Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Therapy Technical Assistant to join our dynamic, friendly and supportive team of orthopaedic physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The team are based at Ashford Hospital, Surrey.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated person with physiotherapy or occupational therapy assistant experience, good communication skills and the ability to work with people as part of a multidisciplinary team. The therapy team treat a variety of orthopaedic conditions such as Total Hip and Knee Replacements, Shoulder surgery and Arthroscopic surgery.
The successful post holder will assist with exciting developments such as the 24 hour total hip arthroplasty pathway, pre-op joint replacement telephone consultations and demonstrate the ability to work autonomously as well as part of the team.
Non-clinical duties will include; cleaning and maintenance of therapy equipment and treatment areas, stock maintenance and pre-operative telephone triage. You will be supported to develop your clinical skills through formal supervision and appraisal. There may also be a requirement to assist on the Orthopaedic Trauma Ward at St peter's Hospital as both teams work closely together so flexibility is essential.
Main duties of the job
To be part of the Orthopaedic multidisciplinary team (MDT) and implement specific treatment programmes or interventions delegated by qualified therapy staff
To contribute to patient education and advice giving to patients, staff and families/ carers.
To work in close liaison with the team clinicians (OT/PT) to assist them with their duties.
To carry out assessment and rehabilitation as determined by patients' needs and progress/ adapt patient's rehabilitation to enable them to meet the elective orthopaedic criteria for discharge
Issue basic equipment to assist patients with everyday tasks and identify the need for onward support/ care in the community and action referrals for these.
Have a good understanding of community services available to our patients and how to access them.
To undertake non-clinical duties such as; ordering/delivering equipment, recording patient contacts on Trust IT system, writing electronic notes, monitoring stock.
To participate in CPD and develop knowledge and skills by attending relevant training and keeping mandatory training up to date.
This post requires a flexible approach to working. This includes being active member of the weekend rota, and cover of statutory and public holidays, cross-site support to the trauma wards and maintaining the competency required to work at Band 4 level.
About us
Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond.
Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter's, Chertsey, Surrey.
We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at Ashford & St Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with our strong commitment to staff health and wellbeing. We are committed to providing continuous professional development, staff benefits and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care.
Please see the supporting links which you can find on the right-hand side of this job advert. There is guidance on how to make an application on NHS Jobs as well as more information about joining the ASPH Team
Although it isn't the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see full Job description document
Clinical
- To work in collaboration with other team members to provide therapy input for patients within the speciality.
- To provide therapeutic assessment and intervention for individual patients according to their needs.
- To work with a varied caseload of patients
- To advise on the use and provision of mobility and functional equipment.
- To work in conjunction with patients and carers on specific issues, as directed by the therapy staff, and to deal with their concerns as they arise.
- To be aware of problems that could affect the patients progress and report back any changes to the therapist.
Managerial
- Manage and prioritise own patient caseload as delegated by the therapists.
- To ensure supplies of equipment are maintained and prepare orders when appropriate.
Communication
- To develop rapport with patients, encourage their interest and participation, in a manner, which promotes dignity, self-esteem and choice. This requires empathy, sensitivity and good interpersonal skills.
- To use effective communication tools, verbal and non-verbal to communicate treatment programmes and plans 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.
- To attend appropriate meetings and liaise with other agencies and members of the multi-disciplinary team, participating in the clinical decision-making process to ensure planned, coordinated and effective delivery of care.
- To maintain accurate and legible records of all interventions and management, using agreed format, in accordance with standards set by the therapy service.
- To participate in relevant meetings i.e. staff meetings.
- Provide non-clinical advice to patients, where appropriate e.g. signposting to information.
- Liaise with other staff to ensure continuity of care, contributing to MDT meetings and other forum as applicable.
- Consult with more experienced staff for advice when required.
Education
- Participate in regular supervisions.
- To participate in the appraisal system as an appraisee.
- To participate in mandatory and other training programmes identified in personal development reviews, to ensure that practice is up to date and supported by evidence and guidelines.
- To participate in a competency-based framework as set by supervisor/mentor/department.
- Take responsibility for and actively record own personal development through educational and experiential learning and reflective practice.
- Participate in any training sessions as a recipient or facilitator where appropriate, developing knowledge and skills for the role.
Information and reporting
- Collect & record data accurately, including monthly audits, in accordance with ASPH values.
- Keep accurate statistical records in line with departmental procedures.
Research and Development
- Participate in quality/ development projects, including audit, as directed by the MDT.
- Contribute towards completion of activity records and evaluation of the service and make improvements with support from seniors.
General responsibilities
- To support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work as qualified and able.
- To have responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of self and others at work.
- To comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and always ensure confidentiality.
- To undertake such other duties as may be required from time to time and are consistent with the responsibilities of the role and as qualified and able.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see full Job description document
Clinical
- To work in collaboration with other team members to provide therapy input for patients within the speciality.
- To provide therapeutic assessment and intervention for individual patients according to their needs.
- To work with a varied caseload of patients
- To advise on the use and provision of mobility and functional equipment.
- To work in conjunction with patients and carers on specific issues, as directed by the therapy staff, and to deal with their concerns as they arise.
- To be aware of problems that could affect the patients progress and report back any changes to the therapist.
Managerial
- Manage and prioritise own patient caseload as delegated by the therapists.
- To ensure supplies of equipment are maintained and prepare orders when appropriate.
Communication
- To develop rapport with patients, encourage their interest and participation, in a manner, which promotes dignity, self-esteem and choice. This requires empathy, sensitivity and good interpersonal skills.
- To use effective communication tools, verbal and non-verbal to communicate treatment programmes and plans 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.
- To attend appropriate meetings and liaise with other agencies and members of the multi-disciplinary team, participating in the clinical decision-making process to ensure planned, coordinated and effective delivery of care.
- To maintain accurate and legible records of all interventions and management, using agreed format, in accordance with standards set by the therapy service.
- To participate in relevant meetings i.e. staff meetings.
- Provide non-clinical advice to patients, where appropriate e.g. signposting to information.
- Liaise with other staff to ensure continuity of care, contributing to MDT meetings and other forum as applicable.
- Consult with more experienced staff for advice when required.
Education
- Participate in regular supervisions.
- To participate in the appraisal system as an appraisee.
- To participate in mandatory and other training programmes identified in personal development reviews, to ensure that practice is up to date and supported by evidence and guidelines.
- To participate in a competency-based framework as set by supervisor/mentor/department.
- Take responsibility for and actively record own personal development through educational and experiential learning and reflective practice.
- Participate in any training sessions as a recipient or facilitator where appropriate, developing knowledge and skills for the role.
Information and reporting
- Collect & record data accurately, including monthly audits, in accordance with ASPH values.
- Keep accurate statistical records in line with departmental procedures.
Research and Development
- Participate in quality/ development projects, including audit, as directed by the MDT.
- Contribute towards completion of activity records and evaluation of the service and make improvements with support from seniors.
General responsibilities
- To support the department and organisation by carrying out any other duties that reasonably fit within the broad scope of a job of this grade and type of work as qualified and able.
- To have responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of self and others at work.
- To comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act and always ensure confidentiality.
- To undertake such other duties as may be required from time to time and are consistent with the responsibilities of the role and as qualified and able.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE / O Level in English and Maths
Qualifications
Essential
- City and Guilds/ NVQ level 3 / Basic or Advanced OR relevant in-service training / education
Experience
Essential
- Working in healthcare, preferably NHS or related setting such as Social Care working alongside Therapists/ Nurses as a Band 3
Experience
Essential
- Experience in direct patient care
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a team
Knowledge
Essential
- A good understanding of the therapy assistant role
Knowledge
Essential
- Awareness of elective orthopaedic surgeries/ procedures
Skills
Essential
- Ability to interact with patients and their families
Skills
Essential
- Ability to organise and manage time effectively to enable completion of clinical and non-clinical duties
Skills
Essential
- Willingness to undertake self-development
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE / O Level in English and Maths
Qualifications
Essential
- City and Guilds/ NVQ level 3 / Basic or Advanced OR relevant in-service training / education
Experience
Essential
- Working in healthcare, preferably NHS or related setting such as Social Care working alongside Therapists/ Nurses as a Band 3
Experience
Essential
- Experience in direct patient care
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a team
Knowledge
Essential
- A good understanding of the therapy assistant role
Knowledge
Essential
- Awareness of elective orthopaedic surgeries/ procedures
Skills
Essential
- Ability to interact with patients and their families
Skills
Essential
- Ability to organise and manage time effectively to enable completion of clinical and non-clinical duties
Skills
Essential
- Willingness to undertake self-development
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.
