Therapy Assistant (Development Post)

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for somebody to join our dynamic and friendly Childrens Therapy Team. This is a Band 2 to 3 Therapy Assistant development post.

Based in Barnsley, we are a team of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Therapy Assistants. We are a community service providing child-centred assessment and treatment for 0-19 year olds in their homes, schools and clinic settings

You will be able to demonstrate that you are hardworking and conscientious as well as friendly and approachable. Previous experience of working in a team and with children is essential. You will be motivated and enthusiastic with excellent communication skills. You will also have a current driving licence and use of a car during the working day.

If you want to help make a difference to the lives of children and young people in Barnsley, we would like to hear from you! This post would suit somebody wanting to start their career in healthcare.

All employees of the Trust are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect patients.

Main duties of the job

You will start as a Band 2 therapy assistant and over two years be supported to complete a NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care

As a childrens therapy assistant you will support the Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists. Under the guidance of our qualified therapists and senior therapy assistants you will develop the skills to undertake the following duties;

Administrative support

Cleaning and organising of therapeutic equipment and toys

Assisting with assessments in clinics

Assisting with and helping to deliver therapeutic groups

Delivering prescribed blocks of treatment

Recording and documenting sessions with children and their families/carers.

After two years, when you have completed the NVQ and show competence in the above duties you will become a Band 3 therapy assistant.

When completing your application please look at the person specification and tell us how you think you meet the criteria. Provide examples of how you meet the essential and desirable requirements of the post.

About us

We are a specialist NHS Foundation Trust that provides community, mental health and learning disability services for the people of Barnsley, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield. We also provide low and medium secure services and are the lead for the west Yorkshire secure provider collaborative .

Our mission is to help people reach their potential and live well in their communities, we do this by providing high-quality care in the right place at the right time. We employ staff in both clinical and non-clinical services who work hard to make a difference to the lives of service users, families and carers. We encourage and welcome applications from all protected characteristic groups, we value diversity and want our workforce to be reflective of our communities.

Being a foundation Trust means were accountable to our members, who can have a say in how were run. Around 14,300 local people (including staff) are members of our Trust.

Join us and you will be one of over 4,500 staff committed to supporting and improving the mental, physical and social needs of the thousands of people we meet and help each year.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment.

Date posted

23 September 2022

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£20,270 to £21,318 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-B1446

Job locations

Kendray Hospital

Doncaster Road

Barnsley

S Yorkshire

S70 3RD


Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will:

under the supervision/direction of registered health care professionals/associate practitioner, within a delegated framework for agreed tasks, be aware of and able to address the basic, routine therapeutic, psychological and physical needs of a defined group of people.

as part of a healthcare team, provide the highest standards of safe and compassionate planned care to people that maximises their recovery and rehabilitation potential.

develop and maintain meaningful therapeutic relationships with people. Adopt a polite, positive and empathetic approach, providing and receiving routine information appropriately.

ensure the care experienced is positive and service user safety is maintained. Treat everyone, eg, service users, their relatives, visitors, colleagues etc, with respect, dignity and courtesy and in accordance with the Trusts Values.

follow and ensure care is provided in accordance with well-established policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and established clinical care plans.

Undertake the physical aspects of care eg, moving and handling of service users. Use items of equipment in delivering care eg, hoists, wheelchairs etc, (as appropriate to the role), ensuring appropriate instruction on their use has been received.

attend to the service users personal care needs as required.

be required to concentrate for periods of time, depending upon the care intervention/care plan eg, following the observation policy, taking, recording of physical observations etc, and raising issues of concern appropriately.

participate in a flexible rostering arrangement providing 24-hour/7 day care, (as appropriate to the role).

Assist in dealing with verbal/physical aggression using de-escalation techniques, this may include the need for restraint and/or seclusion (as appropriate to the role and in line with Trust policy and training.

The content of this post will be reviewed in consultation with the postholder when necessary and in line with the service developments.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

1.1 Care provision:

To deliver excellent levels of customer service to people, and address or report, in a timely and proactive manner, where these standards have not been met.

Under the supervision/direction of a health care professional/(associate practitioner if part of the team) for delegated tasks and in accordance with well established procedures etc, provide a range of routine care to meet the needs of people.

Prioritise own day-to-day delegated tasks/activities, refer and seek guidance/supervision on issues outside own level of competency from more senior health care practitioners.

Assist in the initial assessment/admission and development/implementation of clinical care packages/plans to help maximise service user recovery/rehabilitation potential. Assist with subsequent discharges.

Clearly, accurately and contemporaneously, contribute to care documentation, report observations and other service user information in written and electronic format. Be competent in basic IT skills.

Assist health care professionals in taking routine clinical measurements, which may include: taking blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight etc, and handle specimens of bodily fluids (where required).

Assist in meeting service user needs, eg, emotional, personal, dietary, environmental etc, ensuring their privacy, dignity, rights and choices are maintained at all time. Support individuals to self manage their own health and social wellbeing and promote individuals positive self-esteem and sense of identity.

Assist in the management and support of individuals who exhibit challenging behaviour or present a significant imminent risk to themselves or others. Recognise and respond to changes in their presentation, including reporting the issue to a registered health practitioner/associate practitioner as required. Respond appropriately to any emergency situation.

Assist in supportive observation/interventions, minimising the negative effects of disruptive/abusive behaviour, or in the prevention and management of violence and aggression (PMVA). Utilise de-escalation and physical control techniques as necessary under the supervision of a health care professional. Taking reasonable steps to protect themselves from the risk of violence.

If appropriate to the role, when directed and risk assessed by a health care practitioner, accompany/escort service users within/outside Trust grounds.

Make sure own actions reduce risks to health and safety and all possible steps are taken to help safeguard the welfare, safety and security of people by helping to identify, manage and appropriately report risks.

Use effective verbal/written communication at all times, incorporating tact, empathy, consideration, courtesy and confidentiality. Respond to any communication difficulties and psychological, social, physical and spiritual needs.

Work with sensitivity and an understanding of issues experienced by service users.

Ensure moving and handling of people/loads is carried out in a safe and effective manner in accordance with policy and training as directed by a registered health care professional/associate practitioner.

Work in a flexible and collaborative manner with others. Adapting to the needs of the service, despite many demands on attention.

Understand the roles and contributions of other care providers in and outside of the team, enabling those who are significant to the service user to play an active role in their care.

Support the Trusts culture of commitment to delivering quality services and outcomes.

Seek to improve own knowledge & understanding of health & social care services, particularly with regard to own area of work and service users.

Make use of opportunities for sharing good practice and learning.

Seek to identify additional activities in accordance with the role, which would increase post holder efficiency and the efficiency of the team.

Undertake any additional duties deemed appropriate to the role.

1.2 Working as part of a Team:

Work within other clinical areas as the clinical situation and staffing levels require.

As part of a team, deliver person centred care whilst meeting the service standards and objectives.

Provide and receive routine service user information, using tact, reassurance, empathy and persuasive skills as required.

Participate in ward/department/team meetings and support quality improvement.

Assist in projects, including audit and quality initiatives pertinent to the role as directed.

Assist in the orientation/induction of new support workers to enable them to develop the skills and knowledge required for their role.

Assist, together with the team, in the achieving/improving service/quality standards.

Be competent in using and ensure proper use of Trust, equipment, materials, property and resources.

Actively engage in good team working/building to facilitate effective relationships, cohesiveness and staff morale.

1.3 Managing Self:

Participate in clinical supervision to develop skills and knowledge of clinical care and practice and apply continuous reflection on own practice.

Undertake timely and appropriate mandatory training, study days, in-service training programmes and keep up to date with changes in operational procedures and developments in clinical practice.

Seek advice and support from your line manager, registered health care professional (or associate practitioner) whenever necessary.

Develop knowledge and basic understanding of and comply with all service/Trust policies and procedures and relevant legislation eg, Mental Health Act 2007, Childrens Act etc.

Be aware of own responsibility for ensuring safe infection prevention and control by using protective equipment, safe disposal of healthcare waste, performing hand hygiene, cleaning, disinfecting etc.

Promote a positive image of the Service/Trust.

Actively participate in the appraisal process using it as a positive means of improving self awareness, development and work practice.

Act within own sphere of competence at all times as determined by the job description and skills set for the role.

1.4 Management Supervision and Support:

The post holder has no managerial supervision responsibility but is expected to be a good example to other HCSWs and support new HCSWs.

1.5 Financial Responsibility:

Use Trust resources efficiently and suggest efficiency savings to more senior staff.

Be aware of the safekeeping of Trust, service user, visitors etc, property. Any concern regarding misuse should be raised immediately with more senior staff.

1.6 Trust Values:

The Trust is committed to ensuring the highest standards of care and treatment and expects that all staff treat people e.g, service users, their carers, relatives, friends, colleagues, visitors etc, with dignity and respect at all time. The post holder must all time act in accordance with the Trusts Values:

Honest, open, transparent

Respectful

Person first and in the centre

Improve and be outstanding

Relevant today, ready for tomorrow

Families and carers matter

For full duties of the role please see the attached job description.

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will:

under the supervision/direction of registered health care professionals/associate practitioner, within a delegated framework for agreed tasks, be aware of and able to address the basic, routine therapeutic, psychological and physical needs of a defined group of people.

as part of a healthcare team, provide the highest standards of safe and compassionate planned care to people that maximises their recovery and rehabilitation potential.

develop and maintain meaningful therapeutic relationships with people. Adopt a polite, positive and empathetic approach, providing and receiving routine information appropriately.

ensure the care experienced is positive and service user safety is maintained. Treat everyone, eg, service users, their relatives, visitors, colleagues etc, with respect, dignity and courtesy and in accordance with the Trusts Values.

follow and ensure care is provided in accordance with well-established policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and established clinical care plans.

Undertake the physical aspects of care eg, moving and handling of service users. Use items of equipment in delivering care eg, hoists, wheelchairs etc, (as appropriate to the role), ensuring appropriate instruction on their use has been received.

attend to the service users personal care needs as required.

be required to concentrate for periods of time, depending upon the care intervention/care plan eg, following the observation policy, taking, recording of physical observations etc, and raising issues of concern appropriately.

participate in a flexible rostering arrangement providing 24-hour/7 day care, (as appropriate to the role).

Assist in dealing with verbal/physical aggression using de-escalation techniques, this may include the need for restraint and/or seclusion (as appropriate to the role and in line with Trust policy and training.

The content of this post will be reviewed in consultation with the postholder when necessary and in line with the service developments.

KEY RESULT AREAS:

1.1 Care provision:

To deliver excellent levels of customer service to people, and address or report, in a timely and proactive manner, where these standards have not been met.

Under the supervision/direction of a health care professional/(associate practitioner if part of the team) for delegated tasks and in accordance with well established procedures etc, provide a range of routine care to meet the needs of people.

Prioritise own day-to-day delegated tasks/activities, refer and seek guidance/supervision on issues outside own level of competency from more senior health care practitioners.

Assist in the initial assessment/admission and development/implementation of clinical care packages/plans to help maximise service user recovery/rehabilitation potential. Assist with subsequent discharges.

Clearly, accurately and contemporaneously, contribute to care documentation, report observations and other service user information in written and electronic format. Be competent in basic IT skills.

Assist health care professionals in taking routine clinical measurements, which may include: taking blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight etc, and handle specimens of bodily fluids (where required).

Assist in meeting service user needs, eg, emotional, personal, dietary, environmental etc, ensuring their privacy, dignity, rights and choices are maintained at all time. Support individuals to self manage their own health and social wellbeing and promote individuals positive self-esteem and sense of identity.

Assist in the management and support of individuals who exhibit challenging behaviour or present a significant imminent risk to themselves or others. Recognise and respond to changes in their presentation, including reporting the issue to a registered health practitioner/associate practitioner as required. Respond appropriately to any emergency situation.

Assist in supportive observation/interventions, minimising the negative effects of disruptive/abusive behaviour, or in the prevention and management of violence and aggression (PMVA). Utilise de-escalation and physical control techniques as necessary under the supervision of a health care professional. Taking reasonable steps to protect themselves from the risk of violence.

If appropriate to the role, when directed and risk assessed by a health care practitioner, accompany/escort service users within/outside Trust grounds.

Make sure own actions reduce risks to health and safety and all possible steps are taken to help safeguard the welfare, safety and security of people by helping to identify, manage and appropriately report risks.

Use effective verbal/written communication at all times, incorporating tact, empathy, consideration, courtesy and confidentiality. Respond to any communication difficulties and psychological, social, physical and spiritual needs.

Work with sensitivity and an understanding of issues experienced by service users.

Ensure moving and handling of people/loads is carried out in a safe and effective manner in accordance with policy and training as directed by a registered health care professional/associate practitioner.

Work in a flexible and collaborative manner with others. Adapting to the needs of the service, despite many demands on attention.

Understand the roles and contributions of other care providers in and outside of the team, enabling those who are significant to the service user to play an active role in their care.

Support the Trusts culture of commitment to delivering quality services and outcomes.

Seek to improve own knowledge & understanding of health & social care services, particularly with regard to own area of work and service users.

Make use of opportunities for sharing good practice and learning.

Seek to identify additional activities in accordance with the role, which would increase post holder efficiency and the efficiency of the team.

Undertake any additional duties deemed appropriate to the role.

1.2 Working as part of a Team:

Work within other clinical areas as the clinical situation and staffing levels require.

As part of a team, deliver person centred care whilst meeting the service standards and objectives.

Provide and receive routine service user information, using tact, reassurance, empathy and persuasive skills as required.

Participate in ward/department/team meetings and support quality improvement.

Assist in projects, including audit and quality initiatives pertinent to the role as directed.

Assist in the orientation/induction of new support workers to enable them to develop the skills and knowledge required for their role.

Assist, together with the team, in the achieving/improving service/quality standards.

Be competent in using and ensure proper use of Trust, equipment, materials, property and resources.

Actively engage in good team working/building to facilitate effective relationships, cohesiveness and staff morale.

1.3 Managing Self:

Participate in clinical supervision to develop skills and knowledge of clinical care and practice and apply continuous reflection on own practice.

Undertake timely and appropriate mandatory training, study days, in-service training programmes and keep up to date with changes in operational procedures and developments in clinical practice.

Seek advice and support from your line manager, registered health care professional (or associate practitioner) whenever necessary.

Develop knowledge and basic understanding of and comply with all service/Trust policies and procedures and relevant legislation eg, Mental Health Act 2007, Childrens Act etc.

Be aware of own responsibility for ensuring safe infection prevention and control by using protective equipment, safe disposal of healthcare waste, performing hand hygiene, cleaning, disinfecting etc.

Promote a positive image of the Service/Trust.

Actively participate in the appraisal process using it as a positive means of improving self awareness, development and work practice.

Act within own sphere of competence at all times as determined by the job description and skills set for the role.

1.4 Management Supervision and Support:

The post holder has no managerial supervision responsibility but is expected to be a good example to other HCSWs and support new HCSWs.

1.5 Financial Responsibility:

Use Trust resources efficiently and suggest efficiency savings to more senior staff.

Be aware of the safekeeping of Trust, service user, visitors etc, property. Any concern regarding misuse should be raised immediately with more senior staff.

1.6 Trust Values:

The Trust is committed to ensuring the highest standards of care and treatment and expects that all staff treat people e.g, service users, their carers, relatives, friends, colleagues, visitors etc, with dignity and respect at all time. The post holder must all time act in accordance with the Trusts Values:

Honest, open, transparent

Respectful

Person first and in the centre

Improve and be outstanding

Relevant today, ready for tomorrow

Families and carers matter

For full duties of the role please see the attached job description.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE A-D or grade 3-9 in Maths and English or equivalent
  • RQF(Regulated Qualification Framework)/NVQ level 2 in Health & Social Care or equivalent
  • Or,be able to demonstrate competences at level 2
  • Care Certificate or required to achieve within 12 weeks of commencement (where appropriate to the post)

Desirable

  • Experience of the speciality area
  • Willingness to undertake further study/development to level 3

Experience

Essential

  • In providing personal care and related procedures for those with health/social needs (where appropriate to the role)
  • Experience of working with children
  • In working in a caring environment
  • In dealing with the public
  • In working effectively and flexibly independently or as part of a team

Desirable

  • Able to evidence working in a caring environment or in a voluntary position.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

Essential

  • As appropriate to the role.
  • Demonstrates effective customer care skills
  • In demonstrating knowledge/understanding of the relevant legislation
  • Demonstrate ability for safe decision making skills commensurate with role
  • Good numeracy/literacy skills and prepared to work towards key skills level 2 and basic IT/keyboard skills
  • Diversity/Cultural awareness.
  • Awareness of responsibilities regarding confidentiality.
  • Able to remain calm under pressure and exposure to emotional, distressing or hazardous situations eg, verbal aggression, body fluids etc
  • Non-judgemental, empathetic manner
  • Must embrace Trust Values
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Able to use observation skills to
  • identify potential services user, environmental etc risks and act appropriately
  • Able to fulfil the requirements of the Value based Induction.

Desirable

  • Language skills other than English

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential

  • A satisfactory sickness record over previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy)
  • Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary)

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential

  • Responsive attitude and approach
  • Dress appropriately for the environment
  • A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability)

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE A-D or grade 3-9 in Maths and English or equivalent
  • RQF(Regulated Qualification Framework)/NVQ level 2 in Health & Social Care or equivalent
  • Or,be able to demonstrate competences at level 2
  • Care Certificate or required to achieve within 12 weeks of commencement (where appropriate to the post)

Desirable

  • Experience of the speciality area
  • Willingness to undertake further study/development to level 3

TRAINING

Essential

  • Must be willing/able to undertake all Trust mandatory training requirements, including the care certificate and subsequent refresher training relevant to the area.
  • Must be willing/able to undergo job development and training
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE A-D or grade 3-9 in Maths and English or equivalent
  • RQF(Regulated Qualification Framework)/NVQ level 2 in Health & Social Care or equivalent
  • Or,be able to demonstrate competences at level 2
  • Care Certificate or required to achieve within 12 weeks of commencement (where appropriate to the post)

Desirable

  • Experience of the speciality area
  • Willingness to undertake further study/development to level 3

Experience

Essential

  • In providing personal care and related procedures for those with health/social needs (where appropriate to the role)
  • Experience of working with children
  • In working in a caring environment
  • In dealing with the public
  • In working effectively and flexibly independently or as part of a team

Desirable

  • Able to evidence working in a caring environment or in a voluntary position.

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

Essential

  • As appropriate to the role.
  • Demonstrates effective customer care skills
  • In demonstrating knowledge/understanding of the relevant legislation
  • Demonstrate ability for safe decision making skills commensurate with role
  • Good numeracy/literacy skills and prepared to work towards key skills level 2 and basic IT/keyboard skills
  • Diversity/Cultural awareness.
  • Awareness of responsibilities regarding confidentiality.
  • Able to remain calm under pressure and exposure to emotional, distressing or hazardous situations eg, verbal aggression, body fluids etc
  • Non-judgemental, empathetic manner
  • Must embrace Trust Values
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Able to use observation skills to
  • identify potential services user, environmental etc risks and act appropriately
  • Able to fulfil the requirements of the Value based Induction.

Desirable

  • Language skills other than English

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential

  • A satisfactory sickness record over previous 2 years (subject to the need to act with fairness and equality of opportunity, particularly where sickness is related to a disability and/or pregnancy)
  • Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post (with reasonable adjustments if necessary)

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Essential

  • Responsive attitude and approach
  • Dress appropriately for the environment
  • A Current driving licence and access to a car during the working day is essential (reasonable adjustments will be considered for any applicants who are unable to drive due to a disability)

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE A-D or grade 3-9 in Maths and English or equivalent
  • RQF(Regulated Qualification Framework)/NVQ level 2 in Health & Social Care or equivalent
  • Or,be able to demonstrate competences at level 2
  • Care Certificate or required to achieve within 12 weeks of commencement (where appropriate to the post)

Desirable

  • Experience of the speciality area
  • Willingness to undertake further study/development to level 3

TRAINING

Essential

  • Must be willing/able to undertake all Trust mandatory training requirements, including the care certificate and subsequent refresher training relevant to the area.
  • Must be willing/able to undergo job development and training

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

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Kendray Hospital

Doncaster Road

Barnsley

S Yorkshire

S70 3RD


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Kendray Hospital

Doncaster Road

Barnsley

S Yorkshire

S70 3RD


Employer's website

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


For questions about the job, contact:

Clair Greenland

clair.greenland@swyt.nhs.uk

01226644396

Date posted

23 September 2022

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£20,270 to £21,318 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-B1446

Job locations

Kendray Hospital

Doncaster Road

Barnsley

S Yorkshire

S70 3RD


Supporting documents

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