ACTIVITIES AIDE - Rehabilitation Services

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

This is an excellent role for students, or somone looking for a few shifts per week.  Work in a fun, flexible position!  Hours are between 7:30-4:30 and up to 20 hours per week!   Pay starts at $27.12/hour.  

This position is based in the Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital (MEH) Rehabilitation Services Department to provide a broad array of duties involving the implementation of an activity program which meets physical, mental, psychosocial needs and interests of residents. The performance of this department has a direct and significant impact on the health, function and well being of residents.  Performs in a professional manner, respects confidentiality, and demonstrates qualities endorsed by following the seven Standards for Service Excellence outlined in the SEARHC Human Resources Manual.

This position plays a pivotal role in operations of the rehabilitation services department.  The AA needs to be able to multi-task at various levels of responsibilities in order to maintain efficiency of the department on a day to day basis.  Understand residents’ needs and the resources within the department to facilitate the scheduling process assuring both resident care and department efficiency.  Remain current in software interfaces.  The AA also models professional customer service to both residents and providers ensures a positive working environment.  This position significantly impacts delivery of care, outcomes of health, function and well being, customer satisfaction and reimbursement for services.  

• Responsible for the execution of activities as prescribed or suggested by Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist and/or Speech Language Pathologist.to meet resident’s specific needs, to include large group, small group, and individual participation.
• Maintain documentation in journal/activities/attendance book as required by State and Federal regulations.
• Assures personal and staff compliance to all State and Federal regulations including blood borne pathogens, infection control, use of hazardous material, and fire safety.
• Assures personal and staff compliance to Resident’s Rights.
• Compose monthly contributions, including the monthly Activities calendar, pass out newsletter, post daily contributions on menu board and date board.
• Plant and pet care as needed.
• AA will also escort a resident(s) to hospital and community activities or appointments by ambulation with gait belt and appropriate assistive devices as needed and/or by hospital or community transportation (i.e. Senior Van, Community Ride bus, SEARHC vehicle). May administer some therapy modalities (i.e. ice or heat) or supervise residents during exercise consistent with training, experience and the patient’s plan of care.  Care may take place in multiple areas including the Rehabilitation Services gym, hallways, and various locations in the hospital assisting therapists.  Documentation of patient’s physical condition, interventions and reactions are appropriately entered into the health record.

• Performs cleaning, disinfection and preparation of clinical areas after patient use. Maintain cleanliness of the treatment area on regularly scheduled intervals out lined by infection control policies and as needed basis.  Inventory control of all stocked items including dispensable supplies, office supplies and clinic supplies. Notifying providers of inventory levels for clinical supplies.

• Assist providers in administrative manners and clinic operations as appropriate. Utilize the hospital computer system to obtain patient information, as well as keep abreast of hospital directives, and in general participate in the timely and efficient flow of information.  Provides summary of results, statistics, and metrics as required by management.  Attend hospital training for currency in software mechanisms and interface.  Assist providers in therapy case management as appropriate.   In order to keep current with knowledge of the department and aide position, staff will participate as a learner or teacher in clinical education, in-services, etc. 

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Health Related field preferred.
• CPR certified or must obtain within three months of hiring/employment
• Demonstrate proficiency with computers and multiple software interfaces such as Microsoft Office, RPMS, etc.
• Minimum two year’s experience with direct patient care preferred.
• Activities Aide certification is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Working understanding of human nature and cultural diversity.
• Considerable knowledge of hospital based systems, processes and technological tools used for scheduling, ordering, billing, coordination of care and documentation
• Working understanding of human physical performance sufficient to supervise routine exercise/activity within limits of safety and report concerns or findings appropriately.
• Customer Service Skills: Skills in expressing self clearly and effectively in spoken and written communication, such as patient greetings, phone etiquette, progress notes, training with providers and assisting care for residents. Networking with other coworkers to remain current in recent trends of customer service throughout the consortium.
• Skill to safely set up, monitor and assist in patient care including transfers, gait, modalities (ex. paraffin wax, hot/cold packs), exercise equipment and exercise routines.
• Skills utilizing information technology. Proficiency with computers including multiple software applications and interface with multiple programs.  Uses of new technologies such as laptops, tablets and imaging devices.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, community members and non-Rehabilitation Services Department service professionals, persons of any level of understanding including the ability to translate common Rehabilitation Services Department services into simple oral language that others can understand.
• Must have the physical ability to assist in resident care while keeping residents and self safe: allowing the Aide to work effectively with residents as directed by the therapist(s).
• Must have the ability to exercise sound judgment in all aspects of employment such as resident care, work place safety and employee relations.

Physical Activity Requirements: Employee is required to use a transfer/gait belt or to obtain the assistance of another employee when attempting to assist residents or when lifting and carrying objects in excess of 25 lbs. The employee must be aware that during the normal, routine performance of the essential functions, some of the following body movements may occur naturally, although they may not be a requirement of the job.

Other Training, Skills, and Experience Requirements:. AA must be able to perform in such a way to build good working habits and relationships among the staff that they manage as well as other departmental staff. Employee must demonstrate on an ongoing basis the ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with co-workers and other department.

Other Considerations and Requirements: This position requires an individual with strong communication skills and the ability to work without direct supervision. The AA must be well organized, efficient with their time, and able to coordinate many activities. The employee may be requested to perform other duties or tasks that are not listed, but are within the competence and training of the individual. The employer reserved the right to modify this job description based upon the company needs.

Other Comments:

• This job can involve working in a small space, at a demanding pace, with a variety of people and sometimes difficult personalities and situations; good judgement, tact and personal skills are necessary for positive working relationships between residents and co-workers.
• This job involves potential risks that the AA must work to avoid to the extent possible. Exposure to infectious organisms is possible; use of precautions and appropriate protective equipment is necessary.
• Latex may be present in the work place.
• The job may require repetitive or heavy lifting, greater than 50 pounds, with physically demanding. movements and positions; practice of good body mechanics and good judgement is necessary.