Physical Therapist Aide

Job Description

Massachusetts Veterans Home (MVH) at Chelsea is seeking a Physical Therapist Aide to join their team!

This position performs and supports physical rehabilitation services. The Physical Therapist Aide supports a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) or Assistant (PTA), Occupational Therapist or Assistant (OT and COTA) and Speech Therapist (SLP) to provide rehabilitation services to maximize independent function, enhance development, and prevent disability to the veteran population at the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea. The PT Aide receives guidance from the licensed PT or PTA, OT or COTA and SLP.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work under the direct supervision of a licensed PT, PTA, OT, COTA and SLP. Perform only non-skilled activities such as:
• Preparation of the patient environment, equipment, or modality for the therapists or therapist assistants.
• Assistance with ambulation, exercise programs and ADL activities established by the therapists or therapist assistants, previously completed by the patient requiring the presence of an aide for patient safety.
• Assist therapists or therapist assistants who are conducting assessments when appropriate.
• Assist therapists or therapist assistants in group activities or during therapy sessions.
• Assist with application of superficial hot and cold modalities.
• Communicate effectively with rehab staff, healthcare professionals, residents, and their support networks.
• Support the rehab team in non-treatment related activities including secretarial, housekeeping, patient transport, maintaining equipment and supplies.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Ability to communicate effectively using good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to report to the supervising therapists about patient progress and seek out advice if difficulties arrive with execution of the plan of care.
• To be willing to "learn on the job" about above mentioned knowledge.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, demonstrate empathy and patience.
• Ability to lift and transfer heavy individuals safely and without injury.
• Ability to work with residents who may display challenging behaviors such as verbal or physical abuse
• Minimal experience in a health care field, strength training or field involving interpersonal relations.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Ability to understand, explain and apply the policies, procedures, standards and guidelines governing rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of facility and departmental operating systems.
• Growth in clinical judgement, communications skills, and interpersonal relations.
• Ongoing learning about Rehabilitation concepts and best practice.
• Annual dementia training