Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spine and chronic pain, and other neuromuscular conditions.
Join us in our mission to help people with a temporary or permanent disability, rebuild their lives with hope, independence and dignity, advocating for their full inclusion in all aspects of community life.
At Shepherd Center, you’ll discover a diverse and inclusive environment, enlightened leadership, a culture of teamwork, professionalism and mutual respect. If you are seeking career advancement, continuing education opportunities coupled with a welcoming and fun workplace, competitive compensation and employment benefits, visit our
careers page
to explore current openings.
Beyond Therapy® is a rigorous, activity-based therapy program designed by Shepherd Center to help people with a variety of neurological disorders, including spinal cord injury and brain injury, improve their lifelong health, minimize secondary complications, and get the most out of any new neural links to their muscles.
The program is based on research suggesting the central nervous system is capable of synaptic plasticity and anatomical reorganization through “activity-based” therapy. This process is called neuroplasticity. Beyond Therapy® combines athletic training and physical therapy to promote health, wellness, and recovery.
Traditional therapy programs are designed to help patients become as independent as possible using compensatory strategies and training on how to care for themselves after discharge from the hospital. In contrast, Beyond Therapy focuses on promoting lifelong wellness and maximizing muscle and neural return through a program of intensive strengthening and motor-patterned activity by concentrating on weaker muscles and nerve connections that may have been ignored in the initial phases of recovery.
Job Responsibilities:
The PT and OT Aide assists in creating a welcoming environment for patient care.
Transports patients throughout the center.
Assembles equipment and adjusting it to patient needs.
Assists patients with transfers on the nursing units, in preparation for a PT session, or as directed.
Assists patient with weight shifts and other daily activities (grooming, feeding, dressing, toileting, bathing etc.) or assigned OT therapy activities.
Conducts assigned OT groups or assisting PTs or PTAs in a group setting.
Maintains the therapy and nursing equipment and environment.
Cleans and returns wheelchairs, bathroom equipment, and other equipment as assigned.
Completes assigned clerical duties.
Instructs new employees and volunteers in departmental maintenance tasks.
Attends and actively contributes to department meetings.
Performs consistent with Shepherd Center standards, clinical policies, and procedures.
Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Center and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.
Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process.
Performs other duties as required/requested/assigned.
Required Minimum Education
Required Minimum Certification
Required Minimum Experience
Required Minimum Skills
Basic computer skills.
This is a support role that requires an individual to be able to interact directly with patients in a positive and supportive manner.
Ability to learn and operate therapy equipment.
Must display knowledge of growth, development and the ability to obtain, interpret and disseminate information in terms of age specific patient needs (adolescent, adult and geriatric.
Ability to follow instructions and problem solve.
Takes responsibility for growing professionally and seek opportunities for improving skills.
Communicates effectively using timely verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
Willingly adapts to changing work demands and work environment.
Demonstrates critical thinking skills and makes sound judgments to monitor and respond to patient needs or changes in condition.
Completes orientation and initial assessment of competency successfully by determined due date.
Completes mandatory education and annual competency assessment requirements by determined due date.
Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in exercise science, health science, biology or related field of study preferred.
Previous experience with patients with Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury Stroke, Concussion and Vestibular Disorders.
Physical Demands
Uses body, tools, or special devices to safely, effectively, and efficiently to move, guide, or place patients. Involves some latitude for judgement with regard to precision attained and the selection of what adaptive device(s) to utilize.
Ability to transfer and position patients, consistent with lifting up to 30 lbs.
Repetitive lifting, moving, squatting, kneeling, and crawling physical requirements.
Working Conditions
Normal patient care environment.
Some potential for exposure to blood and body fluids.
Some potential exposure to infectious viruses.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.