Job Summary: As a Rehabilitation Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals undergoing rehabilitation programs following injury, illness, or disability. Working closely with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, you will provide hands-on assistance, emotional support, and practical guidance to help clients achieve their rehabilitation goals and improve their quality of life.
Responsibilities:
Client Assessment and Planning:
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' physical, emotional, and social needs to develop individualized rehabilitation plans.
- Collaborate with rehabilitation professionals to set specific goals and objectives for clients' recovery journeys.
Client Support and Assistance:
- Provide direct assistance and support to clients during therapy sessions, exercises, and activities aimed at improving mobility, strength, and functional independence.
- Assist clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting, while promoting independence and dignity.
Monitoring and Documentation:
- Regularly monitor clients' progress, behaviors, and responses to treatment plans, and document observations accurately and comprehensively.
- Maintain detailed records of client interactions, interventions, and outcomes, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with regulatory standards.
Mobility Aid Management:
- Assist clients with the selection, fitting, and proper use of mobility aids such as walkers, wheelchairs, and prosthetic devices.
- Ensure mobility aids are maintained in good condition and provide training to clients and caregivers on their safe and effective use.
Emotional Support and Education:
- Offer empathetic support, encouragement, and motivation to clients and their families throughout the rehabilitation process.
- Educate clients and caregivers on rehabilitation techniques, exercises, and strategies to facilitate continued progress and independence.
Safety and Hygiene:
- Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic environment for clients, adhering to infection control protocols and safety standards.
- Ensure proper handling and disposal of medical waste and hazardous materials as per established guidelines.
Team Collaboration:
- Collaborate closely with rehabilitation professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and social workers, to ensure coordinated care and optimal outcomes for clients.
- Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and interdisciplinary rounds to discuss clients' progress, address challenges, and develop effective care plans.
Qualifications and Skills:
- High school diploma or equivalent; additional certification or coursework in rehabilitation assistance, healthcare, or related field preferred.
- Previous experience in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting is desirable but not required.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with clients, families, and healthcare team members.
- Empathy, patience, and compassion for individuals facing physical or cognitive challenges.
- Basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and common medical conditions related to rehabilitation.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Proficiency in basic computer skills and documentation software used for recording client information and progress notes.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift, transfer, and position clients safely using proper body mechanics and assistive devices.
- Stamina and endurance to perform tasks requiring prolonged standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
- Manual dexterity and coordination to assist with therapeutic exercises, activities, and equipment manipulation.
- Visual and auditory acuity to observe and communicate with clients effectively.
Working Conditions:
- The job may require working in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and clients' homes.
- Flexible scheduling may be necessary to accommodate clients' needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Exposure to infectious diseases, bodily fluids, and hazardous materials may occur; adherence to infection control protocols and safety precautions is essential.