You should have a broad level of experience of working within the acute setting to apply for this role as the caseload can be very varied, however the majority of the caseload is falls assessments, interventions and prevention, admission avoidance and discharge planning and the majority of the patients you will see will have a range of co-morbidities and long term conditions.
As a Therapy Assistant Practitioner you will ensure that you provide timely assessments and interventions to delegated patients, supported by qualified therapy staff.
The Therapy Assistant Practitioner will work in partnership with the multi-disciplinary team, working closely with specialist nurses, therapists, consultants, ward nursing staff , community therapy services, discharge support teams and dietitians.
The role will provide you with experience of working in a challenging and fast-paced specialist ward environment and the opportunity to develop skills within this area.
In addition, you will be provided with training and development opportunities to support your progress in this specialist role.
Our values are Bold, Every Person Counts, Sharing and Open and Together. It is important that you understand and to refer to our values when completing your application and always reflect our values throughout your employment with the Trust.
We are committed to endorsing diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion; our policies / procedures ensure that all applicants are treated fairly at every stage of the recruitment process.
To contribute to our exciting future and become part of our team, apply today.
Therapy Assistant Job responsibilities
To accept patients delegated by a therapist or identified under a protocol, and carry as own patient caseload.
Treat patients according to set treatment protocols, monitoring patient progression, making alterations to patient treatment programmes as required.
Work unsupervised reporting back patient progress and informing therapist of any problems.
This Therapy Assistant will be expected to participate in seven day working patterns
The Therapy Assistant will Assist the therapist in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients using a range of physical therapy techniques
The Therapy Assistant will manage the treatment and rehabilitation of patients as delegated by the therapist, working without direct supervision and responsible for assessing patient progress and reporting back to therapist and assisting with discharge planning
Treat patients individually or in a group without direct supervision or presence of a therapist
To undertake highly skilled support work e.g. initial interviews and functional screening
To assist / supervise with a Therapist or other Health Care Professional, the moving and handling of complex, high risk patients in preparation for /during treatment sessions according to Patient Risk assessment
Instruct patients and carers, providing direction and guidance on the treatment programme and progression and guidance in health promotion
Encourage patients and their carers in an active approach to regaining and maintaining personal independence. This requires empathy, sensitivity and good interpersonal skills
Use effective communication tools, verbal and non-verbal, to communicate treatment programmes to patients who may have barriers to understanding or communicating, e.g. blind, deaf, dysphasic, or who do not have English as a first language
Attend multi-disciplinary team meetings as the therapy representative as delegated by the therapist. Participate in the clinical decision making process at multi-disciplinary meetings
Make accurate records of patient contacts undertaken and keep monthly statistics as required in line with Trust and service standards.
To document in MDT records all treatment undertaken, patient progress and treatment plans
To liaise with the therapist as necessary regarding patient care, highlighting any variations to expected outcomes from treatment programmes you deliver
To liaise with Health and Social Care colleagues to gather /share individual patient information to promote care and discharge planning, and to feedback to the physiotherapists or occupational therapists information gathered
To attend and actively participate in in-service training as required
To attend mandatory training according to trusts schedules
To induct newly appointed members of the therapy team into the hospital environment, systems, processes and routines
To assess for, measure, issue from stock and teach the safe use of appliances and aids to patients, e.g. mobility aids
To work within Risk Assessments for moving and handling of individual patients, reassessing and recording changes, and referring any increased risk back to the therapist
Contribute to development of patient care by attending relevant team, departmental or other appropriate meetings and comment on recommended changes to clinical care or service provision
The job holder must comply with the Medway NHS Foundation Trust Infection Prevention and Control policies at all times and adhere to the Clinical Work Wear policy. In particular hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment. Mandatory training must also be completed and up to date
To keep treatment areas tidy, clean therapy equipment regularly and ensure any faulty equipment is removed from service and referred for action
Be responsible for the safe use of therapy equipment and aids by patients in your care
Manage and prioritise your own patient caseload delegated by the therapist
To actively participate in the Trust Appraisal system, identifying personal development needs and plans
To monitor and develop own performance aiming to achieve and maintain a high standard
Be responsible for administrative arrangements within your team e.g. room bookings, appointments, onward referrals as delegated by the therapist, maintaining supplies, etc.
Deal with queries from patients, carers, doctors and other MDT members post discharge about follow-up therapy arrangements
Be aware of the Health and Safety aspects of work and implement any policies which may be required to maintain and improve the health and safety of your work area
Comply with the organisational and departmental policies and procedures and be involved in reviewing and up-dating as appropriate
