Job Summary
ARE YOU AN ASPIRING GENERIC THERAPY SUPPORT WORKER? IF YES, THEN WE WANT YOU! The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists based.
We offer brilliant development opportunities including dedicated Therapy Support Worker in service training, buddying system, 1:1 supervision as well as an apprenticeship scheme.
This Therapy Support Worker post is a unique opportunity for an experienced Therapy Support worker to complete competencies in the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy disciplines as well as manage their own caseload. The role includes working efficiently within a Multi-Disciplinary Team to complete thorough assessments to determine appropriate treatments, rehabilitation and discharge destination.
Short Stay is a fast-paced area so its important that you are proactive and possess excellent organisational skills. We are looking for someone who is passionate about preventing deconditioning on a ward environment.
Please provide clear evidence of the essential experience required below to be considered for interview.
* Do you have comprehensive experience as a Therapy Support Worker?
* Do you have experience of supporting therapists in a relevant clinical setting?
* Do you have experience of delivering acute inpatient rehabilitation programmes across a variety of clinical settings with evidence of MDT collaboration and hospital discharge planning?
You will be required to work across a 7 day service to including weekends on a scheduled rota.
Main duties of the job
To use specialised technical skills to assist in the physical, psychological and functional maintenance, treatment or rehabilitation of patients in the specified clinical area.
To facilitate discharge of patients or transfer of care to a more appropriate health care setting working in collaboration with the wider MDT. To be responsible for delegated aspects of clinical intervention, working without direct supervision and providing feedback to the Registered Therapist regarding assessment of patient progress.
Facilitate planning/preparation of and accompany registered therapists on home visits.
Assess patients with a view to preventing admission or ensuring length of stay in hospital is limited.
The Therapy Support Worker post holder will require a flexible approach. Excellent team working, organisational and time management skills are essential. There are many opportunities to extend scope of practice within this role in the teams.
We are committed to continued professional and career development of all staff. This role includes participation in a weekend cover rota. Hours vary depending on area working in.
About us
We are recognised as one of the leading NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK. Our vision is to Build Healthier Lives, and we recognise that we need incredible staff to do this.
Our commitment to our staff is to create the best place for them to work, and we are dedicated to:
Investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can;Offer our staff a wide variety of training and development opportunities, to support their personal and career development objectives.
UHB is committed to ensuring that our staff are treated fairly and feel that they belong, by creating a kind and inclusive environment. This is about equity of opportunity; removing all barriers, including discrimination and ensuring each individual member of staff reach their true potential, achieve their ambitions and thrive in their work. This is more than words. We are taking action. Our commitment to an inclusive culture is embedded at all levels of the organisation where every voice is heard, driven by our diverse and active staff networks, and at Board level by the Fairness Taskforce led by our CEO. We nurture a culture which empowers staff to challenge discriminatory behaviours and to enable people to bring their ‘whole self’ to a kinder, more connected and bold place to work.
University Hospitals Birmingham is a Smoke-Free premises hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Therapeutic Support Worker
1. What does a Therapeutic Support Worker do?
A therapeutic support worker provides care and emotional support to individuals with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, or behavioral difficulties. They work closely with healthcare professionals to deliver person-centered care, helping clients manage their emotions and behaviors while promoting independence. Duties include:
– Supporting individuals in daily activities (personal care, meal prep, etc.)
– Assisting with therapeutic interventions (exercise, relaxation techniques)
– Supporting clients with communication and social skills
– Helping clients to achieve personal goals and independence
– Recording progress and reporting concerns to supervisors or healthcare professionals
2. What qualifications do I need to become a Therapeutic Support Worker?**
While entry-level roles often don’t require formal qualifications, having a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care or a Care Certificate can be beneficial. Experience in mental health care, social care, or learning disabilities is often preferred. Employers usually provide specialized training for working with clients with complex needs.
3. What skills are most important for a Therapeutic Support Worker?
Key skills include:
– Empathy and compassion
– Excellent communication skills
– Emotional resilience
– Patience
– Observational skills
– Adaptability and flexibility
– Ability to work in a team and independently
These qualities help in providing effective support and responding to the needs of clients.
4. What settings do Therapeutic Support Workers work in?
Therapeutic support workers can work in various settings, including:
– Hospitals (particularly mental health units)
– Residential care homes
– Community care centers
– Clients’ homes (domiciliary care)
– Specialist schools or educational settings
– Rehabilitation centers
5. How much does a Therapeutic Support Worker earn?
Salaries for therapeutic support workers in the UK vary depending on experience and location. Entry-level positions typically offer between £18,000 and £22,000 per year, with higher salaries available for those with more experience or in specialized settings. With experience, pay can increase to around £25,000 or more.
6. What career progression opportunities are available for Therapeutic Support Workers?
Therapeutic support workers have various pathways for progression, such as:
– Moving into a Senior Support Worker role
– Pursuing further qualifications to become a Registered Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker, or Occupational Therapist
– Specializing in areas like behavioral therapy, learning disabilities, or substance abuse support
– Transitioning into care management or coordinating roles within social care or healthcare services
7. What are the challenges of being a Therapeutic Support Worker?
Working as a therapeutic support worker can be emotionally demanding. Some of the key challenges include:
– Managing clients’ challenging or aggressive behavior
– Dealing with emotionally charged situations, such as clients in crisis
– Maintaining professional boundaries while providing compassionate care
– Coping with stress and ensuring personal well-being when working in mentally and physically demanding environments
8. Do I need experience to become a Therapeutic Support Worker?
While it’s possible to start as a therapeutic support worker without direct experience, many employers prefer candidates with experience in a care role, particularly with mental health, learning disabilities, or behavioral difficulties. Volunteering in mental health or social care settings is a good way to gain relevant experience.
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Common Interview Questions for Therapeutic Support Workers
When applying for a therapeutic support worker role, interview questions will likely assess your ability to manage complex client needs and your understanding of therapeutic care. Below are some frequently asked interview questions and tips on how to answer them:
1. Why do you want to work as a Therapeutic Support Worker?
Discuss your passion for helping individuals with mental health or learning disabilities and your desire to make a positive impact. Mention any personal experiences or interests in therapeutic approaches, such as mental health care or behavioral support.
2. How do you handle challenging or aggressive behavior from clients?
Demonstrate your ability to stay calm and professional under pressure. Explain how you would use de-escalation techniques and therapeutic interventions to manage challenging behavior, and mention the importance of understanding the client’s triggers.
3. Can you describe a time when you helped someone cope with a difficult situation?
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe a specific example of when you provided support during a difficult time. Highlight your empathy, communication skills, and how you helped the person work through their emotions or achieve a positive outcome.
4. How do you ensure that clients feel supported and understood?*Emphasize the importance of active listening, non-judgmental communication, and building trusting relationships with clients. Explain that you would take the time to understand their individual needs, encourage open dialogue, and provide person-centered care.
5. How would you manage a situation where a client refuses to participate in their therapy or support activities?
Show your understanding of the challenges clients face when engaging in therapy. Explain that you would respect their autonomy but try to understand the reasons for their reluctance. You could offer alternatives or gently encourage them while keeping their well-being at the forefront.
6. How do you maintain professional boundaries with clients?
Discuss the importance of clear boundaries to maintain a professional and therapeutic relationship. Mention that while you would offer emotional support, you understand the need to separate personal feelings from professional duties and follow guidelines on client relationships.
7. Can you give an example of how you work as part of a multi-disciplinary team?
Highlight your teamwork skills by describing how you collaborate with other professionals, such as nurses, social workers, or psychologists, to deliver holistic care. Mention how sharing insights and communicating regularly ensures that the client’s needs are fully met.
8. **How would you handle a situation where a client’s condition deteriorates or they become distressed?**
Explain that you would remain calm and assess the situation. If needed, you would provide immediate comfort, follow protocols for emergency situations, and report the incident to a supervisor or healthcare professional. Discuss how your observational skills help you notice changes early on.
9. **How do you manage your own emotional well-being when dealing with stressful situations?
Show that you understand the importance of self-care in emotionally demanding roles. Mention strategies you use, such as taking regular breaks, seeking support from colleagues, and participating in reflective practice or supervision to process difficult experiences.
10. **How do you ensure that you follow safeguarding procedures?**
Highlight your knowledge of safeguarding practices and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals. Explain that you would follow the necessary protocols, document any concerns, and report safeguarding issues to your supervisor or the designated safeguarding officer.
Conclusion
Becoming a therapeutic support worker offers a rewarding career path in mental health and social care, allowing you to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re preparing for an interview or looking for more information on the role, it’s important to demonstrate compassion, resilience, and a commitment to person-centered care.
To apply for this job please visit uhb.tal.net.