In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Rehabilitation Assistant participates in the overall plan of care by gathering information and providing occupational and physiotherapy interventions and education under the supervision of and as assigned by the occupational therapist and physiotherapist.
Duties/Accountabilities:
1. Carries out assigned occupational therapy and physiotherapy activities/intervention as per the parameters set by the occupational therapist and physiotherapist respectively, such as engagement in self care, leisure, and/or productivity occupations; functional, physical and cognitive motor skills and activities; mobility training; exercise programs for range of motion, strength/endurance, balance and coordination; and handling/positioning techniques to facilitate safe mobility, optimize function, and prevent potential impairments.
2. Follows the care plans set out by the occupational therapist and physiotherapist, engages the patient/client in treatment on a one-to-one basis or in a group format as appropriate.
3. Monitors and evaluates patient/client responses and status during the application of assigned specific interventions.
4. Suspends specific occupational therapy and/or physiotherapy interventions if a patient/client has an adverse reaction or if the patient/client is at risk and consults with the assigning occupational and/or physical therapist.
5. Provides suggestions for change or modification to existing therapy programs to the occupational/physical therapist.
6. Maintains an account of care given through written and verbal communication and communicates and documents patient/client progress and observations.
7. Participates in collaborative team and patient/client care related activities, such as rounds, family conferences, staff meetings, program planning, and quality improvement initiatives.
8. As part of a multidisciplinary team and in consultation with the therapist, provides input into the planning, implementation, modification, and evaluation of the rehabilitative treatment plan/program, including but not limited to: procures, uses, maintains and monitors equipment, supplies and space to support service delivery; and gathers information about available resources in the health system or community to support patient/client care.
9. Acts as a mentor/preceptor for Rehabilitation Assistant student practice education
10. Assists occupational/physical therapists in the fabrication of assistive devices and treatment devices by methods such as cutting out material, sewing items, assembling parts and making alterations under the direction of occupational/physical therapists.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Education, Training and Experience
- Completion of a Rehabilitation Assistant Program or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to deal with others effectively.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- Ability to organize work.
- Ability to operate related equipment.