Therapy Assistant Job Summary
As part of new investment and development of the LHCH dietetic service, an opportunity has arisen for a self-motivated and driven individual to join the team as a Dietetic Assistant Practitioner. If you are someone who has an interest in nutrition and experience of working in a healthcare setting, this may be the role for you!
Main duties of the job
The focus of this Therapy Assistant role will be to support nutrition screening (MUST tool), and nutritional monitoring of inpatients, with the aim of improving health outcomes for surgical, thoracic and cardiology patients. In addition, you will work closely with the dietitians to monitor nutritional care plans at ward level and ensure patients are referred to appropriate services on discharge.
The Therapy Assistant role will involve administrative duties including data collection for audits and supporting the dietetic team with basic data analysis as well as involvement with Trust Nutrition groups and catering service.
About us
As the largest single site specialist heart and chest hospital in the UK, we, at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, have a clear vision ‘to be the best cardiothoracic integrated healthcare organisation’.
We provide specialist services in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology, respiratory medicine both in the hospital and out in the community.
We serve a catchment area of 2.8 million people, spanning Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales and the Isle of Man, and increasingly we receive referrals from outside these areas for highly specialised services such as aortics.
Our reputation for strong performance is important in delivering the best care for our patients and high quality clinical services. This is underpinned by a culture of research and innovation, delivered in modern estate and our encouragement of flexible working in a variety of forms.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Obtained or working towards level 4 NVQ in a health related subject OR Foundation degree in relevant subject.
- Interest in nutrition
- Relevant prior experience of therapy work/supporting individuals in a health care setting
- Multi-disciplinary team working
Desirable
- Working with people who have communication challenges
- Knowledge of care agencies and how to access them.
Skills
Essential
- Capable of working on own initiative.
- Able to communicate written information clearly
- Ability to work flexibly and prioritise workload
- Good level of admin/clerical skills
- Able to use Microsoft Office suite proficiently including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Experience of data collection and basic analysis
Desirable
- Able to demonstrate awareness of current NHS issues.
- Experience of motivating patients/carers to engage in sessions
- Experience of carrying out prescribed programmes
- Awareness of roles of other professionals.
- Experience of delivering training and presentations
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
NHS Therapy Assistant Interview Questions
Here are some potential questions you might encounter in an NHS Therapy Assistant interview:
General Questions:
- Why did you choose to become a therapy assistant?
- What do you know about the role of a therapy assistant in the NHS?
- Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult or challenging situation. How did you handle it?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?
- What are your long-term career goals within the NHS?
Therapy-Specific Questions:
- What experience do you have working with patients who have physical or mental health conditions?
- How do you approach patients with different cultural backgrounds or beliefs?
- Describe a time when you had to assist a patient with therapy exercises or activities.
- What do you know about the importance of rehabilitation and recovery?
- How do you ensure patient safety and well-being?
Team Work Questions:
- How do you work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team?
- Describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a colleague.
- How do you handle feedback and criticism?
Knowledge and Skills Questions:
- What are your basic clinical skills (e.g., taking vital signs, assisting with mobility)?
- How do you ensure patient confidentiality and privacy?
- What do you know about infection control and prevention?
- What do you understand about the importance of continuing professional development (CPD)?
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