Therapy Assistant

Clinical1. To liaise with other members of the multi-disciplinary team on behalf of the Therapist regarding a patients Therapy.2. To participate and contribute to the Therapists assessment and treatment planning.3. To complete delegated Physiotherapy/Occupational therapy/Speech & Language Therapy interventions.

This may include personal care, domestic activities, group work and exercise programmes.4. To appropriately measure, supply and adapt mobility aids and equipment.5. To monitor patients/clients progress, taking account of their environment and adjust own clinical interventions accordingly and report back to the Therapist.6. To liaise with the Therapist as necessary regarding patients therapeutic interventions particularly highlighting any variations to expected outcomes from treatment programmes you deliver.

Under the direction of the Therapists to be responsible for liaising with patients, relatives, carers, equipment services, social and health care professionals and other voluntary organisations and statutory bodies.8. To encourage patients/clients and carers in an active approach to regaining personal independence using empathy, sensitivity, and highly skilled interpersonal skills.9. To demonstrate therapeutic techniques to carers and families.10. To assist in identifying appropriate equipment and adaptations required in patients own homes and under supervision, order equipment identified by Therapists and contribute to ensuring timely delivery.11.

To complete records ensuring they are accurate, timely and in accordance with the organisational, Professional and Departmental standards and procedures.12. Assist with enabling patients to interact with their local community where appropriate.13. To assist Therapists in communicating effectively with patients and carers, unwelcome news regarding patients diagnosis and prognosis. This may involve managing distressed, aggressive and confused persons with complex physical, emotional, psychological and social needs whose condition is deteriorating.

This requires tact, sensitivity and empathy in order to assist the Therapists in ensuring understanding of the condition and expected outcomes.14. To use effective verbal and non-verbal communication during delivery of treatment programmes and in order to maximise rehabilitation potential. This involves using skills of persuasion, motivation, reassurance, negotiation and explanation regularly to overcome barriers to communicationClinical and Corporate governance15. To gain informed consent for therapeutic interventions and treat patients/clients in a manner that respects peoples choice, privacy, dignity and individuality.16.

To contribute to ensuring therapy department and equipment is clean and that there is no damaged or unsafe equipment.17. To be aware of the health and safety aspects of work and implement any policies, which may be required to improve the health and safety of the work environment, including reporting of any accident or incident to a clinical manager.18. To comply with the Data Protection Act and Caldicott recommendations.19. To provide statistical information required by Trust.20.

To contribute to audits and research as appropriate.To comply with organisation and Departmental policies, procedures, standards and protocols as required.Education and DevelopmentTo be responsible for own development, keeping up to date job requirements by: -1. Attending mandatory training;2. Completing the departmental Therapy Assistant Training Programme;3. Completing the Care Certificate4.

Attending and participating in the in-service training programme;5. Participating in appraisal, supervision and peer review and develop and maintain an up to date development portfolio including evidence of experiential learning, reflective practise and any relevant training and experience. This should demonstrate responsibility for completing and maintaining competency levels as part of the Therapy Assistant Training Programme; and6. Maintaining ongoing personal development by taking part in relevant training courses as identified in the yearly professional development review and keep abreast any new trends and developments.

To incorporate acquired knowledge into working practise as appropriate and following discussion with peers and more senior staff. To disseminate information from training to appropriate team members. Management and leadership1. To contribute to the induction of newly appointed Therapy Assistants, qualified Therapists and students.2.

To be responsible for administrative arrangements for planning and organising timed therapy sessions.3. Assist with the setting of team objective with the manager and other team members.4. To provide senior staff/managers with advice and information to assist in the planning and development of the service.5. To organise and prioritise own workload, under supervision of qualified staff, using effective time management skills