Lead Driver/ Therapy Technician at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia

Job Description:

About Shepherd Center


With five decades of experience, Shepherd Center provides world-class clinical care, research, and family support for people experiencing the most complex conditions, including spinal cord and brain injuries, multi-trauma, traumatic amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and pain. An elite center ranked by" U.S. News "as one of the nation's top hospitals for rehabilitation, Shepherd Center is also recognized as both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Shepherd is the only rehabilitation facility in the nation with an intensive care unit on-site, allowing us to care for the most complex patients and begin the rehabilitation process sooner. Shepherd Center treats thousands of patients annually with unmatched expertise and unwavering compassion to help them begin again.


Shepherd Center's culture is one of hope, humor, and hard work. You will enjoy career growth, strong relationships with co-workers , strong support from leadership, and fun activities that have ke pt over 1 2% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years .


The Lead Driver Tech is responsible for providing safe driving services and patient care during community outings as well as other in-house assistance to Recreation Therapy staff. This position helps patients' carry-over their therapy and personal goals in-center and in the community to prepare them for discharge home. This role is integral in helping patients reacclimate to the community post injury.""As lead, this role will be responsible for all training and education for new clinical staff and drivers related to vehicle use, tie down, community safety on outings, vehicle lift check-off competencies etc. They are also responsible for scheduling and tracking therapy vehicle maintenance and other duties as listed below.


Basic Driver/ Recreation Therapy Technician Duties:

• Assist in the process of training new vehicle drivers in safe practices".

• Assist in the process of training new staff in basic community wheelchair skills."


• Lead safe patient loading/unloading, safety restraint/wheelchair securement, and transportation of patients in Shepherd Center vehicles."


• Assist clinical staff with patient care in the community to include but not limited to assistance with patient bladder care, feeding, transfers, personal hygiene, mobility, and self-advocacy. "


• Assist clinical staff with patient goal carry-over incenter by independently implementing leisure skill sessions with patients as directed by referring clinician."


• Provide assistance and carry out assigned duties throughout the planning and implementation process of special events and programming to include but not limited to mailings, purchasing supplies, assembling resource packets, making phone calls, and working the day of events."

• Maintain contacts with community-based resources and communicate with staff regarding knowledge of accessibility for community reintegration outings"(community-based relationships, equipment resources, and vehicle maintenance resources)."


• Clean and assist with basic upkeep of designated Shepherd Center vehicles, including vans, buses, watercraft, and trailers."


• Assist clinical staff as needed with administrative duties such as resource/equipment/supply gathering, etc. in preparation for patient sessions/groups.""


• Other duties as assigned to help support the program.

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Lead Driver/Recreation Therapy Duties:


In addition to current duties as a basic driver tech, the Lead Driver/Recreation Therapy Tech would:

• Manage and schedule all transportation/driver requests .


• Schedule drivers/vehicles for all standing outings.


• Schedule drivers/vehicles for monthly evening outings.

• Manage maintenance schedule for all vehicles and coordinate routine maintenance and repairs as needed/appropriate .


• Coordinate all emissions testing for vans and the 2 therapy training vehicles .


• Manage active vehicle availability in ServiceNow as vehicles are removed or returned to service.


• Manage the 2 therapy training vehicles in the parking deck, ensuring they are driven enough to maintain battery charge. Coordinate with SCI manager who communicates with staff.


• Orient and mentor new driver/techs.

• Orient and train all new PT, OT, SLP, Respiratory, and Rec T staff for tie downs, vehicle lift safety & operation, and general vehicle safety.


• Coordinate and lead the lift and tie down check off for all staff competencies annually.


• Coordinate and complete all new driver competency training for all identified staff.


• Maintain list of approved drivers (and on which vehicles) to assist with scheduling.


• "Work with supervisor to determine driver/tech in-service needs and schedule as appropriate .


• Coordinate and submit check requests for outings which require cash (airport, Aquarium swims, etc.).


• May assist PTs with an open airway on community outings.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma

REQUIRED MINIMUM CERTIFICATION:

• BLS within ninety (90) days of start date.


• Valid Georgia Driver's License with clean driving record

REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

• Experience driving large vehicles preferred


• Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.


• Experience in a hospital setting.

REQUIRED MINIMUM SKILLS:

• Knowledge of vehicle maintenance Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Excellent communication and Organizational Skills.


• Must be able to work without direct supervision.


• Strong organizational, customer service, and teamwork skills


• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.


• Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 50 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.
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