Therapy Aide

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

Helps with other departments or programs as designated by therapy coordinator.

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

Once trained by a therapist, performs client specific activities that serve to enhance direct therapy.  Examples of these types of activities are walking clients, supervising client exercise, stretching, donning/doffing splints and orthotics, providing sensory activities for the client, communicating with the clients using specific methods, etc.

Participates in group therapy, as assigned, to include: planning or leading group activities, fostering therapeutic learning environment to include appropriate conversational/social skills, and maintaining client safety.

Participates in community outings, as assigned, to include: loading and unloading clients on/off vans, securing wheelchairs, car seats, seatbelts to insure clients are transported safely,  driving van (if over 21 years of age, have successfully completed Easter Seals Rules of the Road training, and can provide proof of insurability), maintaining safety of client when in the community, fostering therapeutic environment when on outing, caring for client (feeding, diaper changing, dressing, bathing etc.).

Performs clerical duties, e.g. typing, shredding, filing, and data entry.

Replaces items and equipment after use to maintain order.

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

Reports equipment and supply needs to supervisor.

Provides additional support to other departments as needed to help make sure that the needs of the children are being met as directed by the Therapy Coordinator.

Feeds assigned children breakfast and lunch.

Provides personal care (bathing, dressing diaper changing, etc.) to children as needed.

Supervises and engages children in appropriate play in the dayroom, lounge, playground and other activity areas.

Picks-up and delivers equipment and supplies.

Operates audio-visual equipment to document stages of child's progress.

Adheres to specific therapy discipline guidelines.

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

Documents client activities on specified forms.

Helps make therapy materials under the direction of the therapists.

Compliance/HIPAA:

While performing the duties of this job, employee will comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to Easter Seals 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); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Skills:                                              

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Mathematical Skills:   Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Valid Arkansas Driver's License

Other Skills and Abilities:                                          

Ability to type and use a computer

If employee will be driving an Easter Seals Arkansas vehicle:

Must be 21 years of age.

Must provide proof of insurability.

Must complete Rules of the Road Training every three years with annual updates each year.

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.