Associate Practitioner

Do you have an interest in Stroke and Vocational Rehab?

Would you like to support stroke survivors to return to work or find other meaningful occupation?

Are you currently working in an assistant role and would like to widen your experience?

If you answered yes, we’ve got the perfect role for you

We are looking for an experienced assistant with stroke experience to work on an exciting new project within MCH Stroke Services. We have been successful in securing some funding for one year to offer a vocational rehab service for Stroke Survivors in Medway and Swale.

Part of this project is to run a return to work programme for stroke survivors and evaluate the effectiveness for this. You will be involved in delivering this service and assist in the evaluation of the project.

This project has funding for 1 year and part of the project will be evaluating the effectiveness and impact of this service and building a business case for a long-term post. You will contribute to the data collection which will be used to evidence the effectiveness of the project and contribute to the business case for an ongoing vocational rehab service.

To deliver a vocational rehab service to stroke survivors or working age in Medway and Swale.

To work alongside the existing Stroke Services Therapy team as well as work closely with Band 7, Clinical Lead Therapist and Head of Service.

To develop links with local community services/employers who support vocational rehab/return to work

To communicate effectively with patients and carers and other health professionals, employers and other community services using a wide range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools.

To be able to promote the vocational rehab service within the existing stroke team and in wider networks - stroke association.

To be able to accurately record intervention to support the evaluation of the project.

To be able to network with local employers, charities, services who may be able to support with return to work schemes.

So what else?

This is your chance to join a progressive and innovative service in a social enterprise that is patient and staff focused - you’ll even have the opportunity to become an MCH shareholder.

We encourage staff to get involved in exploring new ways of working and service development.

We’ll provide well established, in-service training, one to one supervision, and appraisals with regular support.

You’ll be able to develop your skills in a friendly and supportive team.

Would you like to work flexibly? In the NHS, we are reminded every day of how important work life balance is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement.

The small print

Informal visits can be arranged on request.

We will offer you the choice of two pension schemes; the NHS Pension scheme and the scottish widows group pension scheme.

MCH encourages all staff to be double COVID vaccinated to protect themselves, their colleagues, their family and their patients.

Communication and relationship skill

To communicate effectively with patients and carers and other health professionals, employers and other community services using a wide range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools.

To be able to promote the vocational rehab service within the existing stroke team and in wider networks - stroke association.

To be able to accurately record intervention to support the evaluation of the project.

To be able to network with local employers, charities, services who may be able to support with return to work schemes

Knowledge, training and experience

Experience of working in health care and in a community setting. Substantial experience working as an assistant with people who have had a sudden change in health and social care needs or with those who have a long-term condition

Experience of stroke and stroke related deficits

Awareness of the barriers of returning to work for stroke survivors.

Awareness of limitations, personal strengths and areas of development

Flexible, reliable and organised

Good written and verbal communication skills and IT skills

Ability to work on own initiative and to manage own caseload

Ability to travel to dispersed sites in the community in a timely manner

Analytical and judgement skills

To support with a thorough assessment of patient need in relation to work/meaningful occupation

To recognise the stroke specific deficits which may be a barrier to individuals accessing work or meaningful occupation

To follow treatment plans in relation to return to work/meaningful occupation.

To accurately record intervention and treatment plans and regularly liaise with treating therapist and Vocational Rehab Lead Therapist.

To work closely with the band 7 Voc Rehab Therapist

Planning and organisational skills

To be able manage own caseload