Physiotherapy Apprentice

Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide high quality, timely interventions, assisting with timely discharge response, prevention of readmission and rehabilitation. Supporting the ward team who are professionally accountable for the delivery of care.

To work within an agreed reablement competency framework to support patients with their stated goals and within their functional capabilities.

To assist the registered therapists with assessment, treatment and management of patients, including stair assessments, and working with patients that require more than one person to treat or mobilise.

To supervise and monitor patient exercise regimes and treatment programmes, which have been devised by registered clinicians including passive mobilisation techniques and stretches. To liaise with the registered clinician if it is noted that changes to the intervention are required. Such interventions will include the need to overcome barriers to communication, you will be required to use skills such as reassurance and persuasion to enable and encourage the patient.

To assess less complex patients as directed by the registered clinician. Formulate straightforward treatment plans with the guidance of a registered clinician. Using a holistic person-centred approach, 'identify what is important to the patient and jointly formulate goals for rehabilitation and discharge options. Communicate these goals to the registered clinician.

To be competent when issuing basic equipment to facilitate activities of daily living and mobility, with the support of a registered clinician. Monitor and maintain ward stock levels.

To understand the reablement approach and facilitate washing and dressing activities which will likely include elements of personal care tasks.

Participate in supporting the normal daily routine of the patient, this may involve manoeuvring limbs whilst aiding the patient.

To participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences and daily huddles to facilitate discharge planning.

To communicate effectively with the patient, family, carers and members of the multi-disciplinary team both verbally and electronically as needed.

To advise members of patients families, carers and nursing staff in correct manual handling procedures in relation to specific patients in your care.

To report to registered staff any patient that gives cause for concern or any observed changes in a patients clinical condition.

To support patients emotional well-being by supporting positive conversations, actively encouraging, and promoting independence on a range of activities of daily living.

To accurately document all care delivered to patients, including recording documentation electronically on trust systems maintaining confidentiality.

To respond appropriately to clinical emergencies to ensure the patient receives appropriate care. Be aware of role in emergency situations and what actions should be undertaken.

To be aware of and adhere to all trust policies / procedures when undertaking any activities.

To adhere to trust infection control procedures.

To support relatives under the guidance of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).

To assist with the discharge process for patients by the MDT.

To work within the boundaries of competence (which will change throughout the learning period) utilising theory and skills learnt on placement and university, in collaboration with work-based mentor and university staff.

As practical and taught skills develop, you may be required to demonstrate basic skills to new team members, less experienced staff and students as requested, in conjunction with the remainder of the team.

Communication

To welcome patients, visitors, and relatives to the unit, providing assistance, support and information where required. Being aware of barriers to effective communication and responding appropriately.

To answer the telephone, when necessary, in a polite courteous manner, responding appropriately within remit, passing on enquiries to the MDT.

Communicate effectively within the multi-disciplinary team and other departments to ensure that patient care is well planned and coordinated.

To contribute to the handover of the care of patients within the team under the direct supervision of a senior clinician always maintaining confidentiality.

Report and record using the trusts systems (Datix) of all incidents, accidents, and complaints to the senior clinician duty.

Use effective written communication when completing all patient contact via the relevant trust systems.

General duties

Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe keeping of patients property in accordance with trust policy.

Promote a professional, welcoming and uncluttered environment, keeping all storage areas safe, clean and tidy.

To share responsibility in the care and maintenance of all equipment in the clinical area.

Ensure all waste and soiled linen is disposed of in line with trust policy.

Participate in audit under the direction of the clinical team.

Professional/Educational

To remain up to date with all mandatory training sessions as appropriate for the role.

To complete the Care Certificate in a care setting.

To continue personal development in relation to identified objectives.

Maintain up to date knowledge of changes in policies and procedures relevant to the post.

Participate in training and supervision sessions relevant to the clinical area this could include clinical competences where appropriate.

Ensure that attendance at an annual appraisal is maintained and documented.

Person Specification

Other

Essential

• Able to make own travelling arrangements
• May be required to work in other locations within our trust in order to meet the needs of the service.

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE Grade C (5) or above in English and Mathematics or equivalent.
• Evidence of level 3 study i.e. A Levels; 120 UCAS points to include Biology or Chemistry - Or
• Access to HE Diploma, minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 to include 24 at Distinction to include Biology or Chemistry - Or
• For mature students with experience a single A Level in a biological science - grade B. This must have been attained as a mature student.
• Qualifications should have been gained within the last 5 years to support university entry requirements.
• Right to remain and work in the UK
• You must have lived in the UK for 3 years to meet Apprenticeship Funding rules.

Experience

Essential

• Some previous experience in a care setting with a therapeutic approach - Or
• Able to articulate and convey a good understanding of care settings or the profession.
• Experience of working as part of a team.

Desirable

• An interest or experience in a reablement role or setting.

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

• Good organisational skills
• Good I.T. and computer skills
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Good numeracy and literacy skills
• Highly motivated to achieve
• Ability to work in cramped environments and to bend, stoop or kneel to assist patients.

Personal and People Development

Essential

• Polite/courteous
• Caring personality
• Sensitive and tolerant
• Resilient

Personal Attributes / Behaviours (linked to the Trust's Behaviour Framework)

Essential

• Good interpersonal skills
• Responds positively to change
• Flexible
• Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Communication

Essential

• Clear oral communication
• Able to communicate effectively in written format in English language
• Active listening skills
• Empathy and sensitivity

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

Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust

Address

Willow Unit, Norwich Community Hospital

Bowthorpe Road

Norwich

NR2 3TU

Employer's website

https://www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)