Wheelchair Rehabilitation Equipment Technician

Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation

Hospital Based Outpatient

Physical Therapist

Location: 1199 Pleasant Valley Way West Orange, NJ

Status: Full-Time

Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, one of the nation's leading rehabilitation hospitals was founded in 1948 and has continued to expand its programs and services to meet the growing demand for quality inpatient and outpatient physical and occupational therapies. By carefully integrating clinical expertise, experience and leading-edge technologies, Kessler helps to optimize the recovery of individuals with neuromuscular conditions, orthopedic, sports and work-related injuries, musculoskeletal and other physical rehabilitation needs.

Kessler is not only committed to the health and quality of life of its patients, but to the well-being of its communities. Our hospital and centers host a wide range of free educational events, screenings and seminars and offer programming to local schools and colleges, libraries, community organizations, youth centers, sports and recreation leagues, and other groups.

Position Summary   

Assists with the coordination of the outpatient wheelchair equipment service provision process.  Responsible to maintain, calibrate and/or repair assistive or rehabilitative equipment and devices.  This includes maintenance of all trial wheelchairs and seating systems to assure they are in safe, clean and working order; responsible for  inventory management; provide assistance to  the physical and occupational therapy staff with wheelchair fitting and training as requested; communicate with vendors and patients to ensure timely and productive appointments; and maintain cleanliness and organization of the clinic environment.

Assists the therapists in the delivery of patient services by performing patient related activities, including:

• Assists patients with all lifts and transfer activities to all surfaces using appropriate equipment and established processes.
• Assists therapist with all patient related treatment activities as instructed, including equipment set up, guarding, transporting as well as donning and doffing various orthotic and assistive devices specific to the patient population. Effectively communicates with the therapist regarding patient status. 
• Responsible for electronic programming of power wheelchairs to improve drive performance, seating system activation and maximize client’s functional independence in home and community environments.
• Performs problem solving with the configuration of ultra-light wheelchair set-up to maximize user performance.
• Performs all duties in accordance with the rules and regulations regarding non-licensed personnel as outlined in the Physical Therapy and Occupational Practice Acts.
• According to departmental and infection control policies and procedures, maintains department cleanliness and disinfects equipment throughout and at the conclusion of the treatment day. Maintains accurate recording in departmental log books regarding daily, weekly, monthly and annual cleaning schedules.
• Responsible for department equipment calibration and oversees established procedures to initiate and follow through with appropriate action steps for defective equipment or other environmental/maintenance issues.
• Informs department supervisor of needed supplies, equipment and training; and assists with the creation and completion of departmental purchase orders. Tracks the receipt of orders and dispenses the supplies accordingly.   Responsible to manage the departmental equipment inventory and track all “out of clinic “loaner equipment.
• Assists therapy and front office staff with clerical duties related to medical record chart maintenance, handling phone calls and inquiries, greeting and directing patients, scheduling appointments and other duties as requested.
• Demonstrates an awareness of and follows hospital infection control policies and risk management procedures. Is able to locate appropriate policies as needed.
• Demonstrates awareness of performance improvement (PI) and actively participates with hospital and departmental PI initiatives and patient care improvement activities.
• Maintains knowledge of current trends and developments with equipment capabilities and limitations as well as future changes proposed by a variety of manufacturers.
• Retrieval and interpretation of detailed product and parts manuals to increase accuracy of communication between therapist, supplier, and manufacturer regarding specific user needs
• Works with clinical staff to problem-solve compatible seating system product features for specific client needs and improves “fit” with incorporating “after-market” seating system products onto manual and power wheelchairs.
• Communicates with supervisor on a timely basis regarding problems, issues and needs related to work assignment. Independently utilizes Select Intranet for communications and reference purposes.
• Coordinates patient equipment trial with “demo” wheelchairs and seating products, including managing supplier follow up with obtaining equipment and set up for patient treatment sessions as well as obtaining equipment from manufacturer representatives and the inpatient department. Responsible for transporting equipment between gyms and storage areas.  Works under direction of therapy staff for clinical guidance.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Minimum Education & Experience (Including Licenses)

1. High School diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
2. Assistive Technology Practitioner and/or previous experience with a rehabilitation organization preferred.
3. Knowledge of durable medical equipment especially wheelchairs and hand tools preferred.
4. Knowledge and proficiency in computers/applications required.