Job summary
Community Stroke Rehabilitation in County Durham are looking
for a dedicated Specialist Therapy Assistant with an interest in rehabilitation
to join our team.
The post will be based at Sedgefield Community Hospital
covering the surrounding areas of South/ East Durham and DDES. The successful
candidate will work alongside Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech
and Language Therapists and skilled associates to deliver innovative,
evidence-based stroke rehabilitation in patients own homes and out-patient
settings to optimise recovery.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about
treating stroke patients in the community in a fantastic team.
This is an exciting role in a challenging
setting for someone who is able to organise their own busy caseload and manage
sophisitcated communications within a multi-disciplinary team. I would
encourage you to call to discuss the role further to explore your interests and
experience and how you would fit into a friendly, professional team.
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 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 been employed for a minimum of two years
of as a HCA within the NHS 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 endeavor 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 endeavor 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
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum of 4 GCSE level 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
- Involvement in specific interest groups
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
- Able to maintain confidentiality
- Understand of working with other agencies/multidisciplinary working
Special Requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel independently across Trust sites, the locality and carry small items of equipment to fulfil the requirements of this post
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within multidisciplinary teams
- Experience of working with adults
- Recent experience within rehabilitation in a related clinical specialism within the NHS
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum of 4 GCSE level 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
- Involvement in specific interest groups
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
- Able to maintain confidentiality
- Understand of working with other agencies/multidisciplinary working
Special Requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel independently across Trust sites, the locality and carry small items of equipment to fulfil the requirements of this post
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within multidisciplinary teams
- Experience of working with adults
- Recent experience within rehabilitation in a related clinical specialism within the NHS
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)
