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)
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
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
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.
