Classification/Title: RESPIRATORY THERAPIST

Work Hours: AM    6am-2pm        PM     2pm-10pm NOC 10pm-6am       

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Follows established standards and procedures, provides supervision, care, support, and training to individuals with Developmental Disabilities, in a home setting. Assist individual with ADL’s (activities of daily living). Analyze situations accurately, take effective action; follow directions and communicate effectively in English. Have knowledge of state and federal laws, Regional Centers, Department of Social Services, Department of Developmental Services, and State Council on Developmental Disabilities.  Have knowledge of Title 17 and 22. Have knowledge of dual diagnosis, Individual Program Plans, residents’ service needs, emergency disaster protocol and behavior plans.  May be asked to work extended hours and/or varying shifts. Responsible for attending training and participate in Continental Post Acute meetings. Is a motivated, independent individual who can organize workload so that all functions are completed appropriately.  Is a mandated reporter of observed or suspected neglect or abuse and reports in accordance with regulations.    

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:   Day to day functional supervision will be provided by Home Administrator and or Lead RN. Performance appraisals will be completed by Continental Post Acute.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:   No lifting restrictions. Must possess and maintain sufficient strength, agility and endurance to perform the duties contained in this duty statement. Will perform a variety of physical activities including standing, walking, bending, twisting, reaching at or above shoulder level, gripping, grasping, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling. Occasional running, climbing, kneeling, traveling, squatting, sitting and balancing as required. Working on irregular surfaces; and periodically requires extraordinary physical activity.  Must maintain ability to drive a motor vehicle and possess a valid CA driver’s license.  Ability to complete all training as required by applicable regulations, Will be responsible to maintain and renew Respiratory license as required by law. 

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:     Daily on-going interaction with residents with developmental disabilities who may display aggressive and/or self-injurious behaviors.  Will have on going communication with family members, co-workers and public entities.  May have potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood-borne pathogens, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a community home environment. Will follow proper infection prevention and control procedures and supervise staff in infection prevention and control procedures. Ability required for active listening, interacting effectively with management, social perceptiveness, ability to maintain confidentiality, be detail-oriented and flexible.  

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Maintain a safe, clean and therapeutic environment which ensures respect, dignity and protects privacy, rights, confidentiality and physical/emotional well-being of all residents. Provide positive interventions and Active Treatment to all individuals. Maintain skills in organization, time management and analytical problem solving.  Good written and verbal communication skills, positive interpersonal skills, multi-tasking, critical thinking and active listening skills. Report any incidents or evidence of abuse or violation of residents’ rights to Administrator and appropriate agencies.  Maintain the philosophy of the company to provide a holistic multi-dimensional approach.  These essential functions will be ongoing when performing the following duties:

Assists residents in all activities of daily living These duties include lifting, positioning and assisting in the individual mobility.  

1. Implement plan of care of the resident based on assessments and goals established by the care team.

2. Treat residents and their families with respect and dignity. Identify and address psychosocial, cultures, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of residents and their families.

3. Work with other members of the healthcare team as needed to accomplish the plan of care which has been developed.

4. Function as a resident advocate by protecting the residents’ rights.

5. Provide training that will assist the individual in maximizing their independence.

6. Provide services that will assist each resident in achieving maximum social, emotional, intellectual, developmental, cognitive growth, individuals’ rights, ability to make choices, and access will be considered at all times.

7. Provide positive intervention and Active Treatment for all residents. 

8. Support each resident per their Individual Program Plans (IPP) objectives using appropriate methodology (including setting limits for behavior and adhering to a behavioral program for each person)

9. Assist staff with maintaining the physical environment of the home. Including housekeeping duties. (Cleaning designated areas, changing linens, vacuuming, dusting, mopping, surface cleaning and bathroom details).

Assists staff in occupational, recreational, vocational and educational therapy programs for the individuals. Escorts individuals in the community.

1. Demonstrates creativity in solving problems and looking at situations in new and innovative ways.

2. Exhibits genuine interest in and appreciation of residents in later years of life. 

3. Participates in orientation of new staff and assists in performance evaluations when needed.

4. Interact with residents, families, co-workers, managers and other staff in a kind, knowledgeable and friendly manner.

5. Is accountable for the health, safety, and welfare of the residents at all times

6. Will engage residents in activities that provide opportunities for learning and practice of skills tailored to their specific needs.

7. Support the needs and goals of each resident such as escorting them to community training sites, medical appointment, clinics, visiting families and friends, taking them to participate in leisure activities, and encouraging them to socialize with peers.

8. Includes obtaining data and implementing objectives and plans, as well as behavior interventions.

Observes residents’ physical condition and behavior and reports significant changes to appropriate team member. Responds to emergencies that involve the use of medical/behavioral intervention techniques. Provides one-to-one supervision/direct observation of residents on special precautions, such as elopement risks, suicide risks, serious medical condition and risk of serious self-injurious behavior to the individuals.

1. Assesses residents on admission and on a daily basis as well as when conditions change. Documents appropriately.

2. Assesses the resident’s condition and respiratory needs, prescribes appropriate respiratory action.

3. Documents changes in residents’ condition and respiratory care on progress notes.

4. Meets current documentation standards and policies.

5. Provides intervention that ensures safety to both individuals and staff.

6. Monitors emergency equipment, medication and treatment supplies.

7. Collects and records data as outlined in the policy and procedures and provides follow up as needed. 

8. Provides documentation and follow-up as needed.

9. Document communication between the resident, staff, day program, family, professionals and others related to the individual’s needs.

10. Notifies Home Administrator whenever the individual has sustained injury.

11. Initiates an incident report when required.

12. Initiates health care plans and objectives and monitors temporary conditions.

 

Performs respiratory procedures, such as administering medications and treatments as authorized within the scope of the respiratory care board requirements.

1. Demonstrates competence in technical and manual skills according to scope of practice for respiratory therapist. 

2. Maintains knowledge of the various methods of oxygen delivery, including the necessary Remains alert to and assesses possible side effects to oxygen delivery.

3. Administers respiratory therapy treatments, understands the purpose of each and the possible side effects associated with each.

4. Sets-up and monitors mechanical ventilators and the associated care duties required for such treatment, such as airway management and tracheal suctioning.

5. Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.  Inspects and tests respiratory therapy equipment to ensure that it is functioning safely and efficiently.

6. Maintains thorough knowledge of hazards of oxygen therapy.

7. Performs all additional duties as assigned by the department manager.

8. Performs all aspects of resident care in an environment that optimizes resident safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

9. Must possess a current/valid Respiratory license.

10. Ability to interpret results of ABG’s; take appropriate action on ABG tests results.

11. Administer medications and follows the medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors. 

12. Notifies physician of changes in resident’s condition and follow through until appropriate action is taken.

13. Notes and carries out physician’s orders in a timely manner.

14. Gives thorough report to oncoming shift by participating in walking rounds and documenting appropriately on calendar for upcoming needs.

15. Follows through as needed on information given by shift report, resident or family regarding resident concerns. 

16. May require specialized skills in ventilator management.

17. Assist medical personnel as needed.

18. Documents in treatment records medication/treatments the residents have received.

19. Records the residents’ response to treatment.

20. Performs basic respiratory duties, such as taking vital signs.

21. Attends residents’ meetings to develop an understanding of and reasons for treatment being given to the individual and acts as an advocate for the resident.

Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team in all aspects of the development and implementation of the Individual Program Plan.

1. May attend resident care conferences and updates plan of care, as appropriate.

2. Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.  

3. Mat attend all review conferences for assigned individuals.  Assists with the development of long range goals, skills task, behavioral plans and objectives

MARGINAL DUITES

Performs light housework duties. (Includes but not limited to: laundry, bed making, ordering of personal supplies, and clothing). 

1. Care of individuals’ clothing, personal property and their storage areas.

2. Check all fire alarms and fire extinguisher(s) to make sure they are updated and functioning.

3. Participate and provide a positive dining experience.

4. Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

Maintain adaptive equipment and report any hazards.

1. Demonstrates ability to remain calm in emergency and/or stressful situations and gives everyone a feeling of confidence that situations is under control. 

2. Consistently follows the policies and procedures.

3. Maintain adaptive equipment through proper handling and cleaning as indicated.

4. Report and correct any hazard/unsafe environment situation or defective equipment immediately to the Home Administrator.

Attends and participates in training as required.

1. Attends at least 4 Continental Post Acute meetings annually.

2. Responsible for obtaining the required CEUs for license renewal.