Occupational Therapy & Physiotherapy Assistant - Community

POSITION SUMMARY

The Physio/Occupational Therapy Assistant – Clinical Programs and Community Support Services (OTA/PTA – CP) assists clients with existing physical conditions through standard scope of practice activities, and as directed by the Orders of a Physiotherapist (PT) or Occupational Therapist (OT). The PTA/OTA – CP helps their clients reach maximum functional capabilities, maintain these capabilities, and prevent future injury. This role follows the Orders of a customized rehabilitation program for individual clients within the program, educates and monitors clients, and communicates clients progress clearly to others.

The PTA/OTA – CP performs manual physio/occupational therapy and therapeutic massage actions as directed by a PT or OT, utilizes basic physiotherapy equipment, and reports any changes to the directing PT or OT.

This role supports the OT or PT, as well as other Clinical Managers, in the efficient and effective operations of the program activities, and ensures the safety and health of clients through infection control, ongoing communications, education and monitoring activities.

Clinical program clients are typically individuals who have been discharged from hospital, who have returned to their home, but who continue to need clinical support for a short period. These clients are in process of having long term care needs assessed, are medically stable, can be of any adult age group, and may require mechanical or 2-person lifts. Client care plans are usually 21 days or 16 weeks in length, and they may or may not require a formal care plan.

Community Support Services clients are typically individuals who have been discharged from hospital but who are unable to return to their pre-hospital living arrangements. These clients are in process of having long term care needs assessed, are medically stable, can be of any adult age group, and may require mechanical or 2-person lifts. Clients may have longer stays and require Care Plans.

• Assisting in the performance of client treatment plans, as prescribed and directed by a Registered Physio or Occupational Therapist
• Completing various components of therapy including but not limited to: gait training, balance exercises, transfer training, range of motion, strengthen, and application of modalities (e.g. heat, ice, etc.)
• Delivering safe and therapeutic beneficial exercises, either with an individual or a group
• Educating and communicating with clients regarding their progress, therapy plans, exercises and/or mobility aids
• Working with various mobility equipment such as braces, supportive devices, wheelchairs etc.
• Providing person-centered support to address physical, emotional and self-care needs as assigned
• Actively promoting goal-oriented progress through prescribed treatment plan
• Maintaining a positive and motivating atmosphere for clients
• Assisting in facilitating access to various community, social and health care services required to support our clients
• Setting up and preparing therapy equipment
• May perform Delegated Tasks as required and allowed within scope of practice
• May supervise activities of other OTA/PTA students on occasion
• May facilitate information sessions for clients and/or visitors

• Practicing proper infection control protocols with clients and with equipment (e.g. hand hygiene)
• Monitoring therapy areas, equipment and mobility devices for defects, reporting safety concerns to supervisor in a timely manner
• Daily maintenance and cleaning of therapy equipment and treatment areas
• Working effectively with other staff in maintaining laundry activities
• Actively promotes client safety and education about safe practices
• Participating in program safety protocols (e.g safety check lists) and work groups

• Working with others in ordering of required supplies and/or equipment
• Recording treatment activities in client charts, maintaining on-going communications with PT/OT and other interdisciplinary program staff
• Developing and presenting reports and/or metrics as requested
• Supporting clients in setting up therapy appointments and/or in attending group activities
• Supporting referral/intake…