Therapy Technician

General Job / Performance Information
Education and Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent
No previous hospital experience is required, but preferred.
On the job training provided.
Computer experience preferred, but not required.

Environmental / Working Conditions
Works inside and under normal temperate conditions with adequate light, in a well ventilated, clean area. Some areas are limited in space, and some patient rooms/specific units such as the Burn Unit may be warm. Usually works around others, may expect some moderate noise. Frequently works with biologic or infectious agents, and may be exposed to communicable diseases. May come in contact with irritating chemicals or sprays. May be exposed to muscular strain in supporting, lifting and assisting patients.

Interaction with Other Departments and Other Relationships
The technician must display a professional attitude at all times, be thoughtful of others, neat and well groomed. The technician will need to carry out close working relationships with many people including but not limited to the Director and Assistant Director, Supervisor, Occupational Therapists, COTA’s, PT’s, PTA’s, support personnel, Speech, Audiologists, Physicians, Nursing staff, Social Services, Respiratory Therapy, Radiology, Food and Nutrition, and most importantly patients and their family members or caregivers. The technician should have the flexibility to schedule around the afore mentioned services if needed, and have the ability to organize time in order to treat the maximum number of patients in the allotted working day. The technician should also offer help to co-workers when down time is experienced.

Job Description
The Rehab Technician is responsible for assisting the OT, COTA, PT, PTA, and OT/COTA and PT/PTA students with patient treatments, maintaining inventory of equipment and supplies, housekeeping duties and any other assigned duties while in the acute setting. The technician will adhere to policies, procedures, and standards of practice as defined by and/or stated by the 1) American Occupational Therapy Association, 2) Texas State Occupational Therapy Practice Act, 3) American Physical Therapy Association, 4) Texas State Physical Therapy Practice Act, 5)Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organization Manual, 6) UMC Standard Policy and Procedure Manual, 7) PM&R Policy and Procedure Manual.

Required Licensures / Certifications / Registrations
No licensure required.
Basic Life Support Certification (CPR) after the first 90 days.

Physical Capabilities
The technician should have good physical stamina, be able to be on feet most of the day, and be fairly strong and energetic. Work frequently requires much walking, standing, carrying, talking, hearing and listening. Lifting more than 50 pounds is occasionally required to reposition patients. Hours may be long and irregular, and may include weekends.

Skills and Abilities
Should speak intelligently and in a professional manner before others, demonstrate good public relations, demonstrate assertiveness, flexibility and tact.
Perform technical procedures as assigned by the therapist.
Have ability and competence to operate necessary equipment.
Must be able to instill confidence in patients, physicians, and personnel.
Adapt to emergency conditions.
Be alert to changes in the patient’s condition.
Demonstrate economic use of time.
Know techniques of assisting and handling patients.
Understand Departmental/Facility policies, procedures and regulations.
Be aware of inter/intradepartmental communication.
Must be flexible.