Job summary
We have an exciting permanent vacancy for a Therapy Assistant in
the Kirklees Adult Community Learning Disability Health Team.
We are a well-established and supportive team of physiotherapists,
speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and dietitian who
deliver therapeutic assessment and treatment to adults who have a diagnosed
learning disability across Kirklees. We
are an agile team and do most of our work in peoples homes, day centres,
colleges and community venues with the use of therapy treatment rooms when
required.
We are looking for an applicant who has a passion for working in
an enabling way with this service user group and are committed to helping them
to fulfil their potential within the community. We are looking for an individual
who would like to build on their existing learning disability experience to
expand their depth of understanding and learn new skills. Applicants will be
expected to assist all the therapy clinicians over their working week.
The core hours of the
team are 09:00-17:00, Monday to Friday, although all members of the IST are
expected to provide support outside these hours on occasion, according to
clinical need.
Main duties of the job
Applicants should have excellent communication skills and be able
to adapt their communication, verbal and non-verbal, according to service
users needs. They should have excellent IT skills and be able to use specific
communication programmes. They should be physically able to fulfil the demands
of the role which will include participation in hydrotherapy, rebound therapy
(therapeutic use of a trampoline) and moving and handling tasks.
Applicants should have excellent observational skills and be able
to follow detailed and sometimes complex therapy programmes. They should be
skilled in managing their time efficiently and be able to work independently,
fully understanding the boundaries of the role and seeking help when required.
The role will predominantly be client-facing, but it will also
include note-writing and making therapy resources, for example creating
exercise programmes/ writing up Easy Read instructions on how to complete
exercises, and creating a range of other resources such as visual timetables,
Easy Read leaflets, Social Stories and communication passports.
The team offer a robust induction, regular supervision, appraisal
and in-house training to enable the applicant to fulfil the requirements of the
role, and the Trust is committed to staff development. Due to the nature of the
role a car driver is essential.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
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.
Person Specification
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).
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 touser/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.
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.
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).
Person Specification
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).
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 touser/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.
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.
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).
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.
