PMR Therapy Aide (Full-Time, Day Shift)

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

About the role

The Therapy Trainee role is a structured learning opportunity for therapy and therapy/therapist assistant students to gain hands-on clinical experience while preparing for a future licensed position with the organization. Under the supervision and guidance of appropriate personnel, the trainee supports non-licensed patient care and departmental activities, contributing to patient care while developing professional skills and familiarity with organizational practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist certified/licensed therapy staff with non-licensed patient care activities
• Prepare treatment areas, equipment, and supplies before and after therapy sessions
• Escort, transport and position patients safely
• Observe therapy sessions and document assigned information as directed
• Communicate effectively with patients, families and care teams
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized treatment environment
• Adhere to organizational policies, confidentiality standards, and safety guidelines
• Participate in learning activities, huddles, and meetings as directed

Environment Management

• Complete cleaning tasks utilizing compliance standards
• Maintain defined logs for therapy sites
• Perform Tracer and Proud Rounds, as assigned by supervisor
• Perform maintenance and/or inventory of equipment according to unit/department standards
• Practice standard precautions while handling contaminated items
• Maintain unit order and efficiency
• Maintain appearance of patient care areas and public areas
• Maintain safe work environment

Supply Management/Clerical

• Order and stock supplies to meet the needs of the unit/department
• Demonstrate an awareness of cost containment practices
• Distribute supplies to appropriate areas according to unit/department standards
• Demonstrate computer skills necessary to perform unit/department specific responsibilities
• Schedule follow-up appointments for patients and handle phone calls at outpatient sites
• Work assigned tracking tools

Patient Care/Safety

• Prepare/Clean treating area to gain efficient turnaround time for patient throughput
• Transport patients to/from nursing units, as needed, in acute care setting or escort patients to and from treatment area in outpatient setting
• Assist in set up and removal of modality equipment, as supervised by therapist
• Assist therapists in treatment techniques when support is needed for patient safety
• Document accurately and timely, according to unit/department standards
• Report promptly unusual situations, reactions, effects or conditions related to patient care to the responsible person(s)
• Demonstrate positive interpersonal skills when dealing with patients, family members and staff
• Function as a patient advocate by resolving patient/family concerns through appropriate actions
• Demonstrate proper responses to emergency situations

Code of Conduct/Professionalism

• Identify learning needs and seek available resources and opportunities
• Complete assignments within designated shift
• Respond promptly to requests for assistance
• Respect patient rights and maintain strict confidentiality
• Communicate clearly, concisely and appropriately (verbal/written communications)
• Assume personal responsibility for attendance to maintain unit/department function
• Demonstrate concern and respect for others' thoughts and feelings and handle conflicts in a positive manner
• Able to prioritize continually

Clinical Skills

• Maintain clinical skills necessary to perform duty/job
• Demonstrate competency with procedures based on unit population and/or age-specific needs
• Obtain and accurately document all required patient information; report changes and abnormal findings to the treating therapist in a timely fashion
• Participate in achieving institution-wide and unit-based quality outcomes
• Perform duty/job with appropriate level of independence
• Perform duty/job with accuracy and efficiency
• Accept accountability, as an individual and as a team member, for all services provided

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED (Required)
• Enrollment in accredited Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy, Physical Therapist Assistant, or Speech Language Pathology program
• Licensed in another state or country awaiting PA licensure
• Students in last 1-2 years of program preferred

Schedule

8am-4:30pm Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri. Wed 10-6:30pm.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region.