Job summary
Community
Stroke Rehabilitation are looking for a part time, permanent Specialist Therapy
Assistant to join our team.
The post will be based at
the Sedgefield Community Hospital site, treating patients in and around the
south Durham area, predominantly. The successful candidate will work alongside
Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language to deliver
innovative, evidence-based stroke rehabilitation in patients own homes
community settings to optimise recovery.
The role is diverse and
challenging and we are looking for someone to meet the needs of patients and
bring ideas to the service regarding service delivery and development. This is
an exciting opportunity for a candidate to apply their skills in a flexible
innovative manner and to create solutions to offer our patients an optimal
rehabilitation journey. You will be supported to achieve competence in Speech
and Language therapy, Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy in order to
support the patient need.
We would welcome an
informal chat or visit from any interested candidates. If
you feel you have the right skills and knowledge then we would welcome an
application.
Main duties of the job
Become
involved in all aspects of a stroke survivor's rehabilitation in the community,
working as part of the MDT.
Carry out a range of
exercise prescriptions on behalf of OT, PT and SLT to stroke survivors in their
own environment.
Provide expert advice,
guidance and information to health and social care professionals, carers and
relatives and other non-professionals.
Follow individualised
therapy plans for ongoing occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech aand
language therapy input.
Feedback on patient
participation and activity to members of the MDT.
Work
under the direction of OT, PT and SLT but manage own caseload and work
autonomously when required. Manage local stock of equipment.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on
AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of
success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two years
of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to consider
sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and
have a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job description
Job responsibilities
Provide
therapy care to patients, their families and carers following assessment of
their health and health related needs, undertaking a range of clinical care
duties.
Report to a registered
therapist any variation in the condition of the patient that might indicate a
change in the patients health status and subsequently require further
assistance.
Support user/patient
involvement and participation in areas of responsibility.
To always endeavour to
promote independence and motivate client choice within their limitations.
To support / enable clients
to achieve their optimum functional level and assist clients with all aspects
of personal hygiene and grooming; preparation of meals and monitoring of eating
habits and food consumption. To be aware of the clients dietary requirements.
To carry out home visits
independently for the fitting and adjustment of a range of equipment. You will
be responsible for teaching patients and carers in the safe and appropriate use
of equipment and reinforce rehabilitation aims.
To be responsible for own
safe and appropriate use of equipment. To maintain equipment in a clean and
safe condition.
To communicate with all
clients including those who may have speech, hearing, learning difficulties or
a mental health illness.
Within the boundaries of
delegated responsibility and competency provide care and perform interventions
that will contribute to the delivery of the patients care needs.
Evaluate personal
performance in a reflective manner to ensure continued personal development and
the maintenance of an up to date knowledge base.
Accurately record all
clinical interventions and patient related activity in line with the
organisational policies on record keeping.
Clinical Quality
Promote and support the
effective implementation of all Organisational Policies and Procedures.
Support the development and
maintenance of a learning environment within the integrated team that is
appropriate for the development needs of all members.
Participate in health
promotion and informed patient choice so that these are encouraged and
developed to their maximum potential, within the available resources.
Participate in an
integrated approach to clinical quality issues.
Participate in appropriate
clinical teaching packages for staff across both Health and Social Care teams.
To practice in accordance
with organisational policies and procedures.
Resources
Support efforts to ensure
effective partnership working between Health and Social Care colleagues as well
as other key services and agencies.
Supports an effective
system of annual appraisal and personal development plans for all staff within
the team in order that the development needs of both the individual and the
team are identified and met.
Support an effective
two-way network of communication both within and without the team that ensures
that all members are appropriately informed of salient community/team issues.
Support and promote a team
culture which actively encourages empowerment thereby supporting and
facilitating change.
Support the provision of a
high quality, value for money and effective service within available resources.
Supports the effective
utilisation of information technology systems to ensure the provision of
accurate clinical and statistical data.
Development
To support an environment
that enables the achievement of the desired philosophy of care through a multi
disciplinary/multi agency approach.
To participate in clinical
supervision.
To contribute in
identifying own development needs on an annual basis in line with the Trusts
appraisal scheme.
To
develop a self awareness of interpersonal skills in relation to cultural values
and beliefs of others.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Provide
therapy care to patients, their families and carers following assessment of
their health and health related needs, undertaking a range of clinical care
duties.
Report to a registered
therapist any variation in the condition of the patient that might indicate a
change in the patients health status and subsequently require further
assistance.
Support user/patient
involvement and participation in areas of responsibility.
To always endeavour to
promote independence and motivate client choice within their limitations.
To support / enable clients
to achieve their optimum functional level and assist clients with all aspects
of personal hygiene and grooming; preparation of meals and monitoring of eating
habits and food consumption. To be aware of the clients dietary requirements.
To carry out home visits
independently for the fitting and adjustment of a range of equipment. You will
be responsible for teaching patients and carers in the safe and appropriate use
of equipment and reinforce rehabilitation aims.
To be responsible for own
safe and appropriate use of equipment. To maintain equipment in a clean and
safe condition.
To communicate with all
clients including those who may have speech, hearing, learning difficulties or
a mental health illness.
Within the boundaries of
delegated responsibility and competency provide care and perform interventions
that will contribute to the delivery of the patients care needs.
Evaluate personal
performance in a reflective manner to ensure continued personal development and
the maintenance of an up to date knowledge base.
Accurately record all
clinical interventions and patient related activity in line with the
organisational policies on record keeping.
Clinical Quality
Promote and support the
effective implementation of all Organisational Policies and Procedures.
Support the development and
maintenance of a learning environment within the integrated team that is
appropriate for the development needs of all members.
Participate in health
promotion and informed patient choice so that these are encouraged and
developed to their maximum potential, within the available resources.
Participate in an
integrated approach to clinical quality issues.
Participate in appropriate
clinical teaching packages for staff across both Health and Social Care teams.
To practice in accordance
with organisational policies and procedures.
Resources
Support efforts to ensure
effective partnership working between Health and Social Care colleagues as well
as other key services and agencies.
Supports an effective
system of annual appraisal and personal development plans for all staff within
the team in order that the development needs of both the individual and the
team are identified and met.
Support an effective
two-way network of communication both within and without the team that ensures
that all members are appropriately informed of salient community/team issues.
Support and promote a team
culture which actively encourages empowerment thereby supporting and
facilitating change.
Support the provision of a
high quality, value for money and effective service within available resources.
Supports the effective
utilisation of information technology systems to ensure the provision of
accurate clinical and statistical data.
Development
To support an environment
that enables the achievement of the desired philosophy of care through a multi
disciplinary/multi agency approach.
To participate in clinical
supervision.
To contribute in
identifying own development needs on an annual basis in line with the Trusts
appraisal scheme.
To
develop a self awareness of interpersonal skills in relation to cultural values
and beliefs of others.
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Able to work as part of team.
- Able to observe and record physical and social changes in patients.
- Able to identify when to report to a registered therapist.
- Able to work alone with patients within an agreed care plan.
- Able to work with minimal supervision.
- An appreciation of dealing with people in their own homes.
- Demonstrate the ability (with training if necessary) to undertake basic clinical activities in relation to rehabilitation.
- Able to maintain confidentiality.
Desirable
- Experience of working withiin a multi-disciplinary stroke team. Experience of working in a community setting.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience of working with adults.
- Recent and relevant band 2/3 assistant experience within rehabilitation in a related clinical specialism within the NHS.
Desirable
- Experience of working within a rehabilitation team working with stroke patients.
- Experience of community working practices.
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum of 4 GCSE grade C, or equivalent, including English Language.
- NVQ Level 3 in relevant area, e.g diagnostic and Therapeutic Care or Care or working towards or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of Microsoft packages.
Desirable
- An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing.
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to travel across County Durham independently to meet the requirements of the post.
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
- Able to work as part of team.
- Able to observe and record physical and social changes in patients.
- Able to identify when to report to a registered therapist.
- Able to work alone with patients within an agreed care plan.
- Able to work with minimal supervision.
- An appreciation of dealing with people in their own homes.
- Demonstrate the ability (with training if necessary) to undertake basic clinical activities in relation to rehabilitation.
- Able to maintain confidentiality.
Desirable
- Experience of working withiin a multi-disciplinary stroke team. Experience of working in a community setting.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience of working with adults.
- Recent and relevant band 2/3 assistant experience within rehabilitation in a related clinical specialism within the NHS.
Desirable
- Experience of working within a rehabilitation team working with stroke patients.
- Experience of community working practices.
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum of 4 GCSE grade C, or equivalent, including English Language.
- NVQ Level 3 in relevant area, e.g diagnostic and Therapeutic Care or Care or working towards or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of Microsoft packages.
Desirable
- An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing.
Special Requirements
Essential
- Able to travel across County Durham independently to meet the requirements of the post.
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
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Sedgefield Community Hospital
Salters Lane
Sedgefield
Stockton-on-tees
Cleveland
TS21 3EE
Employer's website
https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
