Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Community Stroke Team as a Band 4 Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Assistant.This role will be based across Lambeth and Southwark Community Stroke Team. The Community Stroke Team provides therapy for adults with a stroke diagnosis. This postholder will be a member of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), assisting Occupational Therapists (OT) and the MDT in providing stroke rehabilitation.
Please note interviews will be held week commencing 27/05/24 - there will be a practical element involved so this will need to be attended in person.
Main duties of the job
- To work as a member of the multidisciplinary team, assisting OTs in providing stroke rehabilitation to adults living in Lambeth and Southwark.
- To undertake specific, skilled support work to aid patients' rehabilitation.
- To work autonomously, reporting back to therapist(s) on patients' progress or any problems.
- To assist the team with administrative and clerical duties.
- To be involved in supporting group therapy, including running groups autonomously.
About us
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK's best known hospitals - Guy's, St Thomas', Evelina London Children's Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield - as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.
We are among the UK's busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We provide specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark.
We have a long tradition of clinical and scientific achievement and - as part of King's Health Partners - we are one of England's eight academic health sciences centres, bringing together world-class clinical services, teaching and research. We have one of the National Institute for Health Research'sbiomedical research centres, established with King's College London in 2007, as well as dedicated clinical research facilities.
We have around 22,700 staff, making us one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country and one of the biggest employers locally. We aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and continue to develop new and existing partnerships with local people, patients, and neighbouring NHS organisations, local authorities and charitable bodies and GPs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical and Operational
- To accept patients referred from different disciplines/members of the team and work with rehab assistant colleagues to allocate these referrals.
- To manage own patient caseload across both boroughs and organise own working schedule as required. Ensure flexibility to meet service demands as required.
- To meet expected clinical contacts as per service targets for entire team. To review and discuss this within supervision and flag if any barriers to achieving this.
- To work in a variety of community settings including neurorehabilitation service bases, out-patient clinics, the patients home environment, including care homes residents and the community with or without direct supervision.
- To participate in decision-making regarding patient rehabilitation programs. This includes contributing to multi-disciplinary meetings and case conferences.
- To complete risk assessments and continually evaluate risk in relation to all aspects of safety regarding self, patient and colleagues.
- To treat patients according to programmes developed by the OT and MDT; monitoring patients progress and adapting/modifying treatment as required, ensuring regular and timely feedback is given to the treating clinician(s).
- To deliver rehabilitation programmes in an interdisciplinary way, incorporating goals within functional activities.
- To undertake initial face-to-face assessments for Occupational Therapy with the MDT. For example, assessment with Physiotherapy or Speech & Language Therapy colleagues in re-settlement cases.
- To carry outcome measures, mood screens and cognitive assessments as directed by qualified Occupational Therapists.
- To maintain comprehensive and accurate patient records that are consistent with organisational, legal and professional requirements. Records will detail all interventions with the patient and include evaluations of progress through clinical notes and contribution to discharge reports.
- To complete clinical administrative tasks such as the booking of appointments, ordering and following-up on equipment orders, organising and facilitating clinics/groups, signposting to other services and completing onward referrals.
- To clearly communicate discharge plans and health and social needs with the patient and relevant others collaboratively with members of MDT based on rehabilitation progress and attainment of goals.
- To be responsible for the assessment, ordering, fitting, review and, if required, collection of prescribed equipment under the guidance of a clinician. They may include training carers in use of prescribed equipment.
- To undertake initial telephone assessments welfare calls following receipt of referral as directed.
- To report any concerns about the welfare of patients directly to the treating therapists and supervisor/line manager.
- To assist with RADAR incident reporting.
- To assist with the development of students on placement.
- Working from different bases depending on clinical caseload, and to ensure attendance to various meetings including training and supervision.
- The post holder must use PeopleSafe and other personal protective equipment as determined by the service to ensure safety in general and to protect lone workers in particular.
Administration & Clerical
- To assist with team administrative duties, and receive tasks from different members of MDT and ensure actioned in a timely manner.
- To be responsible for own SSNAP data entry following clinical contacts.
- To undertake general office duties, including managing peripheral equipment stores and maintain stock on all sites.
- To ensure access to different devices (laptop/phone) throughout working day whilst travelling between visits/sites, organising diary effectively, and ensure accessing/recording information accurately.
- To allow access to your diary from other members of MDT in order to request joint visits/patient sessions/completion of tasks as availability allows.
Communication
- To take into account the views and wishes of patients, carers and families, respecting their preference and diversity.
- To use effective verbal and non-verbal communication styles to engage patients in their treatment plans. You will be working with patients who may have barriers to understanding e.g. cognitive or communication difficulties, blindness, deafness or where English is not their first language.
- To communicate information to patients who have complex needs; physical, cognitive, psychological and emotional. In these situations, people may demonstrate high levels of anxiety and distress.
- To build therapeutic relationships with patients using empathy and active listening skills.
- To effectively use written and verbal communication with the MDT, families, carers, other professionals and agencies. This may involve meetings, phone calls, emails and formal referrals.
- To feedback patient progress and updates to treating clinicians, using both written and verbal communication.
- To attend patient related meetings as appropriate.
- To ensure transparency within role with patients/families/colleagues to maintain good duty of candour compliance.
Education and Professional Development
- To develop a high level of understanding of the roles of the MDT members.
- To develop and maintain competencies related to the post.
- To be aware of your own scope of practice and only undertake work for which you have received training and where an agreed competency has been reached.
- To actively participate and contribute to service development.
- To participate in training programmes relating to the post.
- To participate in the induction and training of therapy and other health and social care professionals, volunteers and students.
- To actively participate in regular structured supervision with supervisor/line manager using critical thinking, reflection and analysis to develop learning. Supervision sessions will be recorded, documenting agreed actions and discussion points.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical and Operational
- To accept patients referred from different disciplines/members of the team and work with rehab assistant colleagues to allocate these referrals.
- To manage own patient caseload across both boroughs and organise own working schedule as required. Ensure flexibility to meet service demands as required.
- To meet expected clinical contacts as per service targets for entire team. To review and discuss this within supervision and flag if any barriers to achieving this.
- To work in a variety of community settings including neurorehabilitation service bases, out-patient clinics, the patients home environment, including care homes residents and the community with or without direct supervision.
- To participate in decision-making regarding patient rehabilitation programs. This includes contributing to multi-disciplinary meetings and case conferences.
- To complete risk assessments and continually evaluate risk in relation to all aspects of safety regarding self, patient and colleagues.
- To treat patients according to programmes developed by the OT and MDT; monitoring patients progress and adapting/modifying treatment as required, ensuring regular and timely feedback is given to the treating clinician(s).
- To deliver rehabilitation programmes in an interdisciplinary way, incorporating goals within functional activities.
- To undertake initial face-to-face assessments for Occupational Therapy with the MDT. For example, assessment with Physiotherapy or Speech & Language Therapy colleagues in re-settlement cases.
- To carry outcome measures, mood screens and cognitive assessments as directed by qualified Occupational Therapists.
- To maintain comprehensive and accurate patient records that are consistent with organisational, legal and professional requirements. Records will detail all interventions with the patient and include evaluations of progress through clinical notes and contribution to discharge reports.
- To complete clinical administrative tasks such as the booking of appointments, ordering and following-up on equipment orders, organising and facilitating clinics/groups, signposting to other services and completing onward referrals.
- To clearly communicate discharge plans and health and social needs with the patient and relevant others collaboratively with members of MDT based on rehabilitation progress and attainment of goals.
- To be responsible for the assessment, ordering, fitting, review and, if required, collection of prescribed equipment under the guidance of a clinician. They may include training carers in use of prescribed equipment.
- To undertake initial telephone assessments welfare calls following receipt of referral as directed.
- To report any concerns about the welfare of patients directly to the treating therapists and supervisor/line manager.
- To assist with RADAR incident reporting.
- To assist with the development of students on placement.
- Working from different bases depending on clinical caseload, and to ensure attendance to various meetings including training and supervision.
- The post holder must use PeopleSafe and other personal protective equipment as determined by the service to ensure safety in general and to protect lone workers in particular.
Administration & Clerical
- To assist with team administrative duties, and receive tasks from different members of MDT and ensure actioned in a timely manner.
- To be responsible for own SSNAP data entry following clinical contacts.
- To undertake general office duties, including managing peripheral equipment stores and maintain stock on all sites.
- To ensure access to different devices (laptop/phone) throughout working day whilst travelling between visits/sites, organising diary effectively, and ensure accessing/recording information accurately.
- To allow access to your diary from other members of MDT in order to request joint visits/patient sessions/completion of tasks as availability allows.
Communication
- To take into account the views and wishes of patients, carers and families, respecting their preference and diversity.
- To use effective verbal and non-verbal communication styles to engage patients in their treatment plans. You will be working with patients who may have barriers to understanding e.g. cognitive or communication difficulties, blindness, deafness or where English is not their first language.
- To communicate information to patients who have complex needs; physical, cognitive, psychological and emotional. In these situations, people may demonstrate high levels of anxiety and distress.
- To build therapeutic relationships with patients using empathy and active listening skills.
- To effectively use written and verbal communication with the MDT, families, carers, other professionals and agencies. This may involve meetings, phone calls, emails and formal referrals.
- To feedback patient progress and updates to treating clinicians, using both written and verbal communication.
- To attend patient related meetings as appropriate.
- To ensure transparency within role with patients/families/colleagues to maintain good duty of candour compliance.
Education and Professional Development
- To develop a high level of understanding of the roles of the MDT members.
- To develop and maintain competencies related to the post.
- To be aware of your own scope of practice and only undertake work for which you have received training and where an agreed competency has been reached.
- To actively participate and contribute to service development.
- To participate in training programmes relating to the post.
- To participate in the induction and training of therapy and other health and social care professionals, volunteers and students.
- To actively participate in regular structured supervision with supervisor/line manager using critical thinking, reflection and analysis to develop learning. Supervision sessions will be recorded, documenting agreed actions and discussion points.
Person Specification
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
- Good general education (to GCSE or equivalent)
- Relevant higher education such as NVQ 3 qualification (or equivalent experience)
Desirable
- Training specific to working with patients with neurological impairments and disabilities.
- Trusted Assessor
- Care Certificate
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with adults with disabilities
- Understanding of the assistant role in supporting the work of a multidisciplinary therapy rehab team
- Experience of working as part of a team
- The ability to demonstrate an understanding of Equal Opportunities
- An understanding of issues of confidentiality
- The ability to develop and apply knowledge of standards of record keeping
- Experience of administrative work, for example filing, typing and date entry
- The ability to participate in the Individual Performance Review process for personal development.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a neuro rehabilitation setting with a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience of working in a community setting and within patient's own homes
- Experience of working with people with cognitive and communication difficulties such as aphasia
- Experience of facilitating/ running groups
- Supervising staff
Skills
Essential
- Analytical and judgement skills
- The ability to use own initiative, but know when to seek advice
- The ability to work both under direct supervision and also autonomously/ without supervision
- The ability to progress/make adjustments to patient-centred care/rehab programmes
- To complete risk assessments and continually evaluate risk in relation to all aspects of safety regarding self, patient and colleagues
- To demonstrate the ability to reflect on own strengths and development needs, actively participating in supervisions and appraisals/performance development reviews
- To understand an individual patients' needs/preferences, including consideration of cultural and linguistic differences
- To demonstrate an understanding of the implications of disability on peoples' lives
- Basic understanding of Occupational Therapy and the role of support worker/therapy assistant within the Community Stroke Team
- Effective verbal, written and telephone communication skills in English
- Able to use initiative whilst seeking assistance where appropriate
- Demonstrate flexibility in their approach to work and be responsive to change in demands of the service and patients
- Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations
- Proficient in the use of basic IT including Microsoft Office and internet
- The ability to use mobile electronic devices to the required standard
- The ability to manage and prioritise own workload
- Flexibility to re-organise diary/sessions as required to meet more urgent service demands
- The ability to participate in the organisation and administration of training programmes
- To demonstrate excellent communication skills (such as active listening, verbal, non-verbal and written).
- To demonstrate empathy with patients, carers, families and colleagues, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where barriers to understanding exist
- Good interpersonal skills - including observation, listening, empathy, sensitivity, tact and diplomacy
- To develop skills in motivating patients and their families and / or carers to engage in the therapy
- To understand the roles of others and recognise own boundaries
- The ability to work collaboratively with patients, families, carers and colleagues
- To demonstrate flexibility in approach to work and responsive to changing demands of the service and patients
- Commitment to self-development through attendance of relevant training
Desirable
- Previous experience using notes systems such as Carenotes/Apollo/Epic, EPR/E-noting, IRIS/NRS and other equipment providers.
Physical Requirements
Essential
- To be physically able to undertake therapeutic moving and handling of patients and equipment
- The ability to travel across a range of community settings with equipment and mobile devices
Desirable
- Car driver with full, clean driving license valid for UK
- Knowledge of geographical area (Lambeth and Southwark)
- Able to work hours flexibly if required
Person Specification
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
- Good general education (to GCSE or equivalent)
- Relevant higher education such as NVQ 3 qualification (or equivalent experience)
Desirable
- Training specific to working with patients with neurological impairments and disabilities.
- Trusted Assessor
- Care Certificate
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with adults with disabilities
- Understanding of the assistant role in supporting the work of a multidisciplinary therapy rehab team
- Experience of working as part of a team
- The ability to demonstrate an understanding of Equal Opportunities
- An understanding of issues of confidentiality
- The ability to develop and apply knowledge of standards of record keeping
- Experience of administrative work, for example filing, typing and date entry
- The ability to participate in the Individual Performance Review process for personal development.
Desirable
- Experience of working in a neuro rehabilitation setting with a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience of working in a community setting and within patient's own homes
- Experience of working with people with cognitive and communication difficulties such as aphasia
- Experience of facilitating/ running groups
- Supervising staff
Skills
Essential
- Analytical and judgement skills
- The ability to use own initiative, but know when to seek advice
- The ability to work both under direct supervision and also autonomously/ without supervision
- The ability to progress/make adjustments to patient-centred care/rehab programmes
- To complete risk assessments and continually evaluate risk in relation to all aspects of safety regarding self, patient and colleagues
- To demonstrate the ability to reflect on own strengths and development needs, actively participating in supervisions and appraisals/performance development reviews
- To understand an individual patients' needs/preferences, including consideration of cultural and linguistic differences
- To demonstrate an understanding of the implications of disability on peoples' lives
- Basic understanding of Occupational Therapy and the role of support worker/therapy assistant within the Community Stroke Team
- Effective verbal, written and telephone communication skills in English
- Able to use initiative whilst seeking assistance where appropriate
- Demonstrate flexibility in their approach to work and be responsive to change in demands of the service and patients
- Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations
- Proficient in the use of basic IT including Microsoft Office and internet
- The ability to use mobile electronic devices to the required standard
- The ability to manage and prioritise own workload
- Flexibility to re-organise diary/sessions as required to meet more urgent service demands
- The ability to participate in the organisation and administration of training programmes
- To demonstrate excellent communication skills (such as active listening, verbal, non-verbal and written).
- To demonstrate empathy with patients, carers, families and colleagues, ensuring that effective communication is achieved, particularly where barriers to understanding exist
- Good interpersonal skills - including observation, listening, empathy, sensitivity, tact and diplomacy
- To develop skills in motivating patients and their families and / or carers to engage in the therapy
- To understand the roles of others and recognise own boundaries
- The ability to work collaboratively with patients, families, carers and colleagues
- To demonstrate flexibility in approach to work and responsive to changing demands of the service and patients
- Commitment to self-development through attendance of relevant training
Desirable
- Previous experience using notes systems such as Carenotes/Apollo/Epic, EPR/E-noting, IRIS/NRS and other equipment providers.
Physical Requirements
Essential
- To be physically able to undertake therapeutic moving and handling of patients and equipment
- The ability to travel across a range of community settings with equipment and mobile devices
Desirable
- Car driver with full, clean driving license valid for UK
- Knowledge of geographical area (Lambeth and Southwark)
- Able to work hours flexibly if required
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).
Additional information
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).
