County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under close supervision, to assist Physical and/or Occupational Therapists in the administration of physical and occupational therapy treatments of pediatric clients of the Medical Therapy Unit.  To administer treatments not requiring professional physical and/or occupational therapist; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This position is located in the Medical Therapy Units of California Children Services in Alameda County.  Therapy Aides work under the close supervision of physical and/or occupational therapists.  They do not assist in evaluating clients; however, they may provide client treatment services, including, but not limited to, range of motion exercises, gait and wheel chair training, transfer training, fine motor desk skills training and activities of daily living.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. As assigned, instructs clients (including those with prosthesis) in gait training involving appropriate types of walking such as ramp and step walking with and without aids such as crutches, braces, canes, and walkers; assists in pre-gait training, including exercise with the use of parallel bars to improve balance and muscle strength; other duties may include activities of daily living, such as dressing, hygiene, bathing and feeding.
2. As assigned, administers range of motion and other forms of passive, assistive, active, and resistive exercises, using such equipment as mats, and weights.
3. As assigned, administers other forms of physical and/or occupational therapy involving the operation of such equipment as paraffin baths; applies cold packs.
4. Schedules assigned clients for therapy with school transportation.
5. Keeps records of client treatments; confers with supervisor or other physical and/or occupational therapists regarding problems and progress of clients.
6. Performs laundry duties of washing, folding and storing.
7. Maintains equipment in an orderly and functioning condition and cleans working areas.
8. Transports clients to and from transportation system and Medical Therapy Unit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EITHER I  

Experience:  

The equivalent of six (6) months of experience as a certified Nursing Assistant in the Alameda County classified service.  (Non-classified includes District Attorney’s Office, Hospital Authority, and the Consolidated Courts.)

OR II  

Experience:  

The equivalent of six (6) months of full-time work or volunteer experience assisting a physical and/or occupational therapist and/or other professionals in the provision of rehabilitative services.  

OR III  

Experience:  

The equivalent of six (6) months work or volunteer experience providing support or instruction to individuals or groups to promote health, wellness or increased independence in health care setting, educational or home environment.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• General Medical Therapy Unit routine, including equipment and procedures used in a physical and/or occupational therapy area.
• Elementary anatomy and physiology.
• Elementary principles of physical education and exercise.
• Safety precautions to be observed in patient care.
• Ten Essential Public Health Services.  

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with attention to linguistic preferences and cultural proficiency to influence behavior and improve health.
• Follow simple but detailed oral and written instructions.
• Learn the simple physical exercise used in a physical and/or occupational therapy program and the basic operation of equipment used in a physical therapy program.
• Maintain simple client records and schedules.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Recognize and describe the circumstances of vulnerable populations including socio-economics, life expectancy and environmental factors that affect health equity.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, their families, providers, staff, internal and external partners and the general public in a variety of ethnic and cultural communities.
• Instruct clients in physical exercise and other procedures; i.e. (ADL) activities of daily living.
• Incorporate ethical standards of practice into all interactions with individuals, organizations, and communities.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

RS:lfm  Rev. 7/30/81

TMZ   Updated: 9/26/88

Old doc:  0557h

New doc:  5825.doc

ys/3/01

CSC Date:  8/24/81

TE:pf - DRH:po  Rev/Retitle  8/16/02- 8-17-06

[old title:  Physical Therapy Aide]

CSC Date:    2/27/2008

DRH:ah Revised 2/3/20

CSC Date: 03/11/2020

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.