Physiotherapy Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

Assist the physiotherapist in the rehabilitation of patients using a range of delegated skills.

To manage the rehabilitation of patients as delegated by the physiotherapist. To be responsible for recognising patient progress or deterioration ( in particular taking and interpreting basic observations) and reporting back to physiotherapist.

Treat patients individually or in a group in a variety of settings with or without the direct supervision or presence of a physiotherapist, e.g. clinics or on the ward.

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.

Make accurate records of work undertaken and keep monthly statistics as required, including documenting patient contacts in line with professional and service standards.

To liaise with the physiotherapist as necessary regarding patient care. In particular highlighting any variations to expected outcomes from treatment programmes you deliver.

To attend in-service training as required.

To actively participate in the delivery of in-service training.

Assist in the induction of newly appointed therapy assistants in basic elements of patient care and safety.

To assess, measure and instruct use of walking aids and mobility aids. To effectively administer and record provision of any aids provided to patients.

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.

Collate and enter statistical data onto the departmental data base using Medway system.

Partake in departmental audit as required.

Organisational

Keep the department/treatment area tidy, clean the physiotherapy equipment regularly and ensure that no damaged or problem equipment is used.

Be responsible for the safe use of physiotherapy equipment and aids by patients in your care.

Manage and prioritise a patient case load as delegated by the physiotherapist on a daily basis.

To take part in the individual trust appraisal and performance review programme.

Actively participate in own staff development and review in order to identify personal development plans and training needs.

Monitor and develop own performance, aiming to achieve and maintain a high standard.

Assist physiotherapist in administrative duties and tasks as required, e.g. photocopying etc, equipment loan stores, booking rooms, organising equipment etc.

To attend mandatory training on manual handling, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, care certificate and fire management as required by Trust policy.

General

To undertake any related duties as directed by Team Leader physiotherapist or relevant senior staff.

Ensure daily communication with the physiotherapist regarding treatment of individual patients.

Be aware of the Health and Safety aspects of work and implement any policies which may be required to improve the health and safety of the work area.

Comply with the organisational and departmental policies and procedures and be involved in reviewing and updating as appropriate.

Physical effort:

The post holder will be expected to kneel, sit on heels, move inert adult limbs, support patients while walking, move and handle patients, push wheelchairs, use hoists on a daily basis.

Mental effort

The post holder will be expected to concentrate during treatment sessions and ensure good communication with patients, including those who have impaired understanding or communication difficulties, e.g. slurred speech.

Emotional effort

Care of terminally ill or patients with chronic degenerative illness.

Dealing with patients who may be depressed, withdrawn or aggressive.

Working conditions

Cramped space in ward areas, contact with infestations, soiled linen, other bodily fluids such as those related to the respiratory care of patients.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• G.C.S.E's or equivalent including A- C and above in English Language and Maths
• NVQ level II or equivalent

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in caring for patients in a hospital or care setting

Skills

Essential

• Ability to deal with general public including those with communication/language barriers
• Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate ability to communicate with patient's wide range of personalities including those with impaired communication abilities
• Able to demonstrate empathy, motivate and persuade all patients including those with impaired cognitive abilities or physical senses
• Demonstrate good organisational skills
• Able to handle sensitive/confidential issues
• Fitness to undertake the duties of the post
• Willingness to undertake appropriate training (NVQ III)

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Tameside Hospital

Fountain Street

Ashton-under-Lyne

OL6 9RW

Employer's website

https://www.tamesidehospital.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)