Definition
Distinguishing Characteristics
Typical Work
Reports progress and reactions of patients verbally and in writing;
Prepares materials for therapeutic activities and maintains an adequate supply of materials;
Makes minor repairs or adjustments to therapeutic machines and equipment;
Performs podiatric care and treatments which include reducing corns and calluses, clipping ingrown toenails, applying medications to skin eruptions and foot ulcers;
Provides routine palliative grooming care to disabled and psycho-ambulatory members;
Assists in pre-operative preparation, chairside nail evulsions and post- operative care;
Fits and orders specialized brace shoes and other type shoes for members as required;
Establishes appointments for members to have yearly assessments by physician or podiatrist;
Performs ear irrigation cleansings and audiometer graphing on patients;
Fits hearing aids and makes repairs when necessary;
Charts footcare and earcare performed on members' medical records;
Performs other duties as required.
Knowledge and Abilities
Ability to: work effectively with patients or residents and staff; understand treatment goals, social situations, and activity media; motivate and sustain patient or resident interest in therapy programs; operate equipment and tools used in therapy programs; secure and maintain confidence and cooperation of patients; follow written and oral instructions.
Legal Requirement(s)
Desirable Qualifications
Two years of experience in an occupational or physical therapy program under the supervision of a certified therapist.
OR
Completion of an Occupational Therapy Assistant training program approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association may be substituted for the required experience.
OR
Completion of a Physical Therapy training program approved by the Physical Therapy Association may be substituted for the required experience.
OR
For those Therapy Aides working for Speech Pathologists, only a Bachelor's degree with a major study in Speech Pathology or Communicative Disorders may be required.
OR
For specific positions within the Department of Veterans Affairs, two years of experience in a podiatric or audiometric care program under the supervision of a physician or podiatrist. Completion of a course in podiatry treatment or in audiometry treatment may be substituted for one year of experience.
Class Specification History
New class, effective January 16, 1976
Revised July 15, 1977; revises definition, distinguishing characteristics and minimum qualifications
Revised August 15, 1986; emergency basis; permanent basis October 10, 1986; revises definition, distinguishing characteristics, and minimum qualifications
Revised December 12, 1986; revises minimum qualifications
New class code, formerly 57140; effective July 1, 2007