06/01/1989 31660

PHYSICAL THERAPY AIDE

DEFINITION: This is non-professional work in the field of physical therapy at a Commonwealth facility for the mentally or physically ill or retarded, or physically handicapped.

An employee in this class provides assistance under the direct, on-premise supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, to patients/residents having physical disabilities and who are engaged in a prescribed physical therapy program. Work involves preparing patients/residents for treatment, assisting patients/residents during therapy to prevent injury or harm, and carrying out prescribed treatments as delegated by and under the direct, on-premise supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. Supervision is received from a licensed Physical Therapist, who reviews the work in progress and upon completion for quality and adherence to prescribed physical therapy programs and procedures.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Assists physically disabled patients/residents who are engaged in prescribed physical therapy treatment programs.

Arranges for patients'/residents' attendance at treatment sessions; makes necessary preparations regarding equipment and supplies; escorts patients/residents to and from treatment area; and assumes responsibility for the needs and safety of the patient/resident while in the treatment area.

Applies hot and cold packs, paraffin baths, and soaks as directed by the Licensed Physical Therapist.

Assists patients/residents in carrying out generalized exercises and ambulation activities.

Prepares patients/residents for treatments under the direct on-premise supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist.

Prepares treatment area for scheduled sessions; participates in light housekeeping duties, including routine maintenance and repair of equipment.

Observes patient/resident behavior and reports changes to licensed Physical Therapist; records progress in patients'/residents' medical records.

Participates in gathering data for the formal assessment of patients'/residents' strengths and needs and provides feedback to professional staff regarding physical therapy techniques needed to modify or maintain patient/resident functioning.

Participates in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary team meetings to report patient/resident progress relative to physical therapy goals and objectives.

Ensures that treatment areas are free of hazards and instructs and assists patients/residents in appropriate safety practices and precautions.

Participates in in-service training programs in physical therapy treatment techniques, and participates in Department staff meetings.

Prepares reports and maintains treatment records.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the anatomical structure and functions of the human body, especially the musculo-skeletal and nervous systems.

Knowledge of individual and group behavior, and effective ways of working with people.

Knowledge of the fundamental principles and practices of physical therapy programming for the mentally ill, retarded, or physically handicapped, including medical terminology.

Knowledge of the standards pertinent to job assignments, and health and safety requirements.

Knowledge of the equipment and supplies needed for the assigned treatments, and their proper care and maintenance.

Knowledge of housekeeping operations, practices and materials used.

Skill necessary to conduct assigned physical therapy treatments.

Ability to learn and apply the basic principles and practices of physical therapy to the conduct of various physical therapy treatments.

Ability to establish and maintain effective communication with patients/residents and to recognize patients'/residents' strengths, needs, and problems.

Ability to lift a patient/resident with help of another staff member.

Ability to maintain records and prepare clear and accurate oral and written reports.

Ability to stimulate and maintain patients'/residents' interest and participation in assigned treatments.

Ability to provide instruction and assistance to patients/residents in carrying out assigned physical therapy treatments and apply necessary precautions.

Ability to understand and interpret oral and written instructions.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of paid experience as an aide or comparable type work in the physical therapy of persons with physical disabilities; and graduation from high school or equivalent.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training.