Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Administrative Skills, Biology, Cerebral Vascular Accident, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Clinical Medicine, Clinical Practices/Protocols, Clinical Research, Communication Skills, Computer Skills, Exercise Science, Geriatrics, Health Science, Healthcare, Hospital, Intensive Care, Leadership, License Management, Maintain Compliance, Medical Treatment, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurotrauma (Traumatic Brain Injury), Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Patient Care, Physical Therapy, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Risk Analysis, Spinal Cord Injury, Staff Training, Team Player, Time Management, Treatment Plan
About Shepherd Center
With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center ranked by U.S. News as one of the nation's top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit on-site, allowing us to care for the most complex patients and begin the rehabilitation process sooner. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again. Shepherd Centers culture is one of hope, humor, and hard work. You will enjoy career growth, strong relationships with co-workers, strong support from leadership, and fun activities that have kept over 12% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years.
Positions will be available in June, 2026.
The PT and OT Aide
The PT and OT Aide assists the Physical and Occupational Therapists to prepare the environment and the patient for routine care and assists the patient with routine activities of daily living as determined in treatment plan. All activities are performed under the direct supervision of a licensed OTR, PT, COTA, or PTA. This hands-on role contributes to the improvement of patient experience through rehabilitation services. This collaborative role addresses and resolves issues in order to facilitate patient recovery.
Job Responsibilities:
- Assists in creating a welcoming environment for patient care.
- Transports patients throughout the center.
- Assembles equipment and adjusting it to patient needs.
- Assists patients with transfers on the nursing units, in preparation for a PT session, or as directed.
- Assists patient with weight shifts and other daily activities (grooming, feeding, dressing, toileting, bathing etc.) or assigned OT therapy activities.
- Conducts assigned OT groups or assisting PTs or PTAs in a group setting.
- Maintains the therapy and nursing equipment and environment.
- Cleans and returns wheelchairs, bathroom equipment, and other equipment as assigned.
- Completes assigned clerical duties.
- Instructs new employees and volunteers in departmental maintenance tasks.
- Attends and actively contributes to department meetings.
- Performs consistent with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.
- Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures.
- Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
- Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility.
- Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.
- Performs other duties as required/requested/assigned.
Requirements
- Required Minimum Education: High School Diploma or equivalent
- Required Minimum Certification: No minimum certification
- Required Minimum Experience: Previous therapy aide or clinical/healthcare experience preferred
- Required Minimum Skills:
- Basic computer skills
- Ability to interact directly with patients in a positive and supportive manner
- Ability to learn and operate therapy equipment
- Display knowledge of growth, development, and the ability to obtain, interpret, and disseminate information in terms of age-specific patient needs (adolescent, adult, and geriatric)
- Ability to follow instructions and problem-solve
- Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seeks opportunities for improving skills
- Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal, and written communication
- Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment
- Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition
Preferred Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree in exercise science, health science, biology, or related field of study preferred
- Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Concussion, and Vestibular Disorders
Working Conditions
- Normal patient care environment
- Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids
- Some potential exposure to infectious viruses