Therapy Assistant

South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust

The closing date is 06 March 2025

Job summary

1 x 22.5 hours per week

We are looking to appoint a dynamic, motivated, enthusiastic & forward-thinking Therapy Assistant to work within our Neurological Rehabilitation Unit.

The NRU is a 12 bedded local specialist rehabilitation unit that provides a neurological rehabilitation service which enables patients with long term neurological conditions including patients with an acute injury or episode, to access rehabilitation that is coordinated, timely & responsive to patient needs.

The successful applicant will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team alongside Physiotherapists & Occupational therapists on the unit.

As Therapy Assistant you will work under the guidance of our qualified therapists to deliver treatment plans. You will have excellent communication skills to support & motivate patients to participate in their rehabilitation programmes.

Hours of work will include weekends and bank holidays.

At the time of advertising, this role does not meet the minimum requirements (salary threshold or occupational requirements) set by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor candidates to work in the UK. For this reason, unfortunately we are unable to sponsor anyone on a visa for this role at this moment in time.

Main duties of the job

As Therapy Assistant you will:

Work in close liaison with the wider MDT, therefore excellent communication & time management skills are essential

Provide the highest standards of safe & compassionate care to people that maximises their rehabilitation potential

Participate in training, education, & clinical supervision to develop skills & knowledge & apply continuous reflection on own practice

Possess high levels of communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills

Be committed to teamwork and delivering high quality patient care

Exercise a degree of independence, under supervision, using your initiative and judgment when delivering tasks

Develop and maintain meaningful therapeutic relationships with people and ensure the care experienced is positive and service user safety is maintained

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

We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on NHS Job application forms. We strongly discourage this and will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your NHS Jobs application form.

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.

We do reserve to right to close vacancy before the advertised closing date if necessary, so please apply as soon as possible.

Date posted

20 February 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-B2074

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/Senior Therapy Assistant , within a delegated framework for agreed tasks, seek support as and when necessary, in the delivery of therapeutic interventions, psychological and physical care to 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, communicating effectively and informatively.

demonstrate an understanding of the care and treatment programmes of a designated group of service users to enable you to instruct, advise & guide service users, family and carers. To make the appropriate adjustments independently (within own competence and skill set) and be able to communicate any changes to service users and registered health care professionals.

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 responding to issues of concern appropriately. This may include areas of work requiring physical effort, with regard to risk, health & safety.

exercise a degree of independence, initiative and judgement and consider different approaches when delivering tasks. Assess situations, identify and resolve potential problems, within own competence and skill set.

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, courtesy and in accordance with the Trusts Values.

contribute to the care planning process. Understand the principles underlying care planning eg, enabling the service user to reach an optimum level of functioning/ independence/recovery.

implement care within well-established policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and established clinical care plans. Organise a range of activities eg, facilitate meaningful activities for individuals or small groups.

apply knowledge of longer term health conditions eg, Diabetes, Obesity, smoking cessation etc, providing advice and support.

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.

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)

attend to the service users personal care needs as required

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

For full details of the role please see the supporting documents attached.

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will:

under the supervision/direction of registered health care professionals/Senior Therapy Assistant , within a delegated framework for agreed tasks, seek support as and when necessary, in the delivery of therapeutic interventions, psychological and physical care to 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, communicating effectively and informatively.

demonstrate an understanding of the care and treatment programmes of a designated group of service users to enable you to instruct, advise & guide service users, family and carers. To make the appropriate adjustments independently (within own competence and skill set) and be able to communicate any changes to service users and registered health care professionals.

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 responding to issues of concern appropriately. This may include areas of work requiring physical effort, with regard to risk, health & safety.

exercise a degree of independence, initiative and judgement and consider different approaches when delivering tasks. Assess situations, identify and resolve potential problems, within own competence and skill set.

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, courtesy and in accordance with the Trusts Values.

contribute to the care planning process. Understand the principles underlying care planning eg, enabling the service user to reach an optimum level of functioning/ independence/recovery.

implement care within well-established policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines and established clinical care plans. Organise a range of activities eg, facilitate meaningful activities for individuals or small groups.

apply knowledge of longer term health conditions eg, Diabetes, Obesity, smoking cessation etc, providing advice and support.

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.

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)

attend to the service users personal care needs as required

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

For full details of the role please see the supporting documents attached.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE A-D or grade 3-9 in Maths and English or equivalent.
  • RQF(regulated Qualification Framework)NVQ level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent relevant to the post.
  • Or, RQF/NVQ level 2 in health and social care with the ability to demonstrate competencies at level 3.
  • Care Certificate or required to achieve within 12 weeks of commencement (where appropriate to the post).

Desirable

  • Level 4 units in Health & Social Care (or other relevant to the post).
  • Experience of the speciality area.
  • Willingness to undertake further study towards level 4 qualification.

Experience

Essential

  • In providing personal care and related procedures for those with health/social needs(where appropriate to the role).
  • In working in a caring environment at a band 2 or equivalent level of competence.
  • In dealing with the public.
  • In working as an effective team member.
  • Of demonstrating own duties.
  • Ability to work effectively, professionally and independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • In demonstrating initiative, decision-making and prioritisation skills.
  • Evidence of a commitment to user/carer involvement.

Special Knowledge/Skills

Essential

  • As appropriate to the role:
  • Demonstrates excellent customer care skills.
  • Enthusiastic, able to work flexibly on a 24hr shift pattern to meet the needs of service users (where appropriate to the role).
  • Demonstrates safe decision making skills commensurate with role.
  • Excellent communicator, numeracy and literacy skills level 3 and good IT/keyboard skills.
  • Diversity/Cultural understanding.
  • Knows responsibilities regarding confidentiality and trust.
  • Resilience to pressure and exposure to emotional, distressing or hazardous situations eg, verbal aggression, body fluids, etc.
  • Non-judgemental, empathetic manner.
  • Demonstrates Trust Values.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Good administration and organisational 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.
  • Experience of supervising/inducting others.

Training

Essential

  • Must be willing/able to undertake all appropriate Trust mandatory training requirements, and subsequent refresher training relevant to the area.
  • Must be willing/able to undergo job development and training.
  • Demonstrate excellent knowledge of service user safety, eg, Prevention & management of violence & aggression, moving and handling, etc.

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).

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).
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE A-D or grade 3-9 in Maths and English or equivalent.
  • RQF(regulated Qualification Framework)NVQ level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent relevant to the post.
  • Or, RQF/NVQ level 2 in health and social care with the ability to demonstrate competencies at level 3.
  • Care Certificate or required to achieve within 12 weeks of commencement (where appropriate to the post).

Desirable

  • Level 4 units in Health & Social Care (or other relevant to the post).
  • Experience of the speciality area.
  • Willingness to undertake further study towards level 4 qualification.

Experience

Essential

  • In providing personal care and related procedures for those with health/social needs(where appropriate to the role).
  • In working in a caring environment at a band 2 or equivalent level of competence.
  • In dealing with the public.
  • In working as an effective team member.
  • Of demonstrating own duties.
  • Ability to work effectively, professionally and independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • In demonstrating initiative, decision-making and prioritisation skills.
  • Evidence of a commitment to user/carer involvement.

Special Knowledge/Skills

Essential

  • As appropriate to the role:
  • Demonstrates excellent customer care skills.
  • Enthusiastic, able to work flexibly on a 24hr shift pattern to meet the needs of service users (where appropriate to the role).
  • Demonstrates safe decision making skills commensurate with role.
  • Excellent communicator, numeracy and literacy skills level 3 and good IT/keyboard skills.
  • Diversity/Cultural understanding.
  • Knows responsibilities regarding confidentiality and trust.
  • Resilience to pressure and exposure to emotional, distressing or hazardous situations eg, verbal aggression, body fluids, etc.
  • Non-judgemental, empathetic manner.
  • Demonstrates Trust Values.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Good administration and organisational 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.
  • Experience of supervising/inducting others.

Training

Essential

  • Must be willing/able to undertake all appropriate Trust mandatory training requirements, and subsequent refresher training relevant to the area.
  • Must be willing/able to undergo job development and training.
  • Demonstrate excellent knowledge of service user safety, eg, Prevention & management of violence & aggression, moving and handling, etc.

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).

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).

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:

Carol Bishop

carol.bishop@swyt.nhs.uk

01226644279

Date posted

20 February 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,071 to £25,674 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9378-B2074

Job locations

Kendray Hospital

Doncaster Road

Barnsley

S Yorkshire

S70 3RD


Supporting documents

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