Therapy Assistant

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
MINDS has been caring for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PWIDs) and their families since 1962.

Grounded in the belief that all PWIDs have innate abilities and talents, MINDS is committed to empowering them and enhancing their quality of life, while advocating for greater inclusivity for PWIDs as a nation.

MINDS is today one of the largest charities in Singapore employing more than 850 staff. With the key focus to expand community-based services, improving the employability of PWIDS, strengthening education, and engendering inclusive community living, MINDS offers a holistic range of services and programmes across the PWIDs' lifespan.

DESIGNATION : Therapy Assistant (PT/OT)

RESPONSIBILITIES
A Therapy Assistant is responsible for providing support to therapists before, during and after therapy sessions. S/He is responsible for supporting department administration and operations as well as participating in continuing education to further her/his knowledge in the areas of occupational and physiotherapy.

S/He may work in various settings within MINDS, from special schools to employment or training and development centres. S/He may also work as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team which may include teachers, training officers, psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists.

S/He should be diligent, flexible and resourceful. S/He should have initiative and be sensitive to the needs of her/his clients. S/He should possess communication skills and problem-solving skills.

**Provide therapy support**
- Assist the therapists in assessing clients' status for suitability to start therapy sessions or continue with therapy sessions
- Prepare clients, materials and equipment for assessments or therapy
- Assist therapists in carrying out treatment plans
- Perform therapy procedures according to protocols as instructed by the therapists
- Assist therapists in recording therapy sessions according to template sets
- Communicate information of therapy sessions to the therapists
- Educate clients and caregivers on therapeutic interventions as instructed by therapists
- Conduct basic or routine group therapy

**Support department administration and operations**
- Maintain cleanliness and safety of therapy areas
- Adhere to infection control procedures
- Maintain inventories and equipment for the department
- Perform administrative duties
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives

**Support specialty therapy areas**
- Assist in fabrication, donning and doffing of orthosis and pressure garments
- Fabricate orthosis and pressure garments as instructed by the therapists
- Issue therapeutic aids or assistive devices for clients as prescribed by therapists

**Manage risk and quality**
- Report client incidents to supervisors/therapists
- Assist in service and clinical audits
- Identify and report safety risks and issues
- Identify and report preventive and corrective care measures
- Assist ensuring in workplace safety and health

**Participate in continuing education and research activities**
- Participate in continuous professional development
- Assist therapist in training

Assist therapist in data collection to contribute to evidence-based practice guidelines

QUALIFICATIONS
- Diploma or Degree in Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy from an institution approved by the Allied Health Professions Council for registration in Singapore

OTHER INFORMATION
- Experience working with persons with autism, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is preferred
- Preferably 2 years of relevant working experience