Physical/Occupational Therapy Technician

PRN - Days

About the role

At Houston Methodist, the Physical/Occupational Therapy Technician (PT/OT Tech) position assists PT/OT staff and members of the direct patient care team with treatment procedures under the direct supervision of a licensed staff in either an outpatient or inpatient setting. This role performs delegated activities including patient mobility, assisting patients in practicing exercises or functional activities, transporting patients, equipment inspection and maintenance, supply procurement and stocking, infection control processes, and basic office functions. The PT/OT Technician delivers exceptional patient care while adhering to rehabilitation standards and guidelines to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service.

Responsibilities

People

• Interacts with patients, staff, and other departments in a caring and courteous manner.
• Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information.
• Functions as a team member, responding willingly and positively to colleagues’ needs for assistance and partnership.
• Promotes a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team.
• Problem-solves and assists other techs.
• Contributes toward improvement of department scores in employee satisfaction, including peer-to-peer accountability.

Service

• Under supervision, assists with delegated treatment plan activities, such as patient mobility, assisting patients in practicing exercises or functional activities, transporting patients, equipment inspection and maintenance, supply procurement, and basic office functions.
• Assists and provides information related to reinforcing safety awareness and home exercise programs for patients.
• Prepares work areas and equipment, including cleaning/disinfecting and gathering equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Contributes toward improving department scores for patient satisfaction.

Quality/Safety

• Collaborates and communicates with the healthcare team regarding patient responses to delegated activities.
• Gathers patient information prior to assigned patient treatment sessions.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement, providing recommendations impacting quality and safety targets through peer-to-peer accountability, reporting near misses, and collaborating with the interprofessional team.
• Contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

Finance

• Uses resources efficiently to maximize utilization of time and equipment.
• Meets labor productivity standards by effectively managing daily responsibilities and assignments.
• Assists in gathering data for quality improvement projects, daily charge reconciliation for productivity, and inventory of supplies.
• May maintain accurate and complete documentation of patient care procedures performed, if requested.
• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritizing tasks.

Growth/Innovation

• Participates in department projects and hospital committees.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
• Fosters a positive and constructive patient care environment by engaging co-workers in learning opportunities aligned with department objectives.
• Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and department shared governance activities.
• Completes and updates My Development plan on an ongoing basis, including the development of advanced skills.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education).
• Experience in a healthcare setting highly preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Instructor certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) required.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English to perform essential job functions, especially activities impacting patient or employee safety.
• Effectively communicates with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a customer-service-focused manner.
• Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team.
• Proficient computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems and standard rehabilitation equipment.
• Demonstrates professional and technical competence in following treatment plans and adapting to ongoing priorities with minimal supervision.
• Organizes workflows and actively participates in problem-solving.
• Provides a supportive and engaging environment that enhances the quality of life for patients.

Supplemental Requirements

• Scrubs: Yes
• Other department-approved attire: Yes
• On-call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events) may be required.
• Travel within the Houston Metropolitan area is not typically required.