Job summary
An Assistant Practitioner is 'a worker who competently delivers health and/or social care to and for people. They have a required level of knowledge and skill beyond that of the traditional health care assistant or support worker. The assistant practitioner would be able to deliver elements of health and social care and undertake clinical work in domains that have previously only been within the remit of registered professionals. The assistant practitioner may transcend professional boundaries. They are accountable to themselves, their employer, and more importantly, the people they serve.' (Skills for Health 2009: www.skillsforhealth.org.uk)
The post holder will undertake highly skilled support work with children and young people who have speech, language and communication needs. This may include working with children on an individual basis or as part of a group. It will also include working in partnership with others who are involved in the child's care, for example parents and carers, teachers, and other healthcare professionals.
Administrative duties and general patient care across departments are required.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will undertake highly skilled support work with children and young people who have speech, language and communication needs. This may include working with children on an individual basis or as part of a group. It will also include working in partnership with others who are involved in the child's care, for example parents and carers, teachers, and other healthcare professionals.
Working to agreed protocols and guided by standard operating procedures, the post holder will be key in the treatment and care of children and young people and also their parent / carer where relevant. The post holder will be working under indirect supervision of registered practitioners in the team.rk will be carried out in a variety of settings including health centres, schools, nurseries, patient's homes or other community settings.
Activities will include
- Assessing to protocols
- Implementing treatment to protocols.
- Monitoring, evaluating and adjusting treatment within the scope of protocols.
- Assisting registered practitioners with complex treatment.
- May involve assessing for, ordering and issuing basic equipment.
- May include leading and assisting with group sessions
- May take the responsibility for the training of others, including delivering training.
- May involve delegating tasks to others.
- May involve supervising the routine tasks of others.
About us
We employ more than 6,500 staff who deliver compassionate care from our two main hospitals, Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary as well as in community sites, health centres and in patients' homes. We also are incredibly proud to have almost 150 volunteers here at CHFT.
We provide a range of services including urgent and emergency care; medical; surgical; maternity; gynaecology; critical care; children's and young people's services; end of life care and outpatient and diagnostic imaging services.
We provide community health services, including sexual health services in Calderdale from Calderdale Royal and local health centres. These include Todmorden Health Centre and Broad Street Plaza.
We continue to modernise and invest in our health services to build on our strong reputation. Foundation trusts are public leaders in improving quality in health services. They are part of the NHS - yet decisions about what they do and how they do it are driven by independent boards. Boards listen to their Council of Governors and respond to the needs of their members - patients, staff and the local community.
Foundation trusts provide what the health service wants, yet are also free to invest quickly in thechanges to the local community needs, in striving to be the best, and in putting their patients first.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Duties
Following appropriate clinical skills training and assessment of competence in the workplace (if not already possessed), supported by theoretical knowledge, the post holder will be able to undertake the following duties:
Analysis, Problem Solving & Service Planning Act within the limits of your competence and authority (GEN63) i.e. work to competencies & local protocols and understand local communication networks. This includes making judgments around what may or may not be significant changes in a childs presentation, involving observation and engagement skills and whether or not to report to a registered practitioner. This may involve recognition and appropriate response to emergency situations and outcomes from tests Form a professional judgement of an individuals health condition (CHS118) i.e. undertake assessment or reassessment of an individual to protocols and guidelines and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
Able to make a judgement of an individuals progress and act within protocols to problem solve. Patient Care (Plans & Implements Therapeutic Activities)
Perform hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infection (IPC2) i.e. ensure full compliance with local hand hygiene policy.
Prepare individuals for healthcare activities (GEN4) and Support individuals undergoing healthcare activities (GEN5)
Determine a treatment plan for an individual (CHS41) following assessment to protocols.
Plan activities, interventions and treatments to achieve specified health goal (CHS44) following protocols and within the scope of the assistant practitioner role, seeking advice appropriately.
Assist the practitioner to implement healthcare activities (GEN8): e.g. Assisting registered practitioners in the delivery of therapy programme
Contributes to care planning and review (AG2) i.e. make changes to interventions and treatments after reviewing patients based on established knowledge and skills and following protocols. Also includes attendance at case conferences and meetings when reports will be made to registered practitioners and referral on to other agencies.
Contribute to the discharge of an individual into the care of another service (GEN17)
Implement individualised care plans to meet the needs of children and young people (CS6) i.e. implementing and monitoring an individualised care plan, and supporting the child/ young person to take an active part in it.
Provide support to individuals to develop their communication skills (CHS157)
Develop activities and materials to enable individuals to achieve specified communication goals (CHS156) i.e. developing and adapting delegated therapy programmes to achieve communication goals
Support individuals with communication and interaction difficulties (GEN 85)
Provide advice and information to children and young people and those involved in their care on how to manage their own condition (CS3 )
Monitor and manage the environment and resources during and after clinical/therapeutic activities (GEN7): including participation in infection control procedures when preparing and cleaning clinical areas, and undertake responsibility for stock control (including monitoring & ordering) of clinical & non clinical supplies
Carry out and provide feedback on specific plan of care activities (HSC25) i.e. act on own initiative when delivering patient care, mechanisms in place for supervision/ reference when needed. Follows standard operating procedures (competencies). Exercise a degree of autonomy depending upon the complexity and risk of procedures being undertaken. Plans straightforward tasks and works guided by standard operating procedures and agreed protocols
Form a professional judgment of an individuals health (CHS118) i.e. make judgments requiring a comparison of options within protocols. Communication
Promote effective communication with, for and about individuals (HSC31) i.e. patients, other team members and other services/agencies in a manner appropriate to the setting and the individuals needs. This may involve adapting methods to overcome barriers to understanding. Communication may be verbal, written or electronic.
Communicate with, and complete records for individuals (HSC21) i.e. Maintain contemporaneous medical records (written & electronic) in line with Trust policy. This includes the ability to take accurate referral information.
Relate to & interact with individuals (HSC233) using encouragement, sensitivity, support and interventions as necessary. Maintain effective communication with your team and others you come into contact with. Able to give appropriate feedback to referrers as to the relevance of and response to the referral.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Duties
Following appropriate clinical skills training and assessment of competence in the workplace (if not already possessed), supported by theoretical knowledge, the post holder will be able to undertake the following duties:
Analysis, Problem Solving & Service Planning Act within the limits of your competence and authority (GEN63) i.e. work to competencies & local protocols and understand local communication networks. This includes making judgments around what may or may not be significant changes in a childs presentation, involving observation and engagement skills and whether or not to report to a registered practitioner. This may involve recognition and appropriate response to emergency situations and outcomes from tests Form a professional judgement of an individuals health condition (CHS118) i.e. undertake assessment or reassessment of an individual to protocols and guidelines and formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
Able to make a judgement of an individuals progress and act within protocols to problem solve. Patient Care (Plans & Implements Therapeutic Activities)
Perform hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infection (IPC2) i.e. ensure full compliance with local hand hygiene policy.
Prepare individuals for healthcare activities (GEN4) and Support individuals undergoing healthcare activities (GEN5)
Determine a treatment plan for an individual (CHS41) following assessment to protocols.
Plan activities, interventions and treatments to achieve specified health goal (CHS44) following protocols and within the scope of the assistant practitioner role, seeking advice appropriately.
Assist the practitioner to implement healthcare activities (GEN8): e.g. Assisting registered practitioners in the delivery of therapy programme
Contributes to care planning and review (AG2) i.e. make changes to interventions and treatments after reviewing patients based on established knowledge and skills and following protocols. Also includes attendance at case conferences and meetings when reports will be made to registered practitioners and referral on to other agencies.
Contribute to the discharge of an individual into the care of another service (GEN17)
Implement individualised care plans to meet the needs of children and young people (CS6) i.e. implementing and monitoring an individualised care plan, and supporting the child/ young person to take an active part in it.
Provide support to individuals to develop their communication skills (CHS157)
Develop activities and materials to enable individuals to achieve specified communication goals (CHS156) i.e. developing and adapting delegated therapy programmes to achieve communication goals
Support individuals with communication and interaction difficulties (GEN 85)
Provide advice and information to children and young people and those involved in their care on how to manage their own condition (CS3 )
Monitor and manage the environment and resources during and after clinical/therapeutic activities (GEN7): including participation in infection control procedures when preparing and cleaning clinical areas, and undertake responsibility for stock control (including monitoring & ordering) of clinical & non clinical supplies
Carry out and provide feedback on specific plan of care activities (HSC25) i.e. act on own initiative when delivering patient care, mechanisms in place for supervision/ reference when needed. Follows standard operating procedures (competencies). Exercise a degree of autonomy depending upon the complexity and risk of procedures being undertaken. Plans straightforward tasks and works guided by standard operating procedures and agreed protocols
Form a professional judgment of an individuals health (CHS118) i.e. make judgments requiring a comparison of options within protocols. Communication
Promote effective communication with, for and about individuals (HSC31) i.e. patients, other team members and other services/agencies in a manner appropriate to the setting and the individuals needs. This may involve adapting methods to overcome barriers to understanding. Communication may be verbal, written or electronic.
Communicate with, and complete records for individuals (HSC21) i.e. Maintain contemporaneous medical records (written & electronic) in line with Trust policy. This includes the ability to take accurate referral information.
Relate to & interact with individuals (HSC233) using encouragement, sensitivity, support and interventions as necessary. Maintain effective communication with your team and others you come into contact with. Able to give appropriate feedback to referrers as to the relevance of and response to the referral.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING
Essential
- English and Math GCSE grade 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent or high level of literacy and numeracy skills demonstrated within application
- Level 4 or 5 Assistant Practitioner Qualification awarded by a recognised university
- Knowledge of the client group and evidence of related training
Desirable
- Previous competency based training in a relevant field
- Level 5 validated education programme e.g. Certificate in Higher Level 5 Apprenticeship NB Grade progression is dependant on achievement of this and defined service specific competencies
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
Essential
- Previous extensive experience as a rehabilitation assistant/ support worker in a health or social care or education field.
- Previous experience working in a Multidisciplinary team in health, social care or education
- Experience of teaching and instructing / basic counselling skills
- An understanding of the needs and issues concerning illness and disability
- A good understanding of the concept of rehabilitation.
Desirable
- Experience of working in hospital, patients' homes and other community settings.
- An ability to work on own and make appropriate decisions, seeking help appropriately particularly in unforeseen circumstances.
- An understanding of the issues when working in service user's own homes
- Basic Computer skills
- Understanding & knowledge of specialist equipment
- Understanding of wider interagency issues
COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS
Essential
- Demonstrates positive attitudes and behaviours.
- Able to work independently with service users without direct supervision
- Able to use initiative but be aware of limitations of role.
- Problems solving/decision making skills based on patient/client needs.
- Good communication skills.
- Tactful, diplomatic, supportive and resourceful.
- Ability to work to deadlines
- Good time management skills
- Ability to work well in a team
Desirable
- Have an awareness of all Trust policies and procedures.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING
Essential
- English and Math GCSE grade 9-4 (A*-C) or equivalent or high level of literacy and numeracy skills demonstrated within application
- Level 4 or 5 Assistant Practitioner Qualification awarded by a recognised university
- Knowledge of the client group and evidence of related training
Desirable
- Previous competency based training in a relevant field
- Level 5 validated education programme e.g. Certificate in Higher Level 5 Apprenticeship NB Grade progression is dependant on achievement of this and defined service specific competencies
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
Essential
- Previous extensive experience as a rehabilitation assistant/ support worker in a health or social care or education field.
- Previous experience working in a Multidisciplinary team in health, social care or education
- Experience of teaching and instructing / basic counselling skills
- An understanding of the needs and issues concerning illness and disability
- A good understanding of the concept of rehabilitation.
Desirable
- Experience of working in hospital, patients' homes and other community settings.
- An ability to work on own and make appropriate decisions, seeking help appropriately particularly in unforeseen circumstances.
- An understanding of the issues when working in service user's own homes
- Basic Computer skills
- Understanding & knowledge of specialist equipment
- Understanding of wider interagency issues
COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS
Essential
- Demonstrates positive attitudes and behaviours.
- Able to work independently with service users without direct supervision
- Able to use initiative but be aware of limitations of role.
- Problems solving/decision making skills based on patient/client needs.
- Good communication skills.
- Tactful, diplomatic, supportive and resourceful.
- Ability to work to deadlines
- Good time management skills
- Ability to work well in a team
Desirable
- Have an awareness of all Trust policies and procedures.
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
Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Princess Royal community Health Centre/ Broad Street Plaza
Greenhead road
Huddersfield
HD1 4EW
Employer's website
https://www.cht.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
