Breathlessness Service Therapy Assistant
This job is now closed
Job summary
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is a local charity that supports those living with life-limiting illnesses, and the people that care for them. We are based in Poole, with satellite clinics in Swanage, Wareham, Wimborne, and Bournemouth. We currently offer a Day Hospice, a Virtual Day Hospice, a Lymphoedema Service, a Bereavement and Family Support Service, Complementary Therapy and a Breathlessness Service.
We are looking for an experienced Therapy Assistant or Rehab Assistant to join our Breathlessness Service team. We are excited to expand our community support to people struggling with breathlessness.
Breathlessness is a common, impactful and distressing symptom that is associated with multiple chronic diseases and Cancers. It limits what people can do. Sadly, medical management of this symptom is limited but we can help people manage their symptom better with strategies such as breathing control, exercise, and psychoeducation.
This exciting new role is fundamental to the further expansion of the service; providing supportive care for patients at home or by phone; helping to run and develop exercise and support groups and provide supervised exercise at home. We are looking for someone who has a passion for enabling people become more active and improve their quality of life. As a service we are committed to giving people time to explore their experience. We are looking for someone with empathy and excellent listening skills.
Main duties of the job
This exciting new role is fundamental to the further expansion of the service; providing supportive care for patients at home or by phone; helping to run and develop exercise and support groups and provide supervised exercise at home. We are looking for someone who has a passion for enabling people become more active and improve their quality of life. As a service we are committed to giving people time to explore their experience. We are looking for someone with empathy and excellent listening skills.
At Lewis-Manning we believe in the development of our staff and there are plenty of opportunities for staff training. We believe breathlessness management to be a specialism and the upskilling of our team is fundamental in providing high-quality person-centred care. We aim to deliver our model within a coaching approach and there will be opportunity to enhance your skills in this area.
About us
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is a local charity that supports those living with life-limiting illnesses, and the people that care for them. We are based in Poole, with satellite clinics in Swanage, Wareham, Wimborne, and Bournemouth. We currently offer a Day Hospice, a Virtual Day Hospice, a Lymphoedema Service, a Bereavement and Family Support Service, Complementary Therapy and a Breathlessness Service.
Details
Date posted
30 January 2024
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£25,000 to £27,000 a year Pro-Rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
B0183-24-0002
Job locations
56 Longfleet Road
Poole
Dorset
BH15 2JD
Job description
Job responsibilities
To work in line with Lewis Mannings and the Breathlessness Services Mission, Vision and Values
To support and enhance the professional delivery of the Breathlessness Service within the Physiotherapy led team.
To assist and undertake specific clinical and administrative tasks to enable smooth running of the service.
To provide supportive care to our Breathless Caseload either face to face or via telephone.
To provide exercise rehabilitation at home under the guidance of senior staff discovering what is meaningful activity for the patient, developing and reviewing goals and exercise progression.
To hold a case load of patients working within a clear therapy plan, feeding back regularly to senior members of team on patients progress and discharge plans.
To be able recognise deteriorating patients within case load and inform senior clinician and/or member of patients MDT so that patient can be managed appropriately.
To help develop and run short term exercise/ activity classes for people with breathlessness who are unable to attend Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Apply a holistic approach to breathlessness with patients, family members/carers, and others involved in the patients care.
To assist patients with their breathlessness management plans including strategies to manage anxiety/ panic related to breathlessness.
To bring to the attention of senior staff and Clinical Director any concerns, including risks and complaints, which arise from the work undertaken with patients.
Job Responsibilities:Clinical
To assist and undertake specific clinical and administrative tasks to enable smooth running of the service.
Answer telephone enquiries from patients, carers, hospital and wider MDT.
To participate in competency based learning to ensure working within scope of practice.
To be able to work autonomously and in team in a variety of settings to suit patient need, including in patients own home, 1:1 and in group setting,
To hold a caseload under the supervision of senior Physiotherapists. Managing caseload appropriately with timely reviews and discharges and measuring of outcomes.
To be able to participate in the development of patient groups and be a key facilitator in leading groups for Lewis Manning.
To be an effective communicator, within the Breathlessness team and wider MDT including Lewis Manning Day Hospice, the NHS, Social Care and volunteer organisations.
To be an effective communicator, both verbal and non verbal to patients, their carers and their family members and an ability to adapt to those who may find communication difficult
To use skills of encouragement, empathy and education to motivate people to work towards their person centred goals.
Work within evidence-based care plans generated by senior members of the team to support of patients and their carers.
To be able to work with and provide supportive care to people and their carers/ family members who may be experience high levels of distress including anxiety and panic related to their disease.
To be able to recognise a deteriorating patient and act accordingly, managing risk in-line with risk assessments.
Support and educate patients and carers in a range of activities, with the aim of enabling them to develop coping strategies to manage their breathing better.
To provide sign posting and written resources such as those produced by Cambridge Breathlessness Intervention Service, Macmillan and the Asthma and Lung UK.
Be able to provide support to patients and carers through variety of modalities including phone calls, virtual appointments and face to face.
Refer on to other health and social care agencies as necessary to support patients on-going care needs and self management.
Attend Breathlessness team meetings and Lewis Manning All Staff Meetings.
To be responsible for ongoing risk assessment around clinical practice and personal safety, and reporting and escalating concerns in line with Lewis Manning policy
To work appropriately at the level of competency within scope of practice, prioritising patient safety at all times.
To maintain strict confidentiality and always respect the individual rights of patients.
Maintain the highest standards of clinical record-keeping, including electronic data entry, recording and report-writing, in accordance with LMs policies and procedures and professional guidelines
To be able to work within a dynamic environment and proactively participate in service development.
Must have a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work to be able drive to peoples home and satellite clinics
To provide exercise rehabilitation at home to improve the function of the breathless person.
Operational Management
To be accountable through the terms and conditions of employment, professional regulations, clinical governance and statutory Health and safety regulations
Responsible for reporting incidents in line with policy and maintaining up today knowledge on emergency procedures and organisational polity
Responsible to lead Specialist Physiotherapist
To maintain up-to-date and comprehensive treatment records using System one
Professional responsibilities
Act within outlined competencies, providing safe care to patients.
Practice in accordance with statutory law, national, organisational and local policy and professional standards in relation to consent to treatment and confidentiality
Participate in service development projects.
Participate in mandatory training according to LMHC and professional regulation
Health and Safety
It is the responsibility of all staff to:
- Take reasonable care for the Health and Safety of themselves, colleagues, patients and visitors
- Report (without delay) any accidents, incidents, near-miss events, risks, faults or defects
- Use all work equipment (medical devices, dangerous substances, machinery, transport, means of production, and safety equipment) in accordance with training and instructions provided
- Not use such items or equipment unless they have received appropriate information and training
- Have a good understanding of our MyConcern online safeguarding tool receive training and complete any of the above incidents immediately
Infection Control
It is the responsibility of all staff to:
Take individual responsibility for the prevention of infection
Ensure high level of personal hygiene, hand hygiene in particular
Safeguarding
Lewis Manning Hospice is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all vulnerable adults, children, and young people, by taking all reasonable steps to protect them from harm. All staff will receive appropriate training and induction so that they understand their roles and responsibilities and are confident about carrying them out.
Confidentiality and GDPR
Any matters of a confidential nature, including individual staff records must under no circumstances be divulged or made available to any unauthorised person(s).
Disclosures of confidential information or disclosures of any data of a personal nature can result in prosecution for an offence under the Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR regulations 2018, or an action for civil damages under the same Act in addition to any disciplinary action taken by the organisation which might include dismissal. You should consult your line manager if you consider that there is a need to breach such confidentiality. You are advised that throughout your employment the organisation will collate information to support performance management.
It is the responsibility of all staff to be aware of their obligations in respect of the Data Protection Act 1998 and the GDPR regulations 2018
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
It is the responsibility of all staff to:
Recognise the importance of peoples rights and act in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.
Support people who may need assistance enabling them to make best use of their abilities.
Acknowledge and recognise peoples expressed beliefs, preferences and choices, respect diversity, value people as individuals and encourage others to do so.
Promote a can do approach and an open and fair culture throughout the organisation.
Training and Development
All of our employees are provided with training development opportunities.
Performance Review commitment
The organisation is committed to ensuring all staff receive an annual review, participate in the review scheme, and develop, in conjunction with their line manager an agreed personal development plan. All staff are expected to participate in the review scheme.
Our Values:
- We are patient centred
- We listen to what matters
- We are kind
- We are accountable
This is an outline job description and may be subject to change, according to the needs of the service, in consultation with the post holder. It should be taken as the current representation and consequently a job description review will automatically take place as part of the annual appraisal.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To work in line with Lewis Mannings and the Breathlessness Services Mission, Vision and Values
To support and enhance the professional delivery of the Breathlessness Service within the Physiotherapy led team.
To assist and undertake specific clinical and administrative tasks to enable smooth running of the service.
To provide supportive care to our Breathless Caseload either face to face or via telephone.
To provide exercise rehabilitation at home under the guidance of senior staff discovering what is meaningful activity for the patient, developing and reviewing goals and exercise progression.
To hold a case load of patients working within a clear therapy plan, feeding back regularly to senior members of team on patients progress and discharge plans.
To be able recognise deteriorating patients within case load and inform senior clinician and/or member of patients MDT so that patient can be managed appropriately.
To help develop and run short term exercise/ activity classes for people with breathlessness who are unable to attend Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
Apply a holistic approach to breathlessness with patients, family members/carers, and others involved in the patients care.
To assist patients with their breathlessness management plans including strategies to manage anxiety/ panic related to breathlessness.
To bring to the attention of senior staff and Clinical Director any concerns, including risks and complaints, which arise from the work undertaken with patients.
Job Responsibilities:Clinical
To assist and undertake specific clinical and administrative tasks to enable smooth running of the service.
Answer telephone enquiries from patients, carers, hospital and wider MDT.
To participate in competency based learning to ensure working within scope of practice.
To be able to work autonomously and in team in a variety of settings to suit patient need, including in patients own home, 1:1 and in group setting,
To hold a caseload under the supervision of senior Physiotherapists. Managing caseload appropriately with timely reviews and discharges and measuring of outcomes.
To be able to participate in the development of patient groups and be a key facilitator in leading groups for Lewis Manning.
To be an effective communicator, within the Breathlessness team and wider MDT including Lewis Manning Day Hospice, the NHS, Social Care and volunteer organisations.
To be an effective communicator, both verbal and non verbal to patients, their carers and their family members and an ability to adapt to those who may find communication difficult
To use skills of encouragement, empathy and education to motivate people to work towards their person centred goals.
Work within evidence-based care plans generated by senior members of the team to support of patients and their carers.
To be able to work with and provide supportive care to people and their carers/ family members who may be experience high levels of distress including anxiety and panic related to their disease.
To be able to recognise a deteriorating patient and act accordingly, managing risk in-line with risk assessments.
Support and educate patients and carers in a range of activities, with the aim of enabling them to develop coping strategies to manage their breathing better.
To provide sign posting and written resources such as those produced by Cambridge Breathlessness Intervention Service, Macmillan and the Asthma and Lung UK.
Be able to provide support to patients and carers through variety of modalities including phone calls, virtual appointments and face to face.
Refer on to other health and social care agencies as necessary to support patients on-going care needs and self management.
Attend Breathlessness team meetings and Lewis Manning All Staff Meetings.
To be responsible for ongoing risk assessment around clinical practice and personal safety, and reporting and escalating concerns in line with Lewis Manning policy
To work appropriately at the level of competency within scope of practice, prioritising patient safety at all times.
To maintain strict confidentiality and always respect the individual rights of patients.
Maintain the highest standards of clinical record-keeping, including electronic data entry, recording and report-writing, in accordance with LMs policies and procedures and professional guidelines
To be able to work within a dynamic environment and proactively participate in service development.
Must have a valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work to be able drive to peoples home and satellite clinics
To provide exercise rehabilitation at home to improve the function of the breathless person.
Operational Management
To be accountable through the terms and conditions of employment, professional regulations, clinical governance and statutory Health and safety regulations
Responsible for reporting incidents in line with policy and maintaining up today knowledge on emergency procedures and organisational polity
Responsible to lead Specialist Physiotherapist
To maintain up-to-date and comprehensive treatment records using System one
Professional responsibilities
Act within outlined competencies, providing safe care to patients.
Practice in accordance with statutory law, national, organisational and local policy and professional standards in relation to consent to treatment and confidentiality
Participate in service development projects.
Participate in mandatory training according to LMHC and professional regulation
Health and Safety
It is the responsibility of all staff to:
- Take reasonable care for the Health and Safety of themselves, colleagues, patients and visitors
- Report (without delay) any accidents, incidents, near-miss events, risks, faults or defects
- Use all work equipment (medical devices, dangerous substances, machinery, transport, means of production, and safety equipment) in accordance with training and instructions provided
- Not use such items or equipment unless they have received appropriate information and training
- Have a good understanding of our MyConcern online safeguarding tool receive training and complete any of the above incidents immediately
Infection Control
It is the responsibility of all staff to:
Take individual responsibility for the prevention of infection
Ensure high level of personal hygiene, hand hygiene in particular
Safeguarding
Lewis Manning Hospice is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all vulnerable adults, children, and young people, by taking all reasonable steps to protect them from harm. All staff will receive appropriate training and induction so that they understand their roles and responsibilities and are confident about carrying them out.
Confidentiality and GDPR
Any matters of a confidential nature, including individual staff records must under no circumstances be divulged or made available to any unauthorised person(s).
Disclosures of confidential information or disclosures of any data of a personal nature can result in prosecution for an offence under the Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR regulations 2018, or an action for civil damages under the same Act in addition to any disciplinary action taken by the organisation which might include dismissal. You should consult your line manager if you consider that there is a need to breach such confidentiality. You are advised that throughout your employment the organisation will collate information to support performance management.
It is the responsibility of all staff to be aware of their obligations in respect of the Data Protection Act 1998 and the GDPR regulations 2018
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
It is the responsibility of all staff to:
Recognise the importance of peoples rights and act in accordance with legislation, policies and procedures.
Support people who may need assistance enabling them to make best use of their abilities.
Acknowledge and recognise peoples expressed beliefs, preferences and choices, respect diversity, value people as individuals and encourage others to do so.
Promote a can do approach and an open and fair culture throughout the organisation.
Training and Development
All of our employees are provided with training development opportunities.
Performance Review commitment
The organisation is committed to ensuring all staff receive an annual review, participate in the review scheme, and develop, in conjunction with their line manager an agreed personal development plan. All staff are expected to participate in the review scheme.
Our Values:
- We are patient centred
- We listen to what matters
- We are kind
- We are accountable
This is an outline job description and may be subject to change, according to the needs of the service, in consultation with the post holder. It should be taken as the current representation and consequently a job description review will automatically take place as part of the annual appraisal.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ level 3 in health and social care OR equivalent experience working as a therapy assistant
- GCSE Maths and English
Desirable
- Exercise referral/ prescription or fitness instruction
Experience
Essential
- 3 years experience minimum working as a therapy assistant OR equivalent.
- Experience in working as part of a team.
- Experience of working 1:1 with patients and under supervision
- Experience of working with patients with respiratory disease and/or cardiac disease and /or experience working in palliative care settings
- Evidence of attendance of regular supervision and appraisals.
- Evidence of training and/or experience related to recognising deteriorating patients.
Desirable
- Experience in elderly care and multi-comorbidity
- Community experience and understanding of community services.
- Experience of using NEWs scores as part of patient monitoring.
- Experience working in oncology.
- Experience participating and/or running and leading patient exercise or support groups
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Ability to work autonomously with excellent self management skills.
- High level of written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge about the value of exercise and activity
- To be able to supervise exercise programs with patients in a group and/ or 1:1, assessing risk and stopping appropriately.
- To be able to progress patients with exercise programs under the guidance of Physiotherapist.
- To be able to do basic mobility assessments and issue basic mobility equipment to maintain patient safety.
- Willingness to learn about the holistic approach to the management of breathlessness
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to adapt to those who may find communication difficult
- Excellent listening skills to allow people to fully share their lived experience.
- IT skills.
- Able to monitor equipment used when treating patients.
- Ability to travel to satellite centres and to peoples homes with use of own vehicle.
Desirable
- Breathlessness Management
- Assessment and prescription of assistive devices and equipment
- Ability to work in group setting.
- Fatigue management principles
- Knowledge about falls risk and how to reduce risk of falls.
- Psychological support interventions such as mindfulness, relaxation.
- Evidence of commitment to ongoing learning.
- Planning and organising own workload
Attitudes and Values
Essential
- To be committed to the task of engaging and motivating people to be active in a way that is meaningful for them.
- Flexible and adaptable
- Self-motivated
- Compassionate
- Patient
- Active listening
- Committed to confidentiality and equal opportunities
- Understand the importance of What Matters
- Team worker
- Commitment to excellent person-centred care
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ level 3 in health and social care OR equivalent experience working as a therapy assistant
- GCSE Maths and English
Desirable
- Exercise referral/ prescription or fitness instruction
Experience
Essential
- 3 years experience minimum working as a therapy assistant OR equivalent.
- Experience in working as part of a team.
- Experience of working 1:1 with patients and under supervision
- Experience of working with patients with respiratory disease and/or cardiac disease and /or experience working in palliative care settings
- Evidence of attendance of regular supervision and appraisals.
- Evidence of training and/or experience related to recognising deteriorating patients.
Desirable
- Experience in elderly care and multi-comorbidity
- Community experience and understanding of community services.
- Experience of using NEWs scores as part of patient monitoring.
- Experience working in oncology.
- Experience participating and/or running and leading patient exercise or support groups
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
- Ability to work autonomously with excellent self management skills.
- High level of written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge about the value of exercise and activity
- To be able to supervise exercise programs with patients in a group and/ or 1:1, assessing risk and stopping appropriately.
- To be able to progress patients with exercise programs under the guidance of Physiotherapist.
- To be able to do basic mobility assessments and issue basic mobility equipment to maintain patient safety.
- Willingness to learn about the holistic approach to the management of breathlessness
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to adapt to those who may find communication difficult
- Excellent listening skills to allow people to fully share their lived experience.
- IT skills.
- Able to monitor equipment used when treating patients.
- Ability to travel to satellite centres and to peoples homes with use of own vehicle.
Desirable
- Breathlessness Management
- Assessment and prescription of assistive devices and equipment
- Ability to work in group setting.
- Fatigue management principles
- Knowledge about falls risk and how to reduce risk of falls.
- Psychological support interventions such as mindfulness, relaxation.
- Evidence of commitment to ongoing learning.
- Planning and organising own workload
Attitudes and Values
Essential
- To be committed to the task of engaging and motivating people to be active in a way that is meaningful for them.
- Flexible and adaptable
- Self-motivated
- Compassionate
- Patient
- Active listening
- Committed to confidentiality and equal opportunities
- Understand the importance of What Matters
- Team worker
- Commitment to excellent person-centred care
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.
Employer details
Employer name
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care
Address
56 Longfleet Road
Poole
Dorset
BH15 2JD
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care
Address
56 Longfleet Road
Poole
Dorset
BH15 2JD
Employer's website
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Details
Date posted
30 January 2024
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£25,000 to £27,000 a year Pro-Rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number
B0183-24-0002
Job locations
56 Longfleet Road
Poole
Dorset
BH15 2JD
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