Job responsibilities
The post holder will: Manage a caseload delegated by clinicians Independently undertake basic assessments and interventions relevant to delegated caseload Contribute to the evaluation of programmes and patients progression making minor alterations in consultation with the therapist/dietitian. Support therapists/dietitians with complex cases as required Work with team members to ensure the effective functioning of the team Work in partnership with patients, carers, the multi disciplinary team and wider statutory, private and voluntary sector services. Participate in activities to improve the service area Work flexibly according to patient and service needs
In pursuing these duties the post holder will ensure compliance with the NHS Constitution and the Trusts Right Care strategy.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Clinical
1.1. Provide timely and efficient clinical service to delegated patients according to clinical protocols and service priorities.
1.2 Ensure patients receive a high standard of clinical care
1.3 Undertake routine assessments of delegated patient.
1.4 Liaise with supervising therapist/dietitian to discuss options for interventions
1.5 Develop individual management plans for delegated patients in conjunction with the supervising therapist/dietitian.
1.6 Implement interventions/care programmes in partnership with the service user, with the carer as necessary and in consultation therapist/dietitian.
1.7 Carry out assessment and interventions in the most appropriate setting.
1.8 Prescribe and fit equipment, assistive technology and adaptations to facilitate independence within agreed guidelines.
1.9 Liaise with and make appropriate referrals to other agencies.
1.10 Advise, instruct, and educate patients, carers and other professionals in the use of standard and specialist equipment, assistive technology, and environmental adaptation where appropriate.
1.11 Work with other agencies in Health and social care, Housing, and Education in order to implement recommendations of treatment
1.12 Monitor and evaluate the outcome of interventions in partnership with the service user, with the carer if necessary and in consultation with therapist/dietitian.
1.13 Clearly document each intervention in the patients records as outlined in organisational policies and procedures
1.14 Create discharge/summary written reports as required.
1.15 Contribute to the review and development of patient pathways.
1.16 Respond to unforeseen situations that take precedence over planned work.
1.17 Provide advice, teaching and instruction for relatives, carers, and other health professionals to promote understanding of the aims of service/clinical area and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care.
1.18 Support the development of junior assistants and students
1.19 Use communication skills to establish good working relationships with colleagues, service users and carers.
1.20 Use verbal and non-verbal communication skills and sensitivity with patients, relatives and carers to overcome barriers to communication e.g. loss of hearing, expressive and receptive dysphasia, pain, anxiety, problems with cognition.
2. Leadership and Management
2.1 Assist with the day to day running of the service/clinical area including general administrative duties to support this.
2.2 Monitor stock levels, including maintenance and ordering of stock as required.
2.3 Follow supervision guidelines and consult with clinicians to ensure optimum outcome for patients with clear presentation of facts and analysis to enable effective decision making.
2.4 Conduct supervision of junior assistants
2.5 Assist with the induction of new staff
2.6 Contribute to supporting professional and work experience students
2.7 Contribute to the development of the service/clinical area.
2.8 Communicate effectively within the immediate team, the multi disciplinary team and with other internal and external organisations e.g. social care, primary care, voluntary sector services.
2.9 Ensure equipment is used and stored in adherence with to relevant policies and post holder is up to date with competencies to use equipment within the service/clinical area.
2.10 Adhere to health and safety policies and procedures
2.11 Raise incidents and near misses using the incident reporting systems.
2.12 Be aware of the need for judicious use of resources and maintaining stock control
2.13 Be prepared to work flexibly in terms of time and workload to meet service needs.
3. Personal and Professional Development
3.1 Adhere to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Professional Bodies Standards of Proficiency and Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
3.2 Understand the scope of the role and know the limits of practice and when to seek advice.
3.3 Maintain own continuing professional development (CPD) including core competencies through the use of reflection and incorporating learning into working practice.
3.4 Attend in-service training sessions.
3.5 Share existing knowledge and skills and feedback from training.
3.6 Demonstrate professional behaviours in all aspect of practice.
3.7 Ensure compliance with supervision and appraisals standards and maintain a professional portfolio.
3.8 Support team by participating in quality improvement projects.
4 Service Improvement and Governance
4.1 Contribute to the evaluation of individual and group interventions through the use of outcome measures and audit.
4.2 Keep abreast of new clinical developments.
4.3 Implement organisational policies, procedures, standards and guidance.
4.4 Respond to requests for information and actions in a timely manner.
4.5 Participate in the development of risk assessments for service/clinical area when required.
4.6 Ensure maintenance of accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date documentation in line with professional, legal and service requirements.
4.7 Communicate clinical and personal information confidentially and in an appropriate format
4.8 Follow Trust and departmental policies and guidelines
