Address:  Arizona State Veterans' Home - Tucson
555 East Ajo Way
Tucson, Arizona 85713

Salary: $16.75- $20.50 (DOE) 

Grade: 13

Closing Date: Open Until Filled 

Do you take pride in providing the highest quality of care for our Veterans? If so, the Arizona State Veteran Home – Tucson is looking for you!

Our Therapy Technicians are responsible for performing designated routine tasks related to the operation of the restorative service and help with coordinating the weekly and monthly weights of residents. As a State of Arizona employee you will learn, implement, and monitor the Arizona Management System (AMS) methods and utilize AMS concepts and tools for problem solving and continuous work/process improvements and efficiencies. Working for the Arizona Department of Veteran Services you will incorporate a cultural focus on Veteran/Member-centered care in the performance of job duties.

As a Therapy Technician, you will:

• Provide restorative nursing services as designated by the Licensed Nurse and/or Therapist to assist residents to increase independence in day-to-day activities such as mobility, eating and grooming
• Assist and instruct Certified Nursing Assistants in the proper delivery of ADL care such as: transfers, positioning, exercise, feeding, toileting, and the proper use of equipment and assistive devices such as braces, splints, walkers, lifts and prostheses.
• Document resident’s participation and response to restorative nursing care and report changes in resident condition to the charge nurse or the restorative nurse
• Completes and records residents weights on a weekly or monthly basis
• Maintains stock or equipment and maintains a safe, neat, and efficient working environment Attend meetings and in-services as directed by facility (i.e. restorative rehab meetings)
• Be actively involved in AMS processes such as Huddle Boards, Problem Solving, Job Breakdown Sheets, Success Tracking, and Standardized work
• Participate fully in the QAPI process, our Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement program mandate by CMS

Knowledge of:

• Restorative practices and techniques of group and individual programs
• Principles, methods, materials and equipment used in physical therapy, occupational therapy and/ or speech language pathology
• Hazards for residents during treatment, precautions to be observed in lifting and moving residents, and if necessary, precautionary, and remedial measures
• Basic medical and rehabilitation terminology, documentation and reporting practices
• Basic needs and problems of nursing home residents
• The principles of resident's rights, infection control, and personal and resident safety

Skill in:

• Motivating residents to maximize participation as deemed appropriate by individual treatment plans
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with residents, coworkers and residents' families
• Oral and written communication
• Observation of resident response to interventions and programs
• Demonstrating various therapeutic interventions
• Demonstrating proper application or use of assistive devices and equipment

Ability to:

• Lift and reposition residents without restrictions
• Identify abnormal or unusual responses or conditions of residents that require reporting to the licensed nurse
• Operate a variety of therapeutic equipment
• Identify and seek out resources of information to assist in problem solving
• Tactfully and effectively interact with residents, family members, and coworkers during high-stress situations
  

• Experience in a healthcare environment
• Previous experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant in a skilled nursing facility
• Completion of an on-the-job restorative aide orientation program

• An active certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Arizona
• A valid fingerprint clearance card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
• This position requires the ability to drive on State business. Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver's license appropriate to the assignment. Employees who drive on State business are subject to driver's license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see A.AC. R2-10-207.11).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Veterans' Services offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Sick leave
• Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
  

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).  Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Paul Sharp at psharp@azdvs.gov or (602) 781-7032 for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.