in a related field (e.g., CNA, medical assistant) is a plus. 
• Experience: Previous experience in a healthcare setting, particularly in a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation environment, is preferred. 
• CNA preferred
• 1 year experience in a Skilled Nursing Facility

Skills: 

? Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

? Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately. 

? Basic understanding of rehabilitation principles and terminology. 

? Ability to work effectively as part of a team. 

? Compassionate and patient demeanor with residents. 

? Good organizational and time management skills. 

? Basic computer proficiency. 

Physical Requirements: 

? Ability to lift, transfer, and assist residents safely (often requiring standing, walking, bending, reaching, and occasional heavy lifting). 

? Ability to push wheelchairs and other therapy equipment. 

? Stamina to stand and walk for extended periods. 

? Good manual dexterity. 

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications of a Therapy Aide in a skilled nursing facility. Specific duties may vary depending on the facility and the needs of the residents.