Rehabilitation Assistant

**Job Summary**

Under the general supervision of the Primary Nurse, and the consultative work direction of a designated therapist, and in cooperation with interdisciplinary team members, carries out established programs that focus on prevention, restoration, maintenance and health promotion for designated residents with assigned rehabilitative and recreation activities according to the established policies and procedures of the organization.

**Responsibilities and Duties**
- Encourages independence in activities of daily living, energy conservation, and correct positioning.
- Assist with resident feeding at meal times and makes recommendations for swallowing assessments.
- Positions, sets up and monitors programs such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator treatments, enhancement and maintenance of range of motion exercises i.e. passive/active/assisted, stretching routines, enhancement and maintenance of muscle strength and endurance exercise, and ambulation programs where a variety of assistive devices and/or gait patterns are expected.
- Carries out established leisure activity programs inside and outside the Facility for individuals and groups; utilizes task analysis.
- Prepares designated modalities for residents such as hot packs, ice packs, electrotherapy and exercise apparatus for treatment as directed by the therapist.
- Transports residents to and from recreation or rehabilitation programs utilizing mechanical aides such as walker, wheelchair and lift.
- Records observations on the care plan and reports observations of resident behaviour and progress or lack of progress to the Primary Nurse and Physiotherapist if available.
- Teaches, directs and demonstrates techniques and methods of related activities to residents, care staff and volunteers.
- Assists with the promoting and publicizing of daily rehabilitative activities and programs through daily announcements, calendars, posters and talking with residents and families.
- Assists in the production of appropriate adaptations to enable residents to achieve and maintain maximum potential for independence by assisting in the fabrication of splints, adapting equipment/aids to enable residents’ adequate gripping and modifying tools for activities of daily living.
- May accompany residents on outings and during social activities.
- Provides input into planning and evaluating rehabilitation programs by reporting observations and resident feedback to the Physiotherapist.
- Adherence to Infection Control Practices
- Completes recording/ statistical sheets including attendance for each activity.
- Operates bus/van/car, as required, to transport residents to a program, as required.
- Performs annual rehabilitative assessments for all facility residents annually and attends each resident’s annual care conference.
- Participates in Resident Care Conference and care planning for all residents currently receiving rehabilitative therapy programs.
- Maintains equipment and exercise apparatus by methods such as cleaning equipment and reporting any malfunctions or potential hazards to the Recreation and Volunteer Manager to ensure safe operation of equipment.
- Participates in in-services, staff development programs committees as required.
- Demonstrates knowledge of fire/emergency procedures and policies of the facility; participates in fire and emergency drills.
- Reports unsafe or faulty equipment to the Care Manager.
- All safety rules and safe work procedures are adhered to at all times.
- Reports all hazards, incidents, near misses and workplace injuries to the manager immediately and in writing.
- Actively participates in all Health and Safety initiatives and make suggestions to improve Workplace Health and Safety.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**
- Completion of recognized Rehabilitation Assistant Program plus 1 year’s recent, related experience working with seniors or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Maintains Current Class 4 BC driver’s license, as applicable to home needs
- Maintains Valid First Aide Certificate and CPR ”A”
- Ability to effectively communicate in English both verbal and written
- A negative TB test or chest x-ray within the last six months or ability to pass TB clearance documents.
- Passes and complies with Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Check upon hire and every 5 years thereafter

**Competencies**
- **Transparency;** being open, honest, trustworthy and responsible
- **Communication and Relationship Management;** maintains respectful and professional communication with clients, co-workers and community partners
- **Person-centered Services;** Going the extra mile for others and working in collaboration
- **Values Other’s Differences and Diversity;** accepting others for who they are and respecting their individuality
- **Decision Making with a Safety Focus;** acting in a manner that’s in the best interest of yourself, your clients, and your c