Human Resources

Physical Therapy Aide

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is non-technical work involving the performance of routine housekeeping and helper tasks.  The position is similar to other non-professional positions in the health care field, such as Activities Aide and Occupational Therapy Aide, but is concerned entirely with functions in the physical therapy area.  The work is performed under the instruction and supervision of a qualified Physical Therapist and depending on staffing patterns of the facility, a Physical Therapy Assistant. Incumbents receive on-the-job training in routine physical therapy related duties and procedures.  Supervision of the work of others is not the responsibility of employees in this class.

TYPICAL WORK ACTITIVIES:
Prepares patients for treatment and transports or accompanies them to treatment areas;
As assigned, transports and adjusts physical therapy equipment;
Assists patients with exercise movements or in changing position during treatment;
Assists a Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant in restorative and rehabilitative treatments;
Helps patients in carrying out their maintenance programs as directed by a Physical Therapist;
Observes patients for safety and comfort and notifies Physical Therapist or Assistant of any changes in patients’ conditions.
Cleans, repairs and stores physical therapy equipment and supplies;
Prepares, cleans and maintains physical therapy and supportive areas;
Assists in maintaining inventory of physical therapy supplies and equipment;
Prepares and maintains simple non-medical records and reports as required.

The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Ability to acquire a working knowledge of basic principles and terminology of physical therapy in a health care facility; ability to acquire a working knowledge of the care and storage of apparatus and equipment used in physical therapy; ability to acquire a working knowledge of the problems and attitudes of ill, aged and handicapped persons; ability to learn to carry out assigned duties; ability to prepare and maintain simple non-medical forms and reports; sufficient physical strength to support and lift adult patients; ability to understand oral and written instructions; good physical condition.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: None is required.

*The term “patient” should be changed to “resident” when position is used in health related facilities.