Community Therapy Assistant

We are seeking an enthusiastic and flexible Therapy Assistant to join our multidisciplinary teams within Lewisham to support our therapists in the community settings.
You will work under the supervision of qualified therapy staff, providing assessment and treatment programmes for patients in the community and in enablement care beds if required.
You will need to be compassionate and practical in your approach as patients often require assistance and support to promote their physical, cognitive, perceptual, and psychological well-being.
You are required to have good IT skills.
**PLEASE NOTE**: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this post
In addition, you are expected to carry out routine administrative and housekeeping tasks when required.
Car driver of own car or pool car (manual), excellent communication, and good IT skills are essential for this post.
Our aim is to maintain and increase patients’ independence and quality of life within their home environments. Moving and handling of patients and equipment is an essential part of the role.
The current position is within our Intermediate Care Bedded Unit.
**Interview date**: 6th January 2025
Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:
Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
Improving the experience of staff with disability
Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
Making equalities mainstream
**Job Summary**:
This position is to be an active member of the multi-professional team, supporting the rehabilitation of patients through the promotion of independence and planned programmes of care. Patients are enabled to work towards achieving the goals set in their care plans, by assisting them in the use and practice of skills essential to regain their independence and quality of life.
The purpose of the position is to assist various therapists (e.g. Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists) to provide therapy assessment, rehabilitation, management and discharge of patients. Also to assist in the administration, clerical and housekeeping duties of the department, according to the specific rotational area of work.
**Key Result Areas & Performance**:
To work effectively as a team member in providing and facilitating a high standard of rehabilitative support within the ward / therapy / rehabilitation setting.
To assist OT/PT/SALT in individual and group assessments / treatments / activities, to treat patients on a 1:1 basis or in a group situation, as directed by the therapists.
To independently carry out treatment sessions, working towards joint rehabilitation goals as directed by the Multidisciplinary Team members, and to report back orally, and in the appropriate written format as directed.
To assist in the preparation of the environment, including equipment and materials as required for the delivery of Therapy.
To hold own case load as delegated by the therapist. To organise this efficiently and effectively, prioritising with regard to patient requirement and available time.
Undertake manual handling and therapeutic handling techniques with patients both single handed and as part of a team demonstrating dexterity and co-ordination whilst carrying out mobilisation, functional rehabilitation and other procedures on a frequent basis. This includes use of appropriate manual handling equipment, eg. Hoists, standing frames.
To act as a key worker for allocated patients where required. This includes responsible for all paperwork, document scanning, data gathering, family liaison and discharge.
To perform environmental assessment on access visits where required. To identify problems, need for therapeutic equipment and risk management whilst on environmental/access visit.
To carry out assessment as delegated by therapists.
To supply patients with appropriate, safe, walking aids and to instruct patients in the use of this equipment when requested by therapists
**To gather relevant information re**: a patient’s social situation, medical history and level of function, from patients, relatives and colleagues to contribute to multi-disciplinary assessment.
To escort patients to and from wards / departments /home.
To escort and assist patients with functional activities like toileting and washing/dressing as required.
To visit people in their own homes as part of assessment and treatment.
To assist wit