Rehabilitation Therapist

Roles and responsibilities

1. Assisting with Rehabilitation Therapy

• Support therapy sessions: Assist licensed rehabilitation therapists in providing treatment to patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or managing chronic conditions.
• Therapeutic exercises: Lead or assist patients in prescribed exercises and movements designed to improve strength, mobility, coordination, and overall physical function.
• Patient mobility assistance: Help patients with mobility exercises and transfers (e.g., from a bed to a chair), ensuring safety and promoting independence.
• Provide therapeutic modalities: Administer non-invasive therapeutic treatments such as hot/cold packs, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, or other modalities as directed by the therapist.

2. Patient Assessment and Monitoring

• Monitor patient progress: Observe and document the patient’s response to therapy, noting improvements or challenges, and report back to the therapist.
• Assist in assessments: Participate in patient evaluations and assessments by gathering relevant patient information, performing basic functional tests, and assisting in measuring patient progress over time.
• Identify changes in condition: Alert the supervising therapist to any changes in a patient’s condition, including pain, discomfort, or lack of progress.

3. Patient Care and Education

• Assist with patient education: Educate patients and their families on therapeutic exercises, home-care routines, and injury prevention techniques.
• Provide emotional support: Offer encouragement and emotional support to patients throughout their rehabilitation journey, ensuring they feel confident and motivated in their progress.
• Personal care assistance: Assist patients with personal care activities as needed, particularly when mobility or function is limited (e.g., helping with dressing or hygiene tasks).

4. Therapy Plan Implementation

• Follow therapy protocols: Implement the treatment plans developed by the supervising therapist, ensuring exercises and activities are performed as directed.
• Adjust therapy as needed: Based on patient response, make minor adjustments to exercises or activities within the scope of practice, always under the guidance of the therapist.
• Assist with goal setting: Work with patients to set realistic goals for their rehabilitation and motivate them to achieve those goals.

Desired candidate profile

Documentation and Reporting
Document patient progress: Keep accurate and up-to-date records of patient activities, progress, and any concerns that arise during sessions. This documentation is essential for tracking progress and making adjustments to treatment plans.
Report findings: Communicate regularly with the supervising therapist, sharing information about patient progress, responses to therapy, and any challenges or setbacks.
Ensure confidentiality: Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to privacy regulations, ensuring that all records are properly maintained and protected.
Collaboration with the Healthcare Team
Teamwork with other professionals: Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and social workers, to ensure coordinated patient care and treatment.
Follow-up care coordination: Assist in coordinating follow-up appointments or therapy sessions and ensure that patients have the resources they need to continue their recovery outside of formal sessions.
Supervision and Leadership (for Senior Role)
Mentor junior staff: Provide guidance and support to less experienced rehabilitation assistants or junior staff, helping them develop their skills and knowledge.
Oversee daily activities: Supervise and manage the daily activities of rehabilitation assistants, ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the therapy department.
Assist in training: Help with the training of new staff, providing them with insights into procedures, patient care techniques, and the facility's policies.
Facility Maintenance and Equipment Care
Ensure equipment is in working order: Check and maintain rehabilitation equipment, ensuring that all devices are clean, safe, and functioning properly.
Assist with facility upkeep: Help with the organization and cleanliness of the therapy area, ensuring that it is safe, well-maintained, and conducive to therapy.
Order supplies: Ensure that the necessary therapy supplies are stocked and available for use, ordering new materials as required.