Hospital for Special Care
Location
New Britain, Connecticut
The Therapy Extender implements non-skilled interventions to improve patient functioning across physical, cognitive, and developmental needs. They also perform departmental tasks to ensure the successful provision of rehabilitation services including mobility and assistive technology support.
Candidates must possess an associate degree in a health-related field or three years of relevant experience with individuals with disabilities. The role requires the physical ability to assist with patient transfers and the proficiency to work independently in a healthcare environment.
Clear and appropriate interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to read, write and understand instructions in English.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to lift and assist with patient transfers. Valid Driver's License.
Demonstrated proficiency with computers and system management. JOB SUMMARY The Therapy Extender plans, develops and implements individual and group non-skilled interventions to improve the functioning of patients diagnosed with a variety of physical, cognitive, communication, social emotional and developmental needs. The Therapy Extender performs a variety of departmental and interdepartmental tasks in order to ensure the successful provision of rehabilitation services related to mobility, communication, leisure, technology and health and wellness. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Ability to tolerate up to four hours of consecutive work. Endurance for up to one and one-half hour periods of constant sitting and one-hour periods of independent mobility. Ability to safely transfer patients and provide contact guarding or hands-on assistance. Ability to lift or carry objects up to 10 pounds continuously, to 20 pounds frequently, to 40 pounds frequently for patient transfer. Ability to push/pull up to 50 pounds frequently throughout the day for patient transport and mobility activities. Frequent need to initiate body positional changes to access equipment from high and low areas and while providing treatment interventions. Functional fine and gross motor skills and upper extremity sensation needed. Intact vision needed for observation of patient's non-verbal responses and skin assessment. Must be able to initiate and interpret communication with patient and others. Ability to tolerate submersion in up to shoulder-depth water from 1-3 hours. COGNITIVE DEMANDS Job requires the application of previously acquired knowledge. It also requires flexibility of thought, reasoning, organizational skills and the ability to act in some new or unfamiliar situations. Selective attention and concentration are necessary to complete tasks. Ability to report patient response, reaction and behavior through written and oral communication. Independent organization of schedule and ability to prioritize tasks. Must be able to initiate and interpret communication with patient and others. Job requires an ability to comprehend lengthy messages or paragraphs and to follow multistage and three step commands. WORK DEMANDS Job requires working primarily indoors, only occasionally needing to be outdoors. Job requires working around and with others on a continuous basis. Task fluctuation on schedule is frequent and often unpredictable due to census and patient specific needs. Work is frequently carried out in a noisy and somewhat crowded setting. There is exposure to body fluids, contagious disease and blood borne pathogens. There is occasional exposure to particles, chemicals, electromagnetic, electrical, ultrasonic, and/or thermal agents that could cause eye, nose or skin irritation - such as those utilized for casting/splinting, patient treatment, equipment fabrication or cleaning. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Observes and reports changes in patient condition to appropriate team members. Prioritizes tasks in order to complete assignments seeking supervisory guidance as needed. Completes specific assigned tasks utilizing Hospital Policies, Procedures and Protocols. Obtains, organizes, cleans and competently utilizes equipment and supplies. Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventative maintenance requirements; following manufacturer; trouble shooting malfunctions; calling for repairs. Assists in treatment sessions, transferring patients onto equipment; monitoring motion; tracing walking time and distance; measuring mobility. Utilizes appropriate mobility, balance and strengthening exercises, as well as incorporating these into activities of daily living. Provide carryover for swallowing and specialized feeding programs acting as a resource for frontline staff. Work with a variety of assistive technology equipment to support patient utilization acting as a resource for maintenance and troubleshooting of high and low tech. devices. Carryover and serve as a resource for functional maintenance programs being transitioned to frontline staff. At HFSC, we are a family. Each person who is a part of our team of 1,300 employees and volunteers offers unique talents and perspectives. We all believe in keeping the same shared value of making our patients the center of what we do. By combining all of our unique skills and shared values we are able to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients. We are dedicated to creating an environment of care and engagement that makes us one of the most desirable places to work. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and offer a competitive benefits package. Not finding the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Get Started below or create an account by clicking 'Sign In' at the top of the page to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest!
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