Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with ADA requirements, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment:

Employee must be able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team model, interfacing and collaborating with a wide range of clinical and social services disciplines who work together to manage the PACE participants’ care. The work setting is in an Adult Day Health Center and primary care clinic environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperatures.

Physical Requirements:

Requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination; the ability to use department equipment; and the ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds using appropriate body mechanics with reasonable accommodation if needed.

Visual, Hearing and Communication Requirements:

Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to communicate by way of the telephone with participants, customers, vendors and staff.

Pressure Factor:

Requires working under stressful conditions. Working conditions may be noisy and crowded and fluctuating indoor temperatures. Moderate pressure to meet scheduled deadlines. Potential for exposure to verbal aggression by client, vendors, and staff.

Environmental Conditions:

May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, bodily fluids, communicable diseases and any other conditions common in a healthcare environment. Subject to unpleasant odors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• As required, participates in care plan development and discharge planning which extends to other agencies that provide care for  PACE participants; provides regular updates to team on participants’ status.
• Assists the physical therapist (PT) in participant assessments and treatments as assigned.
• Implements treatment programs designed by the PT.  Collaborates with the PT to identify measurable, functional outcomes. 
• Observes and reports pertinent information about participants to the Physical Therapist.
• Under the clinical direction of the Physical Therapist, instructs other staff and/or caregivers on follow-through programs to be carried out by individuals other than the Physical Therapist.
• Participates as an active member of the interdisciplinary team.
• Completes documentation as assigned.
• Utilizes appropriate safety measures when providing care to participants or when performing other job duties.
• Participates in meetings as directed by supervisor and Physical Therapist.
• Assists Physical Therapist in provision of and follow through for specialized shoes and braces. 
• Provides assistance to Therapy Tech and Aides as needed.
• Assists in minor wheelchair repairs.
• Assists in department maintenance and inventory control.
• Orders equipment as assigned by the interdisciplinary team and/or Center Manager; Reports issuance of equipment to I-Team and Supervisor.
• Performs minor equipment repairs as directed by policy.
• Provides training on body mechanics and use of assistive/adaptive devices to staff, participants, and caregivers.
• Adjusts schedule as needed to meet the needs of the PACE participants.
• Educates staff on services a PTA can provide, and limitations of services as dictated by the physical therapy practice laws.  Adheres to the physical therapy practice laws.
• Supervises students following physical therapy practice guidelines. 
• Supports Quality Improvement efforts.
• Performs related, nonprofessional services necessary to maintain the      efficient operation of the department.
• Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of sensitive employee, participant and agency information.
• Performs related duties as assigned.