B3 Therapy Assistant - Medical Rehabilitation Team

Job description

Job responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities Clinical

To carry out the appropriate procedures and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the therapist with the appropriate level of competency. It is the joint responsibility of the therapy assistant and the supervisor to ensure the assistant is competent and confident in carrying out the required intervention and duties. These may involve mobilising and transferring patients, assisting with functional tasks, cognitive rehabilitation programmes set out by a therapist, undertaking home visits, assisting with groups, carrying and installing equipment and supervising exercise programmes.

To provide patients and carers with direction and guidance on a range of rehabilitation activities as directed by the physiotherapist or occupational therapist. This may incorporate encouraging patients and carers to actively become involved in regaining and maintaining their independence.

To carry out access or joint home visits with patients, supervising and assisting patients with treatment programmes as directed by the therapists.

To support therapists in specific treatment programmes which may involve regular manual handling of patients who may have considerable physical disability. The post holder will be expected to kneel, sit on heels, move inert adult limbs and support patients whilst mobilising. They may also be expected to transfer patients; push wheelchairs, use hoist, measure and cut sticks, and carry/install equipment i.e. bath seats, frames and commodes on a daily basis.

Setting up equipment for use by therapists during treatment sessions or for use in the home environment to assist patients independence.

To provide advice on the safe use of equipment to patients and those appropriate.

To participate in the maintenance, cleaning and recharging of therapy equipment.

# To participate in maintenance of treatment areas in accordance with the health and safety policy and departmental procedures.

To cover for absent staff e.g. therapy assistants who work in another area, or support a physiotherapist/ occupational therapist who have staff shortages in their section if the need arises.

To comply with the Trust policy on confidentiality, maintaining strict confidentiality regarding any information pertaining patients and their families.

To attend and actively participate in-service training as required.

To attend staff and assistant meetings and actively participate in-service training as required.

To travel between sites and patients homes as required using own, hospital or public transport and to take responsibility for the safety of patients and equipment whilst on these visits.

To participate in the smooth running of work areas by undertaking administrative tasks e.g. making appointments, telephone calls and other clerical activities.

To keep regular and up to date records written or electronically data and assist the therapists as necessary with departmental statistics.

Maintain appropriate levels of stock within the therapy team.

Arranging transport for patients.

Directing patients to appropriate locations within the Trust.

Booking interpreters by phone or online.

To be able to use good communication skills with patients of all age groups and carers including those with communication difficulties.

Dealing with patients/ relatives queries both in person and on the telephone courteously and efficiently.

To liaise with the occupational therapist /physiotherapist regarding patient care and report to the supervising therapist any change in the patients condition.

To communicate with other members of the multidisciplinary team, carers, external agencies and those related to the patients care. To use effective communication with patients or relatives who have barriers of understanding or communicating. e.g. visually impaired, cognitive impairment, hearing or speech disability and to be aware of any device e.g. hearing aids which may hinder communication.

To deal sensitively with patients and carers who have a high level of anxiety or aggression due to for example, pain, fear or failed expectations.

To work on a daily basis with patients/carers/relatives who have a high level of

emotional stress due to awareness of diagnosis or poor prognosis.

The post holder is expected to concentrate frequently on a daily basis during sessions and ensure effective communication with those who have impaired understanding or communication difficulties. There may be unpleasant exposure to verbal or physical aggression.

To actively participate in the trusts performance appraisal and to have supervision with an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist to review own performance and identify training and development needs.

May be exposed to confined working conditions within patients homes or within hospital environment.

There may be daily exposure to unpleasant working conditions for example, body fluids including urine, faeces and sputum and hazardous substances such as contaminated body fluids and chemotherapy. There may also be contact with patients who have highly infectious conditions e.g. multi resistant Tuberculosis.

To work in an environment where the work pattern may be disrupted by frequent demands from staff, patients, students, relatives and telephone calls.

To comply with the trust manual handling policy at all times.

Person Specification

Trust Values

Essential

• Putting Patients First, Responsive to Patients and Staff, Open and Honest, Unfailingly Kind, Determined to Develop

Education and Qualifications

Essential

• Good reading and writing- English comprehension
• GCSE or equivalent in English and Maths Grade C or above

Desirable

• Relevant NVQ (or working towards a NVQ)

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a health care or hospital setting
• Experience working in a clinical role with people with disabilities/ health conditions

Desirable

• Experience working in a Therapy department with both physiotherapists and occupational therapists
• Experience of working in the NHS

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

• Evidence of verbal and written communication skills in English
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Ability to show initiative and be proactive
• Demonstration of ability to work in a team
• Demonstration of understanding and application of time management skills
• Able to prioritise several tasks and arrange the working day accordingly
• Demonstrates effective planning and organisational skills
• Ability to cope with stressful working situations including working to external deadlines and dealing with emotional or aggressive people
• Strong communication skills over telephone or email
• Basic computer skills
• Basic knowledge of physiotherapy and occupational therapy

Desirable

• Knowledge of equipment including mobility and toileting aids
• Broad understanding of medical/surgical conditions or principles of rehabilitation

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Able to work collaboratively with professional staff/ MDT
• Commitment to self-development through attendance at appropriate training both internal or external
• Confident and enthusiastic
• Commitment to patient confidentiality and data protection

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

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Chelsea & Westminster Hospital

369 Fulham Road

London

SW10 9NH

Employer's website

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