Job summary
Do you have a background in assisting in Physiotherapy?
Do you want to develop your Physiotherapy skills into a specialist role and be part of a pro-active multi-disciplinary and professional team, who put excellent patient care as their priority?
Are you passionate about supporting and empowering patients to live well until their very last moment in their life?
If so, then the role of Physiotherapy Assistant may be just the job for you!
This role is 25 hours per week, £27,485-£30,162 pro rata per annum depending on experience.
Main duties of the job
In this role as a
physiotherapy assistant, you will be a key member of our therapy team, working alongside
physiotherapists and occupational therapists in the inpatient unit,
physiotherapy gym, therapy centre, and occasionally in peoples homes. You will
support with moving and handling assessments and treatment programmes, assist
in the teaching of non-pharmacological symptom management techniques
(breathlessness, for example), organise and run exercise groups, and help with
the management of physiotherapy referrals across these services. You will also
work alongside the occupational therapy assistant with the management of
physiotherapy equipment in the buffer store.
You will work under
the guidance and supervision of a qualified therapist, and will have the
opportunity to be part of a large, multidisciplinary team, working holistically
and collaboratively to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of
care.
We are committed to
your professional development, offering continuous training and growth
opportunities to ensure you're always expanding your skills. Every day in this
role is unique, but what remains constant is the positive impact you'll make in
a supportive, happy environment.
About us
As an award-winning employer, Pilgrims provides end-of-life care services to patients and their families across east Kent.
Our commitment is to provide open, compassionate care and expertise for patients and their families both in the community and in-patient units.
Our Vision
Of a community where people with a terminal illness and their family and friends are supported and empowered to live well in mind and body until the very last moment of their life.
Other benefits
- Modern, friendly and highly professional working environments
- Opportunities for professional development through a range of extensive learning
- Alignment with NHS pay rates and continuity in membership of the NHS pension scheme
- A sense of achievement in supporting a worthwhile cause
- A sense of wellbeing
- A good work-life balance
- Locations across well-populated areas of east Kent all providing very good road and rail links
- NHS and financial discounts i.e. Blue Light Card
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Free hospice parking
We invest in our employees, which is one of the key things that makes us an award-winning employer of choice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform duties under the supervision of a registered AHP therapist in the palliative rehabilitation of patient using a range of specialist therapeutic treatments. Organise and deliver highly skilled therapy support work this will include individual or group treatments with patients and may be in a variety of settings including in patients own homes.
- Perform duties under the supervision of a registered AHP therapist in the palliative rehabilitation of patient using a range of specialist therapeutic treatments. Organise and deliver highly skilled therapy support work this will include individual or group treatments with patients and may be in a variety of settings including in patients own homes.
- Perform duties under the supervision of a registered AHP therapist in the palliative rehabilitation of patient using a range of specialist therapeutic treatments. Organise and deliver highly skilled therapy support work this will include individual or group treatments with patients and may be in a variety of settings including in patients own homes.
- Perform duties under the supervision of a registered AHP therapist in the palliative rehabilitation of patient using a range of specialist therapeutic treatments. Organise and deliver highly skilled therapy support work this will include individual or group treatments with patients and may be in a variety of settings including in patients own homes.
- To contribute within a multidisciplinary team setting.
- To take part in quality governance, audits and projects for the team/service
- To contribute to, and provide feedback about, possible developments in the team.
- To facilitate relevant professionals / carers to carry out therapy programmes / strategies / advise as instructed by the therapist.
- To adapt practice to meet individual patients / carers circumstances with due regard for cultural, linguistic differences (including the use of interpreting services) and / or learning and language difficulties.
- To clean and maintain all such equipment loaned and report any broken or faulty equipment to the appropriate agencies involved, following Hospice guidelines.
- To move and handle clients, prepare work spaces and move equipment while observing correct manual handling techniques and following local procedures and guidelines.
- To organise timetable of therapy and appointments where required across a range of settings.
- Observe the general behaviour, ability and responses of patients/clients during treatment and to patients, members of the MD, families, carers and qualified AHP.
- Gain valid informed consent and work within legal frameworks with patients.
- Develop rapport with patients/clients to encourage and motivate them towards improving and maintaining quality of life. This requires empathy, sensitivity and good interpersonal skills.
- To participate in the staff annual appraisal scheme.
- Work as a lone practitioner (with telephone support from Senior Therapist) when working in community/domiciliary settings.
- Make referrals to other multidisciplinary teams/agencies. To receive and prioritise referrals to Therapy made from internal and external agencies in discussion with Supervising Therapist
- Attend and participate in departmental in-service training and relevant additional courses as required.
- Take responsibility for the daily use, care and maintenance of basic and highly specialised equipment.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Corporate Governance The post holder must, at all times, act honestly and openly and comply with relevant corporate governance requirements, employment legislation and standards of business conduct. Post holders are expected to be familiar with and comply with all polices and procedures published by Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent.
Health and Safety Under the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974), it is the responsibility of the post holder at every level to take care of his/her own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by his/her acts at work.
Data Protection Ensure that all data is processed in a fair and lawful way for the specific identified purpose, in line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), national data protection legislation and Pilgrims Hospices Data Protection Policy. Data must not be disclosed in any manner which is incompatible with the purpose and to any unauthorised persons or organisations.
Flexibility The post holder is expected to work flexibly to be able to meet the challenges and opportunities of working within Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent.
This Job Description is not exhaustive. This job description is a reflection of the current position and the post holder is expected to view it as a guide rather than an exact description of all duties and responsibilities. It may be subject to variation from time to time. The post holder will be required to undertake any other duties that may be required by the Line Manager, commensurate with the level of the post.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform duties under the supervision of a registered AHP therapist in the palliative rehabilitation of patient using a range of specialist therapeutic treatments. Organise and deliver highly skilled therapy support work this will include individual or group treatments with patients and may be in a variety of settings including in patients own homes.
- Perform duties under the supervision of a registered AHP therapist in the palliative rehabilitation of patient using a range of specialist therapeutic treatments. Organise and deliver highly skilled therapy support work this will include individual or group treatments with patients and may be in a variety of settings including in patients own homes.
- Perform duties under the supervision of a registered AHP therapist in the palliative rehabilitation of patient using a range of specialist therapeutic treatments. Organise and deliver highly skilled therapy support work this will include individual or group treatments with patients and may be in a variety of settings including in patients own homes.
- Perform duties under the supervision of a registered AHP therapist in the palliative rehabilitation of patient using a range of specialist therapeutic treatments. Organise and deliver highly skilled therapy support work this will include individual or group treatments with patients and may be in a variety of settings including in patients own homes.
- To contribute within a multidisciplinary team setting.
- To take part in quality governance, audits and projects for the team/service
- To contribute to, and provide feedback about, possible developments in the team.
- To facilitate relevant professionals / carers to carry out therapy programmes / strategies / advise as instructed by the therapist.
- To adapt practice to meet individual patients / carers circumstances with due regard for cultural, linguistic differences (including the use of interpreting services) and / or learning and language difficulties.
- To clean and maintain all such equipment loaned and report any broken or faulty equipment to the appropriate agencies involved, following Hospice guidelines.
- To move and handle clients, prepare work spaces and move equipment while observing correct manual handling techniques and following local procedures and guidelines.
- To organise timetable of therapy and appointments where required across a range of settings.
- Observe the general behaviour, ability and responses of patients/clients during treatment and to patients, members of the MD, families, carers and qualified AHP.
- Gain valid informed consent and work within legal frameworks with patients.
- Develop rapport with patients/clients to encourage and motivate them towards improving and maintaining quality of life. This requires empathy, sensitivity and good interpersonal skills.
- To participate in the staff annual appraisal scheme.
- Work as a lone practitioner (with telephone support from Senior Therapist) when working in community/domiciliary settings.
- Make referrals to other multidisciplinary teams/agencies. To receive and prioritise referrals to Therapy made from internal and external agencies in discussion with Supervising Therapist
- Attend and participate in departmental in-service training and relevant additional courses as required.
- Take responsibility for the daily use, care and maintenance of basic and highly specialised equipment.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Corporate Governance The post holder must, at all times, act honestly and openly and comply with relevant corporate governance requirements, employment legislation and standards of business conduct. Post holders are expected to be familiar with and comply with all polices and procedures published by Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent.
Health and Safety Under the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974), it is the responsibility of the post holder at every level to take care of his/her own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by his/her acts at work.
Data Protection Ensure that all data is processed in a fair and lawful way for the specific identified purpose, in line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), national data protection legislation and Pilgrims Hospices Data Protection Policy. Data must not be disclosed in any manner which is incompatible with the purpose and to any unauthorised persons or organisations.
Flexibility The post holder is expected to work flexibly to be able to meet the challenges and opportunities of working within Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent.
This Job Description is not exhaustive. This job description is a reflection of the current position and the post holder is expected to view it as a guide rather than an exact description of all duties and responsibilities. It may be subject to variation from time to time. The post holder will be required to undertake any other duties that may be required by the Line Manager, commensurate with the level of the post.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- To have identified experience as a Physiotherapy Assistant.
- To have demonstrable experience of assisting in Physio assessment & interventions.
- To have demonstrable experience of working with people.
- To have the ability to communicate with patients, including those with hearing difficulties, cognitive impairment and aggressive / challenging behaviour.
- To have good verbal and written English skills.
- To have experience in fitting and instructing the safe use of a wide variety of Physio equipment.
- To have an understanding of a wide variety of conditions.
- To have experience in liaising with other staff within the MDT on the patients progress / issues.
- To have excellent time management skills.
- To be computer literate.
Desirable
- To have demonstrable experience in assessing patients for and fitting of a wide range of Physio equipment and assessments.
- To have demonstrable experience in carrying out home visits without supervision.
- To have knowledge of rehabilitation treatments and activities.
- To have evidence of on-going personal development.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Working within a team
- To be skilled in dealing with anxious and distress patients and relatives.
- To be independent and able to accept responsibility.
- To have good Communication skills.
- To have the ability to recognise own limitation, and when to access advice and supervision.
- To be able to pay attention to detail.
- Understanding of confidentiality
Desirable
- To have the ability to work single-handed with individuals/groups within a supportive environment.
Qualifications
Essential
- Must hold NVQ Level III or above or the equivalent.
- Full UK Driving licence
- Right to work in the UK without sponsorship
Desirable
- To have health care related qualification.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- To have identified experience as a Physiotherapy Assistant.
- To have demonstrable experience of assisting in Physio assessment & interventions.
- To have demonstrable experience of working with people.
- To have the ability to communicate with patients, including those with hearing difficulties, cognitive impairment and aggressive / challenging behaviour.
- To have good verbal and written English skills.
- To have experience in fitting and instructing the safe use of a wide variety of Physio equipment.
- To have an understanding of a wide variety of conditions.
- To have experience in liaising with other staff within the MDT on the patients progress / issues.
- To have excellent time management skills.
- To be computer literate.
Desirable
- To have demonstrable experience in assessing patients for and fitting of a wide range of Physio equipment and assessments.
- To have demonstrable experience in carrying out home visits without supervision.
- To have knowledge of rehabilitation treatments and activities.
- To have evidence of on-going personal development.
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Working within a team
- To be skilled in dealing with anxious and distress patients and relatives.
- To be independent and able to accept responsibility.
- To have good Communication skills.
- To have the ability to recognise own limitation, and when to access advice and supervision.
- To be able to pay attention to detail.
- Understanding of confidentiality
Desirable
- To have the ability to work single-handed with individuals/groups within a supportive environment.
Qualifications
Essential
- Must hold NVQ Level III or above or the equivalent.
- Full UK Driving licence
- Right to work in the UK without sponsorship
Desirable
- To have health care related qualification.
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.
