Therapy Assistant

Job overview

ELHT Community Therapy services are looking to recruit an integrated Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy Assistant to join them working in our Integrated therapy teams within the Community, based at Pendle Community hospital, providing rehabilitation under the direction of a Therapist This post involves travelling to see patients in their own homes.

Please note: this advert may close early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Main duties of the job

This role will entail either working alongside a Therapist to support an individuals treatment session, following a treatment plan set by a therapist, interviewing and undertaking some initial work with the patient independently or assisting the patient at home providing equipment and following treatment plans in the patients’ home.

you will be expected to be able to transport yourself across into the community setting, as this is a community role and see patients in their own homes.

You will also be expected to report back to the therapy staff and the multidisciplinary teams on the wards.

In addition to clinical tasks there will be some elements of administration including ordering of equipment for patients and recording data and patient treatment information.

The successful candidate must have a clear understanding of the roles of the Physiotherapists and the Occupational therapists in the community setting, have previous experience working in a caring environment and be able to communicate effectively and clearly with both patients and all members of the Multidisciplinary team.

In return we will offer the successful candidate training, development and regular supervision.

Therapy services run over 6 days, Monday- Saturday and bank holidays, 8am – 6pm therefore the successful applicant will be expected to work on a 6 day rota and must also be prepared if required to work across community ELHT locality footprint.

Working for our organisation

The Trust is committed to creating a well managed, flexible working environment that supports staff and promotes their welfare and development.

We are committed to promoting equality and diversity; we value the contribution of individual talent, skills, knowledge and experience and aim for a workforce demography representative of the local community.

We operate Zero Tolerance to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. We will make reasonable adjustments to ensure our recruitment and selection process is accessible to all. Flexible Working applications will be considered. The Trust operates a No Smoking Policy.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES

1. Undertake specific delegated assessment tasks as requested Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.
2. Contribute to the setting of appropriate treatment goals in liaison with the therapist and the patient.
3. Deliver part or all of a treatment plan as prescribed by a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.
4. Give both verbal and written feedback about the progress of a patient’s treatment programme to the therapist in charge of the case.
5. Contribute to the development, modification and evaluation of individual programmes in conjunction with a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist
6. Undertake risk assessment and report back on, and document risk, seeking advice as required, in accordance with policy and procedures.
7. Clearly document each intervention in the patient’s case notes, as outlined in organisational policy and procedures.
8. Prescribe equipment/ assistive technology and minor adaptations to facilitate independence within agreed guidelines.
9. Record patient contact statistics.
10. Assist with the day to day running of the department.
11. Is a member of the team and shares information as required.
12. Maintain treatment areas and equipment used to an appropriate standard in accordance with health and safety, infection control and other relevant guidance.
13. Gain valid informed consent from the patient for any individual intervention that is carried out.
14. Carry out general administrative duties as required e.g. filing, etc.
15. Responsible for material stock levels, including maintenance and ordering of stock as required.

COMMUNICATION

1. Communicate appropriately and professionally with Therapy staff, other professionals, patients and families.
2. Liaise with other agencies.
3. Be responsible for maintaining written or electronic records in line with relevant policies, legislation and guidance.
4. Have basic IT skills including use of Internet and Email and to be able to use any special programmes relevant to the service.
5. Advise patients and carers in a variety of ways which may include suggesting techniques/strategies to manage their condition, use of equipment, etc.
6. Attend and participate in team meetings.
7. Promote and educate others in the role of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, and the importance of both physical ability and occupation to health and well being.
8. Assist the Integrated Therapy Service in involving service users, their carers and family in service improvements.
9. Act as an advocate on behalf of patients.
10. Deal with challenging situations including verbal aggression or distress seeking support as necessary.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

1. Participate in regular monthly supervision, annual development review and undertake other required in-service training as identified in order to develop the skills required for your work area.
2. Be willing to undertake relevant further/higher education/training as required.
3. Complete all required mandatory training.
4. Share knowledge and experience with other staff members and students.
5. Develop the skills required for your area of work.
6. Maintain your own development portfolio.

ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participate in team and service development and governance activity as required.
2. Assist with the induction of new staff.

3. Work towards achieving service and organisational objectives.
4. Able to deal sensitively with complaints following procedures and directing them to an appropriate person within the team.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Comply with the professional bodies’ Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct as they relate to support worker role, national and local policies, and procedures and guidance.
2. Be aware of and fulfil responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, organisational and departmental policies around Health and Safety, and other procedures and guidance in this area.
3. Understand the need to act in the best interests of service users at all times.
4. Understand the need to respect, and so far as possible uphold the rights, dignity, values and autonomy of every service user.
5. Understand your role in the diagnostic and therapeutic process and in maintaining health and well being.
6. Practise in a non-discriminatory manner.
7. Exercise a professional duty of care.
8. Know the limits of your practice and when to seek advice.

Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria

• GCSE Grade 4 or above in English/ Maths or equivalent

Desirable criteria

• NVQ level 3 or equivalent in relevant area.

Experience Essential criteria

• Have worked within a professional caring situation.
• Experience of people who have disabilities
• Have had experience of working alone.

Desirable criteria

• community experience
• experience working with therapists

Knowledge Essential criteria

• IT literacy including Email and Internet

Desirable criteria

• experience of NHS patient systems

Personal Attributes Essential criteria

• Enthusiastic and keen to learn and develop
• Flexible to different work demands/environments
• Commitment to life long learning.
• Car driver and has access to a car undertake visits in the community as required.

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