Therapy Assistant

Band 3 Therapy Assistant Advert

We are currently looking for a Therapy Assistant to join our multidisciplinary physical health team, which provides a service to patients living in the West Essex area.

This position is community based within the Scheduled Care team where you will be supporting the Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy team in providing treatment to a wide variety of patients, helping to provide rehabilitation to patients in their own home as well as assisting patients to maximise their functional ability.

You will be responsible for implementing a range of treatment plans and assessments, under supervision, which support patients to increase independence and improve their quality of life.

It is essential that you possess a current driving licence and have access to a car for work purposes.

Join our Staff bank

What is Staff Bank?

Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times.

All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish.

If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank.

To support the therapy team in the delivery of treatment to patients within Uttlesford working within the Integrated Team.

Treating patients in accordance with agreed guidelines and treatment regimes. This may be extended to assisting the community therapists during periods of staff shortage.

Responsibility will include assisting with the treatment of complex patients under the guidance of qualified therapists, undertaking treatment plans, supervising patients in their exercise programmes, maintenance of resources within the department and stock control, assistance with administrative tasks and assessment and provision of basic standard equipment, for example, rails, chair raises and toileting equipment.

Covid Vaccination

Although Covid vaccinations are no longer a mandatory requirement within the NHS we continue to encourage and support the vaccination uptake as this remains the best line of defence against Covid19. The safety of our staff and patients is a top priority for us at EPUT.

EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Open, Compassionate and Empowering. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including;
- Season Ticket Loans
- NHS discounts for staff
- Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
- Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
- The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
- Day One Flexible Employer

The therapy team works within the Integrated Team so liaises closely with the District nurses and Community matrons as well as having links with the specialist nurses, dieticians and SALT.

We try to support the individual to maximise their potential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Professional Duties
- To assist patients in physical and functional rehabilitation as directed by the therapist, such as assisting mobility with a walking aid and identifying appropriate walking aids, using specialist handling equipment, supervising exercises.
- To complete basic functional assessments and provide equipment for example in and out of bed, chair and stairs, toileting.
- To complete online order forms for routine equipment requests
- Have an understanding of the therapeutic reasoning when undertaking treatment plans and taking responsibility for learning about the reasoning if unclear.
- To monitor patient’s progress, reporting changes and seeking guidance regarding further treatment from the appropriate Therapist, without direct supervision.
- Correctly adjust walking aids and other appliances to fit the patient correctly and teach them to use and maintain them.
- To have a practical understanding of therapeutic handling techniques to facilitate safe practices in rehabilitation.
- Undertake basic screening and information gathering.
- To establish working relationships with other members of the integrated team working within the Trust to contribute to a high standard of patient care.
- To accept and act on duties delegated by the qualified Therapist.
- To assist the Therapist with patients who require two or more members of staff to treat them effectively and safely.
- The assistant must be sensitive to the patient’s own culture, beliefs and emotions.
- To urgently report any concerns about patient or staff safety to a qualified Therapist for action to be taken.
- To report all accidents and incidents to qualified staff in line with the Trust policy.
- To exhibit and