Job Description

The Therapy Aide assists in all aspects of direct and in-direct delivery of care to our patients. Under the direction of the Director of the Department, the Therapy Aide performs tasks as delegated by the therapist, chief(s) or director. Major duties include: Assisting the therapist with scheduling of patients, updating potential referrals from surgery schedule, creating scheduling tags for new referrals, transcribing the schedule, distributing schedules to the nursing units, set-up, clean up and assisting with patient treatment, departmental and equipment cleaning and maintenance, stocking linen and supplies, clerical functions, effective communication/documentation, and activities as directed.

The Therapy Aide assists in all aspects of direct and indirect delivery of care to patients. Under the direction of the Department Director, the Therapy Aide performs tasks delegated by the therapist, chief(s), or director. Major duties include assisting with patient scheduling, updating potential referrals from the surgery schedule, creating scheduling tags for new referrals, transcribing schedules, setting up and cleaning treatment areas, assisting with patient treatment, cleaning and maintaining equipment, stocking linens and supplies, performing clerical functions, communicating effectively, documenting as required, and completing other assigned activities.

Essential Duties:

• Assists the Physical Therapist in treating patients: this may involve the applications of heat, cold, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, JOBST compression, whirlpool, massage or monitoring an established exercise program. The aide will be able to demonstrate competency in the utilization of all modalities and to understand their precautions and contraindications.
• Follows all safety procedures as well as all departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains the patient’s rights (for privacy, informed consent, confidentiality, right to refuse treatments, etc. as outlined in the Patient's Rights Policy).
• Maintains a safe environment.
• Works with the team to promote the highest quality patient care possible.
• Identify situations requiring a Physical Therapist’s attention within the first 30 days of employment.
• Obtains information in order to have a current knowledge base for the child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient population; attends one in-service per month (within the department) applicable to their job duties.
• After receiving training, will be able to pass the CPR written test and practical demonstration.
• Assists a PT Coordinator or the PMR Director as requested within the scope of their capabilities.
• Able to write accurate daily treatment notes.
• Demonstrates a basic understanding of the science behind modalities utilized.
• Able to perform all basic duties to the satisfaction of a PT Coordinator according to the job’s performance appraisal.
• Ensures that the equipment and the work areas are in an orderly, clean condition: Sets up treatment areas Cleans hydrotherapy tanks following department procedures Cleans equipment as necessary Reports any unsafe equipment and / or condition.
• Learns to assist with basic receptionist tasks: Answering phone calls. Transfers telephone calls to other departments. Understands the use of office equipment. Greets patients, notify therapists of their arrival and directs them to the appropriate area. Understands all areas of the hospital at a basic level to assist patients.

Required Qualifications:

• Req High school or equivalent
• Req 1 year Experience in a Physical Therapy Department working in an aide position, utilizing modalities as indicated in the Major Functions, Duties and Responsibilities area.
• Req Able to follow oral and written instructions in English and to effectively communicate with patients, Physical Therapists and other departments..
• Req Report patient issues, departmental concerns, or interdepartmental problems to the supervising therapist.
• Req Read and understand the policy and procedure manual.
• Req Demonstrate compliance with safety, hazardous waste, and infection control procedures.
• Req Utilizes proper body mechanics with patients in order to prevent injury to patient or self.
• Req Work assigned shifts, approved overtime, and weekends as requested.
• Req Adheres to all departmental policies and procedures, including annual updates of emergency procedures

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pref Bachelor's degree In Health Sciences field.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only).

The hourly rate range for this position is $21.00 - $29.77. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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