At Houston Methodist, the Physical/Occupational Therapy Technician (PT/OT Tech) position is responsible for assisting PT/OT staff and members of the direct patient team with treatment procedures as assigned under the direct supervision of a licensed staff either in an outpatient or inpatient setting. This position performs delegated activities that include but are not limited to: patient mobility, assist patient in practicing exercises or functional activities, transport patients to and from treatment areas, equipment inspection and maintenance, supply procurement and stocking, infection control processes, and variety of basic office functions. The PT/OT Technician position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to rehabilitation standards and guidelines established by the department to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service. This position is a member of the direct patient care team.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Interacts with patients, staff and other departments in a caring and courteous manner. Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

• Functions as a team member, responding willingly and positively to colleagues' needs for assistance and partnership. Promotes a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team. Problem-solves, assists other techs.

• Contributes towards improvement of department score in employee satisfaction, i.e., peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under supervision, assists with delegated treatment plan activities, i.e. patient mobility, assist patient in practicing exercises or functional activities, transport patients, equipment inspection and maintenance, supply procurement, and variety of basic office functions. Assists and provides information related to re-enforcing safety awareness and home exercise program for patients.

• Prepares work areas and equipment such as but not limited to: cleaning/disinfecting, gathering equipment, materials, and supplies to the appropriate work areas.

• Contributes towards improving department score for patient satisfaction.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborates and communicates with the healthcare team patient's response to delegated activities. Gathers patient information prior to assign patient's treatment session.

• Identifies opportunities for process improvement providing recommendations impacting quality and safety targets, through peer-to-peer accountability, reporting near misses, and collaborating with the interprofessional team. Contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses resources efficiently to maximize utilization of time and equipment. Meets labor productivity standards, by effectively managing established daily responsibilities and assignments.

• Assists on gathering data for quality improvement projects, daily charge reconciliation for productivity and inventory of supplies in the department. May, if requested, maintain accurate and complete documentation of patient care procedures performed.

• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize tasks for self.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in department projects and hospital committees.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Fosters a positive and constructive patient care environment by engaging co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with department objectives.

• Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and department shared governance activities. Completes and updates My Development plan on an on-going basis, including the development of advanced skills.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in a healthcare setting highly preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers

• Possesses proficient computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems and standard Rehabilitation equipment

• Demonstrates professional and technical competence in the following of treatment plans.

• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including but not limited to organizing workflows and actively participating in problem-solving

• Ability to provide a supportive and engaging environment that enhances the quality of life for patients

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Since its founding in 1919, Houston Methodist Hospital has earned worldwide recognition. Houston Methodist Hospital is affiliated with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's leading centers for medical education and research.  In 2020, U.S. News & World Report named Houston Methodist Hospital to its top ranked Honor Roll for the fourth time and second consecutive year. 2020 also marked the ninth year in a row Houston Methodist Hospital has been named the No. 1 hospital in Texas. Houston Methodist Hospital directs millions of research dollars into patient care and offers the latest innovations in medical, surgical and diagnostic techniques. With 952 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and over 8,000 employees, Houston Methodist offers complete care for patients from around the world.

 

The same high-quality care for which Houston Methodist is known is available at several Emergency Care Centers in Houston and the surrounding areas.  These Emergency Care Centers house exam rooms, full digital radiography suite, low radiation dose 16-slice CT scan, ultrasound and a full on-site stat chemistry lab.