Driver/ Tech- Recreation Therapy

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 kept over 12% of staff members working at Shepherd for more than 20 years.
Valid Georgia Driver's license, insurable MVR report.
The Driver/Recreation Therapy 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. The Driver/Patient Care Tech 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.

• 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.

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.