Trainee Integrated Therapist

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen within Complementary health & Wellbeing (CH&W) team at The Christie, who is looking for a multiskilled therapist to work within our integrated service. The CH&W team prides itself on offering personalised care that is supportive, compassionate, empowering, and resourceful, to all its service users. This new, unique role is a Band 4 Trainee Integrative Therapist (TInT) post and will help sustainability plans for building a workforce for future healthcare.

The training programme is fully funded for 12 months, consisting of 15 hours, per week Monday - Friday (Including satellites). The bespoke training programme will be run locally with in the CH&W team, combining both academic and work-based learning in the physical, psychological and public health aspects of care, specifically related to oncology.

The programme is structured around a number of clinical learning environments which will include:

Supporting patients who are anxious receiving Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy/Trial Medications Supporting patients struggling to cope with procedures (Cannulation/Scans/Moulds/Drains/Surgery etc) Supporting patient's complex symptoms related to their disease or treatment. Offering virtual/telephone support to Patient, Carers and Staff

Main duties of the job

We are looking for an enthusiastic therapist with a minimum of 1 year massage experience who wants to develop knowledge and experience in the field of oncology.

As a trainee B4, you will be supported to complete the training programme, developing a knowledge and skillset to support patient who are struggling with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, procedures or symptoms related to disease/treatments. By the end of the training, you will provide a range of therapies, triage priority caseloads, making assessments and key decisions regarding service users' needs and treatment.

The CH&W have a passion for teaching others our skills and evaluating the therapies we provide. The successful candidate will be confident and competent in using the required skills to fulfil the role, together with a genuine interest to develop complementary therapy skills and the ability to uphold our team's and trust values.

Education and support are seen as a priority in this service, making it an excellent opportunity for developing advanced skills in oncology.

On completion of the of training, you will have the flexibility of joining the CH&W bank as a B5, apply for a B5 IT post (*if we are actively recruiting), or have gained the knowledge and experience to create your own private practice.

*Interviews are planned following a recruitment event in January 2025.

About us

The Complementary Health & Wellbeing team is Innovative, Passionate and Caring. It has won various awards throughout the years for the service it provides to service users. You will be working in a supportive and engaged team environment, with a management team who will enable you to broaden your experience and develop a wide range of skills. The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

Job description

Job responsibilities

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Deliver high quality, compassionate care under the direction of the IT (or other registered care professional dependent on setting) with a focus on promoting Health and Wellbeing

Work as part of a designated clinical and care team delivering care that focuses on the personal needs of the individual.

Carry out specific delegated clinical and care tasks to a high standard and competency, under the direction and supervision of a IT or other registered care professionals dependent on setting

Work with a supervisor and assessor to take responsibility for developing own clinical competence, leadership and reflective practice skills within the workplace, while in learning environments

Develop the ability to work without direct supervision, through structured progression to delivering care independently, in line with the service users defined plan of care, within the parameters of practice of the TInT role, accessing clinical and care advice when needed. By the end of the TInT Training Programme, this will involve a caseload of up to five patients.

Have attitudes and behaviours compatible with NHS and Trust Values

Provide feedback to assist in the evaluation of the Trainee Integrative Therapist (TInT) programme

Clinical Support:

The following list is indicative as tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on the care setting the trainee TInT is working in. The content will be reviewed in the light of the evaluation of the TInT programme.

The Trainee will:

Develop understanding of all elements of the CH&W protocols and be able to assist the IT in the on-going assessment, planning, support and evaluation of careSupport individuals providing person-centred care and promoting health and independence through awareness raising and care navigation to other professionals as clinical assessments using the SBAR frameworkEnsure the privacy, dignity and safety of individuals is maintained at all timesDemonstrate the ability to recognise changing priorities seeking advice and guidance from the IT or other registered care professionals as appropriate

Report back and share information with the Clincla lead (CL)/Deputy Clincal lead (DCL) or Integrative Therapists (ITs) on the condition, behaviour, activity and responses of individuals Recognise issues relating to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults and report any problems or raise concerns to the appropriate registered care professionals Assist in the assessment of and contribute of risk factors across several areas within the environment where care is being administered Assist in the implementation of appropriate action to meet the specific physical, emotional and psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals and carers Assist in the delivery of supporting complex case loads Develop understanding of caring for individuals with particular conditions for example dementia, mental illness, learning disabilities Develop skills in relation to coaching/teaching individuals/carers/other staff Assist with the implementation and monitoring of clinical standards and outcomes Develop a working knowledge of other providers resources and referral systems to ensure individuals needs are met, within parameters of practice Engage in reflective practice including management of self and reflection on own reactions, asking questions and reflecting on answers given Demonstrate good understanding of principles of consent and ensure valid consent is obtained prior to undertaking care procedures/therapies Demonstrate good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act / Deprivation of Liberties and applies principles to everyday practice seeking advice / guidance from the IT or registered care professional as required Communicate well within the team at all times. Demonstrate a pleasant and approachable manner and help create and promote a good team working relationship. Proactively help patients and carers to take an active role in wellbeing.

2. Policy and service development

The trainee will:

Promote health and safety maintaining best practice in health, safety and security Share ideas with colleagues to improve care and suggest areas for innovation Participate in audit activities being undertaken in area of practice Contribute to the improvement of service by reflecting on own practice and supporting that of others Adhere to legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines both local and national Regularly attend workplace and staff engagement meetings and contribute positively to discussions about the improvement of care

3. Planning & Organisation

The trainee will:

Plan and manage competing demands of the job role, study and learning environment activities Work in an effective and organised manner demonstrating excellent time management and organisational skills to effectively deliver person-centred care for an allocated group of individuals Deliver effective care following treatment plans determined by the IT or registered care professional and provide feedback on progress against the plans

4. Communication & relationships

The trainee will:

Communicate effectively across a wide range of channels and with a wide range of individuals, the public, health and social care professionals, maintaining the focus of communication on delivering and improving health and care services Demonstrate those inter-personal skills that promote clarity, compassion, empathy, respect and trust Contribute to team success and challenge others constructively Communicate with individuals, carers and other visitors in a courteous and helpful manner, whilst being mindful that there may be barriers to understanding Report to appropriate registered care professional information received from the individuals, carers and members of the team Ensure all patient related information is treated sensitively and adhere to the principals of confidentiality at all times Report any accidents or incidents and raise any concerns as per organisational policy Ensure clear, concise, accurate and legible records and all communication is maintained in relation to care delivered adhering to local and national guidance Ensure ability to manage electronic records system taking cognisance of need to protect access (ID, passwords, swipe cards)

5. Analytical & Judgmental skills

The trainee will:

Exercise personal responsibility and work independently within defined parameters of practice, taking the initiative in a variety of situations and performing a range of clinical and care skills consistent with the role, responsibilities and professional values of a TInT role Exercise judgment in assessing patient condition, comfort and wellbeing using analysis of a range of possible factors Ensure that only those activities for which competence has been achieved are undertaken without supervision and that recognition is given to the impact and consequences of practising outside capability

6. Financial and physical resources

The trainee will:

Exercise personal duty of care in the safe use and storage of equipment Be environmentally aware and prudent in use of resources and energy

7. Human resources

The trainee will:

Act in ways which support equality and value diversity Demonstrate own duties to new or less experienced staff

8. Information resources

The trainee will:

Develop skills to maintain professional standards of record keeping Follow all information governance guidance and policies Maintain confidentiality as outlined within data protection policies

9. Freedom to Act

The trainee will:

Work to standard operating procedures with IT professionals available for reference Work within the organisational policy, procedures and guidelines Work within the TInT parameters of practice Be responsible and accountable for own practice, working within limits of competence and within professional boundaries Raises any concerns to a registered care professional or appropriate person

10. Mental and Emotional effort

The trainee will:

Frequently use concentration and experience work patterns which are unpredictable with regular interruptions, some requiring immediate response Maintain a professional approach while working in challenging, distressing situations or dealing with challenging behaviour Support individuals, their families and carers when faced with unwelcome news and life changing diagnoses

11. Teaching and Training

The trainee will:

Be proactive in seeking opportunities to develop own knowledge and skills, achieving clinical competencies. Seeks support / guidance in timely manner if any difficulties are encountered. Work in partnership with manager to develop and deliver on Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) objectives at annual appraisal and personal development planning meeting. Take responsibility for organising and attending statutory / mandatory updates in accordance with organisational requirements. Act as an excellent role model by upholding and implementing good practice in the workplace. Recognising and either directly challenging or seeks support to challenge any poor practice observed.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive but reflects the main responsibilities of the post holder. Other duties may be required from time to time, which are commensurate with the grade of the post. This job description is subject to regular review and appropriate modification.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Attained a good comprehensive secondary education GCSE Maths and English at grade C/ grade 4 or above or equivalent Functional Skills level 2 Level 3 Massage Diploma

Desirable

Complementary Therapy diploma inclusive of massage qualification Teaching qualification / Student clinical educators course. Post graduate specialist counselling skills course in oncology, hypnotherapy or similar RGN / AHP Oncology Certificate or relevant experience 1st degree in relevant subject or equivalent

Experience

Essential

Previous Massage experience Experience of working within health /care setting

Desirable

Participation in audits/research projects Experience of delivering teaching / presentations Evidence of multidisciplinary team working

Skills

Essential

Ability to be adaptable and flexible, think creatively and learn new skills quickly Good communication skills (verbal and written) Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team Insight into how to evaluate own strengths and development needs, seeking advice where appropriate Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise Excellent interpersonal skills and telephone manner Experience in use of IT packages such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint Standard keyboard skills - word processing, internet & data inputting Able to problem solve and deal with conflict

Desirable

Self-motivated with a willingness to learn Understanding of medical terminology and cancer. Knowledge of clinical Governance. Knowledge of patient information systems. Reflexology Acupuncture Hypnotherapy Counselling Competent in use of databases and spreadsheets Teaching Good knowledge of clinical information systems Behavioral change / motivational interviewing. Clinical supervision skills

Knowledge

Essential

Commit to completing TInT training programme Understanding of the scope of the role of the TInT in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development Understanding of the importance of data protection and confidentiality Understanding of professional ethics and their application in practice. Knowledge of clinical governance.

Desirable

RGN/AHP Use of essential oils Understanding the effects of cancer and treatments on clinical status of patients Holds NVQ level 2 in Care or care certificate Evidence of recent work-based learning or self-directed learning Understanding of evidence based practice Risk awareness

Values

Essential

Ability to demonstrate the organizational values and behaviours

Other

Essential

Adaptable to change and flexible in approach to new procedures or working practices

Desirable

Attention to detail and accuracy

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