Therapy Practitioner

Job overview

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Band 4 Therapy Practitioner to work within the Front of House Therapy Team at Poole Hospital, University Hospitals Dorset. Clinical areas covered by the team at Poole Hospital include; Emergency department, urgent treatment centre, Rapid Assessment Consultant Evaluation (RACE) Unit and Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) clinic. This is an excellent opportunity to work as a part of the specialist frailty Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) with a admission avoidance focus. The RACE Unit at Poole has won National awards in recognition of its seven-day care, admission avoidance and MDT approach. As an MDT we take pride in delivering a patient-centred focus through timely comprehensive assessments, interventions and discharge planning. We are looking for individuals who share a passion for working with Older people. This post is a clinical post, where the post holders will engage in completing assessments and treatment of patients within the acute hospital setting.The key responsibilities would require you to have confidence completing therapy assessments on an individual basis. Effective and adaptable communication skills are essential as you will be working with a diverse patient group. You must be motivated and enthusiastic in promoting rehabilitation and recovery. You need to be well-organised and confident as you will have responsibility to provide support and guidance to other therapy support staff. Main duties of the job Previous experience of working with older people, in an acute hospital or community setting is essential. The post will include 7 day working and therefore the post holder will be expected to participate in weekend rotas.You will be required to achieve a certain competency level which we will give you support and training to help you achieve. We have in- house training and a supportive team of clinical staff.Ideally you should be a car driver with a full driving licence.The role may include assessing patients in their home environment, with support as required from the qualified clinicians.Additional contact informationSarah Arnold - Clinical Lead PhysiotherapistMarcus Ashton - Clinical Lead Physiotherapist Base Location: Poole HospitalPost will move to RBH approximately April Interview Date: TBC Working for our organisation Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued team mates and colleagues.UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.In some cases this means that a services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have at interviewThere is a planned move for this service during March , when this role and base of work will relocate to Bournemouth site. Upon relocation of the role/service, excess mileage allowance / reimbursement will not apply, and any travel between the postholder’s home and work base will be classified as a commute. Any other changes unrelated to this, will be handled in line with Trust/National terms and conditions Detailed job description and main responsibilities To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria Foundation Degree in health or assistant practitioner qualification equivalentOr another relevant qualification Desirable criteria Attainment of competencies gained from multi-professional team working Experience Essential criteria Previous work as a Therapy Assistant or equivalent (e.g. Exercise Physiologist, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physiotherapy Assistant) where direct patient care is involved over a significant period of time in a healthcare environment.Working with adult patients with chronic disease or multiple pathologies Desirable criteria Previous experience working in an acute settingWorking within a multi-disciplinary team.Experience of evaluation, standard setting and evidence based practice within a healthcare/ rehabilitation setting Technical Skills Competencies Essential criteria Ability to assess a patient with specific objective assessment tools, sometimes without supervision, and identify appropriate therapy interventionAbility to work independently on own initiative with guidance/supervision from qualified staff, mainly at a distance.Effective time management and organisational skills.Ability to manage own caseload when necessaryBasic computer literacy.Ability to act on own initiative, eg responding to an emergency situation Knowledge Essential criteria General knowledge of pathologies related to the older personThe effects of physical and cognitive impairment, on patients’ skills, abilities and lifestyleBasic rehabilitation techniques and therapy interventionExercise prescription and monitoring eg of physiological signs during exerciseHealth and safety responsibilities Desirable criteria General knowledge of relevant medical conditions.Risk assessment.AuditService development Interpersonal skills Essential criteria Good verbal communication skills both face to face and over the telephoneBasic teaching skillsAbility to engage, motivate and inspire patientsConfident in dealing with difficult situations e.g. aggressive behaviour, conflictAbility to document results of interventions clearly and conciselyEmpathy with older people.Ability to establish rapport. Other requirements specific to Essential criteria Hold a clean driving licenseAbility to move and handle patients and equipment using approved techniques Personal Attributes Essential criteria Flexible attitudeWell motivatedAbility to work independently on own initiative with guidance/supervision from qualified staff, mainly at a distance.Ability to recognize boundaries of own job role and seek advice from qualified therapist as necessaryHighly organised with excellent time management skills and able to organise own workload on a day to day basis Language Requirement Essential criteria Be able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role

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