Therapy Assistant

To work in close liaison with the qualified staff on the ward (nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists, Speech and Language therapists) to support staff as part of the care and therapy planning process, assisting with assessments, exercises and examinations as directed.
- To prepare, plan and deliver group and one-to-one occupational, therapeutic and recreational activities autonomously. All Clinical work to be supervised and monitored by trained staff.
- Assists with the reception, orientation and induction of new patients supporting the gathering of pre-admission and case history.
- Ensures the effective, timely and accurate updating of clinical records, case files and computerised information systems as directed while responding to routine enquiries and standard requests for information in accordance with policies and procedures.
- To undertake appropriate competency and training to work in accordance with the relevant Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy Codes of Conduct.
- To carry out rehabilitation as determined by patients’ needs as specified by therapies.
- Contributes to surveys, audits and clinical research projects assisting with the collection, analysis and presentation of data and information as directed.
- Identify patient priorities and choices and assist in intervention to accurately incorporate these wishes.
- Creatively plan activities, events, environments to meet the individual needs of the residents
- To liaise with a wide range of external educational, vocational and leisure activities providers, to widen the range of opportunities available.
- Support in delivering of any training opportunities provided by the therapy staff.
- Support the Therapy department in successfully meeting the unit objectives, also increasing the quality of service, to attract potential new service users.
- Ensure that patients are receiving a service that is value for their money and objectives are met to help in the success of the unit.
- Present the service in a positive light and should be proactive at making suggestions of how to improve the service.
- Knowledge of each therapy professions, understanding the difference within the roles to better support the therapy staff.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skill in working with patients who have communication impairments.
- Have the ability to continue rehabilitation programmes autonomously under guidance from the therapy staff but without direct therapy supervision following professional assessment and guidance.
- Demonstrate an understanding of safe and effective practices for people who have dysphagia.
- Excellent interpersonal skills including observation, listening and empathy.
- Observational skills to actively risk assess situations involving patients with complex needs.

Under Clear Instruction/direction of a licensed therapist
- Assist clients with their rehabilitation programs as specified in their care plan
- Assist with the planning and implementation of individualized or group

therapeutic programs under the direction of the Therapists
- Supervise the practice of established functional programs such as personal

hygiene, wheelchair management, recreational activities or leisure
- Identify those patients who may need alternative support and liaise effectively with the multidisciplinary team.
- Demonstrate competent problem solving skills and the ability to use innovative ideas to enhance and improve service delivery with professional guidance.
- Submit regular data about activity levels as required.
- Demonstrate an ability to balance and readjust priorities to meet the needs of the home and have some flexibility in altering the sequence of routine tasks.
- A creative approach is required when facilitating activities to contribute ideas and suggestions to improve the service