Under immediate supervision, performs para-professional orthopedic patient care procedures, as instructed; provides assistance and support to orthopedic surgeons and provider staff in the delivery of care to patients; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This class is responsible for working with patients who have disease or injury of bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments, and for assisting physicians in the management and treatment of these conditions while working under the supervision of the registered nurse or orthopedic surgeon.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Prepares, applies or removes casts and splints; assembles and applies orthopedic equipment; instructs patients in the care and treatment of casts; provides follow-up treatment.
Assists physicians in clinics; assists with patient examinations; provides physicians with appropriate supplies and equipment.
Directs patients through clinics; locates pertinent records; transcribes physician's orders.
Maintains appropriate records; orders supplies and maintains stock on shelves in orthopedic or other clinics.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Two years applying casts and orthopedic equipment in an orthopedic medical setting or completion of an approved Orthopedic Technician Program.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles and practices of orthopedic technology and equipment; basic sciences; regional anatomy; orthopedic medicine, trauma and surgery; orthopedic casting, splinting, bracing and traction; basic materials used in casts and splints; aseptic techniques; basic types of fractures; routine recordkeeping techniques.
ABILITY
Apply, remove, adjust, or alter various casts and splints, cut "windows" in casts, prepare instrument trays, deal tactfully and sympathetically with patients, work well with medical and nursing staff, follow oral and written instructions, read job-related material, communicate effectively, transcribe physician's orders.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility-Frequent operation of a keyboard, standing for long periods of time, walking, pushing/pulling, bending/squatting; occasional sitting for long periods of time and stair climbing; Lifting-Frequent lifting up to 70 lbs. or more and restraining, lifting/turning heavy objects or people; Visual-Constant use of overall vision, color perception, hand/eye coordination, depth perception and field of vision/peripheral; frequent reading/close-up.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.