Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant

based assessments. Job Summary The development of the Therapy Assistant role is to primarily support the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist and as required, support other clinical areas of the hospice.

The Therapy Assistant will report to the Physiotherapist but will undertake additional skills, competencies, and training across the following areas of expertise: Competencies within occupational therapy and physiotherapy Complementary therapies Clinical Responsibilities The Therapist will be responsible for assessing individual patients and then delegating the duties required to the therapy assistant, who has been deemed competent to deliver enhanced skills in the above areas of extended competency. To assist the therapist with on-going treatment of patients and perform the designated activities as delegated by the supervising therapist. Activities may include carrying out passive movements, supervising exercise programmes, washing and dressing, domestic tasks, transfers, exercises, mobility practice, and cognitive retraining exercises. To be able to safely use a range of equipment e.g., hoist, standing frame and mobility aids.

To carry out demonstrations and practice techniques with patients and carers to ensure safe and effective use of equipment and mobility aids. To teach and assist with exercises/treatments for individual clients once assessed and designed by qualified therapist. To assist the therapists in the planning of activities or programmes. Ability to work with mínimal or no immediate supervision of a qualified therapist.

To assist the therapists on home assessments, including the use of equipment required by patients under direct / indirect supervision of a therapist. To manage and maintain equipment stock levels including walking aids in the Hospice with support from qualified staff. To report defects in equipment in a timely manner. To prepare and clean equipment used by the team.

To report any untoward changes in the patients health status immediately to the relevant qualified health professional. To manage clinical risk within a caseload at all times including observing patients in all situations applicable to therapy, ensuring safety and security at all times. To liaise with patients and carers who are often distressed, to obtain specific information under the direct or indirect supervision of their therapist. To have an understanding and be able to provide empathy in discussions around end of life and emotionally distressing issues with patients and their carers.

To regularly report back to the relevant therapist on patients clinical management program and progress seeking advice and guidance when necessary. To gain valid informed consent prior to any intervention. To work within a legal framework, under the supervision of a therapist, for those patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment. To be responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records in line with legal requirements and Overgate guidelines.

The Therapy Assistant, once they have completed all areas of extended competency, will be expected to work independently, without direct supervision, but will seek support and guidance as necessary from the registered professionals. The Therapy Assistant is accountable to the registered professionals and will adhere at all times to defined pathways of care, competency frameworks, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and protocols. The Therapy Assistant will be expected to work within the Hospices standards of care and compassion whilst ensuring patient needs are met. The Therapy Assistant will contribute to service development and be responsible for self-development and demonstrate skills in specific focused aspects of service delivery.

As a key member of the therapy team in the Inpatient Unit (IPU) ensure patients, families and carers are educated and empowered at all points of the rehabilitation pathway and the benefits are explained. To work autonomously as agreed by a registered practitioner and to be responsible and accountable within their scope of practice. To work as a member of the existing MDT team within rehabilitation services in IPU and Day Hospice. Minimum Qualifications / Experience Required Minimum entry level is NVQ level 2 with an expectation that the post holder will work towards achieving NVQ level 3 or equivalent.

To complete the agreed competency framework for role within an agreed timescale To participate in the induction, their professional development and training requirements e.g., NVQ level 3. In line with hospice policy and guidelines to review and reflect on own practice and performance through regular participation in professional supervision and appraisal To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives that have been identified with their supervisor To participate in training of students and other staff where appropriate Key Working Relationships The Therapy Assistant, under the direction of the registere