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YARRAM & DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICE
Objectives
Our Mission: To excel at providing quality, efficient, people-centred care for our
Community.
Our Core Values
• Care and Compassion
• Respect
• Integrity
• Professionalism
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position title:
Area:
Allied Health Assistant
Allied Health Department: Acute care (including Inpatient
Rehabilitation), community health, Home and Community
Care, Subacute Ambulatory Care
Qualifications and Experience:
Allied Health Assistant’s Certificate or equivalent, or
experience with persons with social and rehabilitation needs.
Knowledge of medical terminology and previous experience of
working in a health care setting would be an advantage.
Clerical and computer skills are an advantage.
Current Victorian Drivers Licence essential.
Current First Aid Certificate
Conditions of employment:
Health & Allied Services, Administrative Officers – Victorian Public
Sector – Multi Employer Certified Agreement 2009-2011
Hours of duty:
Casual position
Coverage can be Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm as
required to cover current staffing sick or annual leave or as
additional staffing in times of high demand.
Organisational Relationship:
Responsible to the Chief Executive Officer through the
Director of Primary Care and the Allied Health Coordinator.
Duties and responsibilities:
General
Assist the Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and
Dietitian to carry out assessments and therapy programs under the direction of the
appropriate Allied Health Professional.
Position Description – Allied Health Assistant 08/11/11
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Perform general administrative and domestic duties to aid the smooth running of the
Allied Health Department.
Participate in the intake of community clients by performing initial screening and
referral.
Specific
1. Assist the Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, and Speech Pathologist
to perform assessments of new clients.
2. Prepare any equipment or tools required for assessments to be carried out by
the Allied Health Professionals, and be responsible for returning these to the
appropriate place.
3. Under the guidance and direction of the Allied Health Professional, assist the
client to carry out the prescribed therapy program in a manner which ensures
patient comfort and dignity, safeguards his/her privacy, and is aimed at the
achievement of the best possible outcome for that client.
4. Assist in conducting classes for client groups in accordance with the program
prescribed by the Allied Health Professional, with or without the direct
supervision of the relevant staff member.
5. Provide a link for clients between the various disciplines of therapy and
ensure continuity of care. Act as liaison between multiple providers, client,
and family members.
6. Establish and maintain a professional relationship with each patient that will
contribute to free, friendly, and understanding communication and assist to
maximise the effectiveness of therapy.
7. Perform general administrative duties for the Allied Health Professionals -
answer the telephone, take messages, obtain patient records and refile them
on a daily basis, and make appointments as required.
8. Be responsible for ensuring that the therapy areas and equipment are well
kept and clean, and that linen is changed on a regular basis.
9. Be aware of the importance of confidentiality and strive to uphold this
principle at all times.
10. Initiate and participate in discussion regarding patient care between nursing
staff, medical staff, Allied Health staff, and other members of the health care
team.
11. Be aware of the role of other health professionals and know the limitations of
your own role.
12. Establish work priorities and complete these duties within normal work hours.
13. Manage general administrative tasks associated with certain departmental
programs including Cardiac Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
planning and organisation, and Prime Movers coordination.
14. Participate in health promotion initiatives of the Health Service and Allied
Health Department.
15. Participate in the client intake process for Community Services.
16. Participate in Quality Improvement activities such as audits and surveys as
required.
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Personal Skills:
The Allied Health Assistant should display a high level of interpersonal skills which
should include:
(a) the ability to work independently or with minimal supervision
(b) the ability to function as part of the health care delivery team
(c) the ability to interact and communicate effectively with people
(d) a clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality and a
professional attitude to the role
(e) the ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks
(f) the ability to maintain current skills and knowledge of professional issues
(g) the ability to take direction
(h) the ability to understand the needs of clients and respond appropriately to
changes
(i) the ability to show initiative and manage problems appropriately
(j) Basic computer literacy and the willingness to learn skills associated with
new technology.
Professional Development:
1. Responsible for the ongoing education to enhance skills and professional
development
2. Participate in performance appraisals as a part of self development plan and
develop self objectives to improve knowledge and skills relevant to
performance
3. Participate in training and development activities
Occupational Health and Safety:
1. Adhere to relevant statutory legislative and Health Service policy
requirements to ensure that work and services are provided in a safe manner
at all times.
2. Ensure a safe environment exists for clients, staff and members of the public
3. Report any untoward incidents by completing an incident report and informing
the Chief Executive Officer or other relevant staff.
4. Comply with health services policies and procedures.
Key Selection Criteria:
1. Allied Health Assistant's certificate or equivalent, or experience with people
with social and rehabilitation needs
2. Ability to work independently and as part of a team
3. Understanding of the role of an Allied Health Assistant
4. Understanding of confidentiality and privacy
5. Understanding of the principles of Occupational Health and Safety
6. Good Communication and problem solving skills
7. Clerical and computer skills
8. Current Victorian Drivers Licence
9. Current First Aid Certificate
Relevant Information:
• Successful applicant will be required to provide an original Police Records Check
no older than three years.
• Current Working with Children Check
• Complete a pre-existing injury declaration prior to commencement.
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Agreement
I have read and understand the above position description.
Effective date: Employee’s signature Unit Head signature
______________ _______________________ ________________
Signed original:
Signed photocopy:
personnel file
to employee
Reviewed: 15.03.1999 Allied Health Coordinator
Updated 07.06.2006
28.04.2008
07.11.2011
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