Therapy Aide / Restorative Aide

Department: Care Center

Supervisor Title: Care Center Manager

Location: Afton, WY

Employment Status: Part-time with benefits 24-35 hrs/week

Compensation: Dependent upon experience and certification.

Benefits: We offer a competitive compensation package that includes:

• Health, dental, & vision insurance, health savings account
•  PTO
• Matching retirement plan

Summary: While upholding the Star Valley Health mission, vision, and values, this key position is responsible for assisting therapists administer care to residents at the care center. This key position helps residents, maintain or regain mobility and/or manage pain through the use of exercise, stretches, massages, and other physical therapy techniques under the oversight of the restorative nurse and under the direction of the physical therapist in accordance with local, state and federal regulations, standards, state physical therapy practice act, and established facility policies and procedures to provide appropriate care and services to residents. This is an at will position.

Job Duties:

• Performs restorative nursing services in accordance with care plans and facility policies and procedures. These services may include activities related to range of motion, splint/brace assistance, bed mobility, transfers/walking, dressing/grooming, eating/swallowing, amputation/ prosthesis care, and communication.
• Provides therapy services as directed and in accordance with orders, and delivers restorative nursing services per the individualized care plan to support residents with physical, neurological, or functional limitations.
• Is familiar with assistive devices that might be used during treatment and ambulatory assistive devices, like canes and walkers that some residents may require for walking.
• Monitors the resident’s environment to identify any needs or barriers that might negatively impact the resident’s therapy and recovery. Observes and makes recommendations for the necessary accommodations to the restorative nurse and physical therapist and enacts those approved recommendations.
• Treats residents with a variety of physical therapy techniques including but not limited to massaging sore muscles and pushing injured ones into deeper stretches.
• Provides resident information needed for the resident assessment instrument according to facility policy such as but not limited to functional abilities, functional status, range of motion, balance during transitions and walking, physical therapy minutes and distinct calendar days, etc. during the defined observation period(s) as assigned by the physical therapist, restorative nurse, or MDS coordinator.
• Adapt to the changing needs of the patients, ensuring high-quality care and efficient operations.
• Assists with weighing residents according to facility policy, and records weight in designated locations. Documents and reports weights appropriately.
• Attends care-plan meetings of assigned residents as able restorative nurse or physical therapist guidance.
• Participates in QAPI or facility assessment activities as needed, such as carrying out duties assigned as part of a performance improvement committee.
• Uses proper lifting and body mechanics while delivering care to residents.
• Treats all residents with dignity and respect. Promotes and protects all residents’ rights.
• Establishes a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures. Complies with standards of business conduct, and state/federal regulations and guidelines.
• Safeguard, motivate, and assist patients in practicing exercises and functional activities under the direction of the restorative nurse and therapist.
• Collaborates with restorative nurse and therapy team in coordinating of program objectives, budgetary considerations, and regulatory compliance.
• Attend scheduled training sessions and meetings to stay updated on industry developments and enhance skills.
• Perform additional duties and tasks as they arise or are delegated by the DON or therapists.

Abilities & skills:

• Professional oral and written communication.
• Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.
• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Ability to assist in evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• May be subject to hostile or emotional residents, family members, visitors or personnel.
• Contributes to and exemplifies teamwork.
• Makes independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Possesses leadership, supervisory skills and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.
• Successfully relays information concerning residents, employees or any given subject matter.
• Willing to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Accepts call-backs during emergency conditions.
• Willing to work to task completion in spite of frequent interruptions.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products and Internet.
• Multi-tasking skills with the ease of changing directions upon request and need.
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment, communicate effectively, and demonstrate sensitivity to clients, visitors and staff.
• Strong organizational and prioritization aptitude.
• Comply with HIPAA and other federal, state and local regulations, as well, as maintain the highest degree of confidentiality in client and staff matters.
• Position requires constant standing, sitting, walking, bending, lifting, pushing and pulling with computer use.

Experience & Education:

• High School diploma, or GED required; college education preferred.
• A valid, unrestricted license in his/her therapy discipline, CNA, PTA, COTA, in the state of Wyoming.
• General health care work experience preferred.
• Knowledgeable of skilled nursing home regulations, procedures, laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to long-term care preferred.

Note: Position descriptions are intended to serve as a guideline for typical duties and requirements of a position but are not inclusive. Additional or different responsibilities within the reasonable scope of the position description may be added or deleted at anytime at the discretion of the Board.