OT Rehab Assistant

Job Summary:

The Rehabilitation Assistant reports to the Manager for the Manager for the Family Care team based in Happy Valley Goose Bay, Primary Health Care Program with NL Health Services and provides occupational therapist support and physiotherapist support in the treatment of residents, patients, and clients.

Under the clinical direction and supervision of Clinical Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy services will focus on enhancing patients/residents/clients’ participation to meet occupational goals; this may involve self care, individual/caregiver education, and community participation. Under the direction of the Occupational Therapist, the Rehabilitation Assistant will be responsible for patient/client/resident care follow up, assistive device provision, care, and training; maintaining equipment and adaptive aid inventories; and ordering equipment/supplies.

Under the clinical direction and supervision of Clinical Physiotherapists, Physiotherapy services will focus on assisting patients/residents/clients to reach functional goals; this may involve carrying out assigned exercise programs, individual/caregiver education and plans of care related to range of motion, strengthening, balance and mobility. Under the direction of the Physiotherapist, the Rehabilitation Assistant will be responsible for tracking assistive mobility equipment and patient/resident/client follow-up as assigned.

The Rehabilitation Assistant will carry out individual and group interventions with patient/resident/clients as directed by the Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist. Other assigned tasks from Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists may be required.

The Rehabilitation Assistant will be responsible to precept Rehabilitation and OTA/PTA students and offer other clinical education experience to students within NL Health Services.

This Rehabilitation Assistant maintains accountability to the Regional Professional Practice Consultants for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy for professional integrity and practice issues.

This position will take place across multiple sites as deemed necessary by the employer, inclusive of the Labrador Health Centre, Central Labrador Family Care Team, and Mani Ashini Community Clinic.

Job Demands:
By applying for this job, you acknowledge an understanding that regular requirements and demands of this job include (but are not limited to):

• Regularly lifts or moves objects less than 10 lbs., up to 25 lbs. and lifts and moves patients, limbs (or may utilize a mechanical lift) for exercises.
• Regularly, there is a requirement to physically handle materials for the set up and running of activities.
• Regularly required to stand or walk for extended periods and occasionally required to drive to clients’ homes or community buildings to assist with therapy or to facilitate activities.
• Regularly a variety of body postures including working in awkward or cramped positions, bending, kneeling and stretching and sometimes strength and endurance is required.
• Occasionally operates machinery, equipment, and hand tools that require controlled fine finger work and precision.
• Visual and Auditory concentration is required.

Job Qualifications:

• Successful completion of an approved/recognized Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist Assistant program OR a Rehabilitation Assistant Program is required.
• Demonstrated ability to follow ethical guidelines, function within scope of practice responsibilities, and comply with legal requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others to meet patient goals and overall delivery of physiotherapy and occupational therapy services.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize clinical judgment, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• A class five driver’s license and use of a personal vehicle.
• A satisfactory record of work performance is required.

"Internal applicants who have completed an Occupational Therapy Assistant program or Physiotherapy Assistant program (i.e., have not completed a dual training program) and are currently working in the Occupational Therapy Support Worker or Physiotherapy Support Worker classification will be considered for this position."

This Rehabilitation Assistant maintains accountability to the Regional Professional Practice Consultants for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy for professional integrity and practice issues.

• Utilizing a collaborative, shared-care approach, works in partnership with clients, families, caregivers, team members and community partners, to support individuals and communities to achieve optimal health, wellness, functional independence and physical performance.
• Provides direct services to clients with a prescribed treatment program provided by the Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist in the most client-centered setting appropriate to the urgency of the clinical need (e.g. home visits, school visits, telehealth, etc.).
• Conducts group exercise programs with clients as delegated by the Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.
• Monitors client’s condition and response to treatment programs to ensure:
• The client is progressing as intended;
• The client is not experiencing any adverse responses to treatment;
• The client’s needs continue to be met with any prescribed equipment (i.e. mobility, transfer, or seating equipment).
• Reports any unexpected or significant changes around a client’s progression through their treatment plan to the delegating Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist so that appropriate changes or re-assessments can be arranged.
• Observes and documents specified objective measurements, records treatment provided, and patient’s performance as required within the client’s clinical chart.
• Contributes to the development of patient care plans as appropriate.
• Participates in caseload review meetings with the Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist to discuss client treatments and other support activities.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team rounds and family meetings; consults with families, other health professionals, and community groups, under the direction of the Physiotherapist and / or Occupational Therapist.
• Participates in evaluation and continuous quality improvement processes based upon current evidence-based practices.
• Uses assessment to assist patients to navigate care pathways by communicating with the team and advocating for the client.
• Engages in continuous education relevant to the position and provides guidance and support to students and other health professionals in the team.
• Supports the department in maintaining an appropriate stock of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy supplies (splinting supplies, braces, K-tape, theraband, clinical toys, ADL equipment, etc.). This may also include inventory control, labelling new equipment, cleaning of loaner equipment, storage/retrieval of equipment, maintenance checks, and arranging repairs for loaner equipment.

Required Qualifications:

• Completion of a recognized Rehabilitation Assistant (RA) program
• Experience in a rehabilitation setting
• Evidence of ongoing development of clinical skills and knowledge
• Current BLS certification or willingness to complete on hire
• Demonstrated organizational, interpersonal and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated strong collaboration skills and the ability to create and maintain successful working relationships
• Ability to self-direct and work independently and in collaboration with team members

Additional Qualifications/ Assets:

• Proficiency with TELUS Med Access EMR, Meditech , CRMS, and Microsoft Office tools an asset
• Experience working in and understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities of rural health care services delivery
• Understands systemic racism and applies concepts of cultural safety in engaging with First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities

Job Demands:

By applying for this job, you acknowledge an understanding that regular requirements and demands of this job include (but are not limited to):

• Regualarly lifts or moves objects up to 30 lbs. and assists, supports, pushes or pulls clients and equipment up to and over 50 lbs.
• Regularly stands and walks, and drives to and from sites/homes within the zone.
• Occasionally uses hand tools and equipment that requires rapid physical movement and reflexes and controlled movement.
• Deals with unexpected urgent requests;
• Meets deadlines;
• Maintains clinical expertise in a rapidly changing environment
• Class 5 Driver's License