Therapy Aide (CTW)

Summary: Performs cleaning and clerical tasks, safely executes individualized supportive therapy programs such as standing, walking, exercise, stretching, communication and sensory opportunities, and splint/orthotics application, and participates in group and community activities with individuals served. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  (Other duties may be assigned).

Once trained by a therapist, performs individualized activities that serve to enhance direct therapy.  Examples include assistance with walking, supervising exercise, stretching, donning/doffing splints and orthotics, providing sensory activities, standing programs, and communicating with the individuals served using specific methods.

Participates in group therapy, including planning or leading group activities, fostering therapeutic learning environment to include appropriate conversational/social skills, and maintaining the safety of individuals served.

Participates in community outings including: loading and unloading individuals on/off vans, securing wheelchairs, car seats, and seatbelts to insure individuals are transported safely,  maintaining safety of individuals served when in the community, fostering therapeutic environment when on outing, caring for individuals served (feeding, changing, dressing, bathing etc.).

Performs clerical duties such as. typing, shredding, filing, and data entry.

Cleans and stores items and equipment after use to maintain order.

Disinfects and cleans mats, manipulatives, and equipment daily and returns them to their original location.

Reports equipment and supply needs to supervisor.

Picks-up and delivers equipment and supplies.

Adheres to specific therapy discipline guidelines.

Follows a daily schedule and documents daily activities on the schedule.

Documents activities of individuals served on as defined by therapists and department policies and procedures.

Helps make therapy materials under the direction of the therapists.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Compliance/HIPAA:

While performing the duties of this job, employee will comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to Easterseals Arkansas.

Employee has access to all client protected health information in the therapy working file for persons directly served by this position.  Employee will not attempt to access any other protected health information unless otherwise approved by Supervisor or Privacy Officer.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:                                            

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.  One to three months related experience and/or training preferred. 

Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with individuals receiving services with diverse ability levels.
• Ability to be self-directed, creative and to take initiative.

• Commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Easterseals Arkansas has designated this position as a non-safety sensitive position under the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment.