Physical Therapy Aide

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Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

HUHS

Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) is the on-site multi-specialty medical practice and health administration for the Harvard community. It provides care to students, faculty, staff, eligible post-docs, retirees, and their dependents. HUHS also manages two university-owned health plans, HUGHP (for faculty and staff) and SHIP (for students), and collaborates with other departments to address public health needs. 

The Physical Therapy Aide provides clinical and administrative support for the Physical Therapy department. Under the close supervision of Chief of Physical Therapy and the physical therapists, the Physical Therapy Aide will perform only delegated, selected, or routine tasks in specific situations as described below. The physical therapy aide maintains patient confidentiality and professionalism, complies with HIPAA guidelines, and is an integral part of the HUHS Physical Therapy team. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Assists and directs patients from physical therapy waiting room to treatment area as directed by the physical therapist. Notifies physical therapist or physical therapy assistant of patient’s presence. 
• Maintains rehabilitation area by changing linens, cleaning equipment, and restocking supplies and paperwork in each room.
• Sets up patients on cardiovascular or resistance equipment under the supervision and guidance of the physical therapist or physical therapy assistant.
• Applies thermal agents, including moist-hot packs or ice, as directed by and under the supervision of the physical therapist or physical therapy assistant.
• Assists with orthotic template set-up and fabrication with PT supervision.
• Assists the physical therapist or physical therapy assistant with group rehabilitation classes and treatments as trained and as needed.
• Takes blood pressure readings for patients before and after their physical therapy session under the guidance of the physical therapist or PTA.
• Assists with fitting durable medical supplies to patients under the guidance of the physical therapist or physical therapy assistant.
• Monitors inventory every 3 weeks, alerts Chief of Physical Therapy of clinic stock needs, and re-orders/restocks supplies.
• Assists with scheduling appointments and answering phones and tracks BCBS authorizations.
• Checks and records temperature daily for the hydrocollator.
• Coordinates the cleaning of the hydrocollator and hand splint tray with housekeeping.
• Assists in meeting all standards for maintaining the AAAHC accreditation in physical therapy.
• Maintains infection control policies and follows prescribed procedures for universal precautions, disposal of hazardous waste, and maintenance of a clean environment. 
• Understands the department and facility fire, safety, and evacuation procedures.
• Utilizes Lean principles in problem solving. Actively identifies areas to solve problems and collaborates with team on developing creative resolutions.

Professional/Team Workplace Accountability

• Maintains patient confidentiality and is compliant with HIPAA privacy rules.
• Participates in HUHS committees/departments/programs.
• Is punctual and prepared for work.
• Maintains professional conduct and appearance.
• Is actively committed to continuous quality improvement.
• Completes annual competency rating and self-assessment.
• Participates in the evaluation and recruitment of staff. 
• Demonstrates flexibility when unexpected changes in assignment occur.

Compliance

• Adheres to the expectations and professional responsibilities of the department. 
• Employs the standards, practices, and procedures of the department. 
• Completes and complies with HUHS training requirements including HIPAA Privacy and Security. 
• Reports non-compliance incidents to the supervisor, manager, and/or Compliance Officer.

Basic Qualifications:

• High school graduate
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills
• Patient service experience
• Ability to solve problems and handle confidential information with discretion
• Good judgement and ability to identify and set priorities and multi-task
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Some college coursework or college degree preferred

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Education, Healthcare Sanctions
• Other Information:

  This position is 10 months/year with a 2-month unpaid seasonal leave each summer.

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Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 052. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.