LOCATION: Benevolence Care Centre REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Site Leader or Occupational Therapist HOURS: Casual JOB SUMMARY: In accordance with the vision and values of Park Place and under the clinical direction of a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, or Speech Language Pathologist (Rehabilitation Professionals), the Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA) functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team in meeting the needs of the Resident. The OTA carries out the rehabilitative treatment plans and programs and assists the therapist in monitoring and evaluating Residents’ progression. The OTA will ensure a commitment to Resident Safety and to our “culture of safety” as per the Strategic Directions of Park Place Seniors Living. TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Carries out the designated components of a rehabilitative treatment plan and/or program as directed by an Occupational Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist or Physiotherapist such as strengthening, range of motion (ROM) ambulation training, self-care activities, life skills, work simulation, seating, positioning, auditory comprehension, reading, writing, and/or communication/oral therapy. Contributes to the overall evaluation of the Resident identifying and reporting verbally and in writing observable social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and functional factors which might impact the Resident’s therapeutic program and progress; observes and reports cognitive and functional changes, concerns and/or changes to Residents’ condition to designated clinician. Performs various tests and/or tasks as assigned, recording and reporting relevant data for interpretation by the therapist. Provides input into the planning, implementation, modification and evaluation of the rehabilitative treatment plan and/or program. 3. Demonstrates the techniques of activities to Residents as directed by the therapist, such as the use of prescribed treatment/adaptive devices such as splints, wheelchairs, walkers, modified eating utensils, work simulation tools, electronic and manual devices for augmentative communication, and other equipment as required. 4. Assists in the fabrication and modifications of splints, seating and exercise devices, mobility and assistive devices. Sets up and adapts equipment such as changing wheelchair backs and adjusting wheelchair height as instructed by the therapist. 5. Provides functional skills training to Residents and families in activities of daily living, mobility and communication; demonstrates the use of assistive devices and assists with power wheelchair mobility training as directed by the therapist. 6. Assists Residents in dressing or toileting as required in preparation for, during and following therapy intervention. 7. Prepares and applies therapeutic treatment modalities as assigned such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Neuro-Muscle Electrical Stimulation (NMES), ice, heat and wax treatments. 8. Maintains therapy equipment and supplies by methods such as cleaning equipment following established infection control procedures and maintaining inventories. Provides input regarding purchase of new equipment and supplies, general maintenance and repair of equipment. 9. Completes required reports and documentation such as written Resident reports, supply requisitions, Resident billing approval forms and workload statistics. 10. Performs clerical duties such as answering the telephone, making appointments, filing charts, relaying messages and recording data such as Resident contact time as required. 11. Transports equipment and/or supplies to appointments as required. 12. Participated in departmental meetings, Resident conferences and quality improvement initiatives as requested. 13. Attends education/in-service programs as required. 14. Contributes to quality of care and safety assurance and improvement by participating in Park Place Home committees. 15. Participates in quality improvement/performance measurement initiatives and processes. 16. Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Completion of a recognized Rehabilitation Assistant Program or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Equivalences may be considered.
• Valid Driver’s License as required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate fluently in English, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to deal with others effectively
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position
• Ability to organize work
• Ability to operate related equipment
• Problem Solving: Applies problem-solving process demonstrating critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Clinical Competence: Ability to problem-solve clinical issues through demonstration of knowledge, skill and ability in evidence-based practice.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Demonstrates ability to work in a team environment together toward shared goals and desired outcomes.
• Maintains a safe environment for Residents/ family and employees through: a. Accident prevention and reporting unsafe work conditions b. Knowledge of emergency procedures and regulations c. Using skills, supplies and equipment safely and appropriately d. Utilizing infection control procedures e. Committing to Resident our “culture of safety” as per the organization’s strategic directions and Home goals- Participates and attends in-service and other educational programs as required to maintain current clinical competence and knowledge.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible to read, understand and comply with Park Place’s and provincially mandated Occupational Health and Safety policies and safe work practices.
• Involved in all aspects of the Health and Safety Program including: Uses safe work procedures, Promotes health and safety policy and awareness, Makes safety suggestions. Reads OHS minutes posted.
• Responsible to take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of Residents, self, other employees and the general public.
• Reports any near miss, injury, accident or equipment damage to supervisor immediately and completes required reports.
• Corrects and/or reports unsafe conditions.

EQUIPMENT USED: Computer, facsimile and photocopier PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The Rehabilitation Assistant’s position requires lifting, walking, reaching, bending, pushing, standing and sitting.
• In an average day, the employee spends 2 to 6 hours standing or walking.
• Lift a maximum of 20 lbs.
• Must be able to manage stressful situations with competing priorities.
• Requires dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS – ENVIRONMENT Physical: Strain on shoulder, neck and back, eye strain, cuts/scrapes/injection Environmental: Draught, dust exposure, working alone situation Chemical: Equipment cleaners Biological: Exposure to communicable diseases i.e. colds, influenza, GI Radiation: None know