Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Paediatric Multi-Therapy Assistant to join our paediatric therapy team at King's College Hospital. You will work as part of a close therapy team (Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Speech and Language Therapists), and will have a key role to play in assisting the therapists with their treatment goals for the infants, children and young people who are inpatients on the paediatric wards.
We are looking for a candidate who is enthusiastic with experience of working with children, and who is fun, flexible and adaptable in their approach in order to motivate and engage children of all ages, to optimise their therapy outcomes.
The post holder will be carrying out delegated treatment plans utilising a variety of basic therapy techniques following assessment by a qualified therapist. These treatments may include activities such as assisting a teenager to carry out activities of daily living, assisting a child to walk with an appropriate aid, completing specific physical or cognitive exercises, practicing safe stair-climbing, carrying out developmental play sessions with infants and helping with eating and drinking and messy food play etc.
They will also undertake administrative tasks and equipment audit, cleaning and maintenance to support the smooth running of the department.
Applicants should demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills and be committed to their own development.
Main duties of the job
To assist the paediatric multi- therapy team to maintain a high standard of patient care by undertaking delegated clinical , management and administrative duties to support in-patient therapies across the Children's Wards at King's College Hospital.
Key Clinical Duties
- To carry a caseload of patients (infants, children and young people) as delegated by the therapist(s) across the paediatric therapy teams.
- To assist with the care of patients including receiving them, transporting to treatment area, supervising or assisting with eating and drinking, toileting, dressing and undressing as part of their treatment programme.
- To provide treatment to patients following a pre-prescribed treatment plan utilising a variety of basic therapy techniques.
- To be able to motivate and persuade patients through effective communication skills, utilising verbal and non-verbal skills.
Key Managerial/Administrative Duties
- To maintain accurate and timely patient notes and activity records in accordance with departmental policy and to ensure the safekeeping and confidentiality of these records.
- To be responsible for competent use and maintenance of all equipment used, to report defects in equipment in a timely manner to the Clinical Lead(s) in the area and locate missing items.
- To be responsible for stock control within clinical areas ensuring consistent supply
About us
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local hospital services across its different sites, and specialist services from King's College Hospital (KCH) in Denmark Hill, the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) in Bromley, Orpington Hospital and services at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup and the Beckenham Beacon.
The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reachis our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.
King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order tomeet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY
The post holder will assist therapists to maintain a high standard of patient care by undertaking delegated clinical programmes of management and administrative duties to support in-patients pathway.
Therapy Assistants do not hold a professional qualification, and work only under the direction of qualified therapists (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy & Speech and Language Therapy) and require a period of induction and training, approximately three months, to achieve required competency to perform all tasks.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
CLINICAL
Patient Care
- Once inducted, to work with minimal or no direct supervision from a therapist(s).
- To carry own caseload of patients as delegated by the therapist(s) across the paediatric occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy teams.
- To appropriately prioritise an independent caseload across these 3 specialities on a weekly basis
- To assist with the care of patients including receiving them, transporting to treatment area, supervising or assisting with eating and drinking, toileting, dressing and undressing as part of their treatment programme.
- To provide treatment to patients following a pre-prescribed treatment plan utilising a variety of basic therapy techniques such as assisting a patient to carryout activities of daily living, assisting patients to walk with an appropriate aids, completing specific exercises, etc.
- To progress patients with their prescribed treatment plans where appropriate using their own clinical reasoning.
- To be able to recognise change in the condition of a patient, decide whether to treat or monitor and document the patient response/reaction to any treatment undertaken.
- To monitor patients physical and cognitive function whilst undertaking a range of activities and report changes to the therapist(s).
- To carry out some basic therapy assessments of physical, cognitive and communication difficulties under the direction and supervision of qualified therapists.
- To assist with removal and application of functional/supportive aids e.g. splints and assist in the manufacture of splints and ensuring comfort of new splints by accurate final finishing.
- To assist the therapist(s) with individual/group treatments progressing to independent routine treatment sessions and supervision of groups where maintenance of function is the objective or progression of activity is not required.
- To measure, adjust and supply walking aids. To demonstrate to the patient safe usage and develop clinical judgement skills and experience to progress the patient onto other aids following departmental protocol or instruction from the physiotherapist.
- To be responsible for providing equipment education to patients and their families/carers independently.
- To assess the safety of patients whilst carrying out activities of daily living in line with agreed protocol, documenting safety in patients clinical notes.
- To work closely with the patient and their family/carers in all activities.
- To collect data from patients for recognised outcome measures and document for the therapist(s) to interpret.
- To organise delegated work tasks and activities being flexible to the needs of the service as indicated by the therapist(s).
Communication
- To take and relay messages accurately on the telephone and face to face with patients, relatives, health care professionals and others
- To provide and receive information from patients, carers and other professionals regarding a patients condition and treatment progress.
- To be able to motivate and persuade patients through effective communication skills, utilising verbal and non-verbal skills. Communication will be tailored to the patients/carers level of comprehension or cognition e.g. using interpreters
- To liaise with health care professionals on a day-to-day basis in clinical area of work, with regard to patient care.
- To liaise with managers, other administrative and support staff as necessary to ensure the smooth running of the department, both clinically and administratively.
- To maintain confidentiality of patient information at all times in line with Trust and departmental policies.
- To liaise with community services on behalf of the Kings paediatric therapy team to both discuss and refer a patient when required.
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Information Management
- To maintain accurate and timely patient notes and activity records in accordance with departmental policy and to ensure the safekeeping and confidentiality of these records.
- To use departmental/Trust software e.g. EPR, PIMS, therapy programs.
- To be able to complete written reports and referrals where appropriate in order to support the qualified members of the team.
- To organise rehab referrals and follow up on community referrals
- To book follow up neuro-rehabilitation outpatient appointments for 6 months and 12 months.
Human resources
- To undertake non-clinical induction of new members of the team and students as required.
- To be an active team member by supporting other members, offering assistance, being flexible and approachable particularly during changing service demands and staffing levels.
Physical resources
- To be responsible for competent use and maintenance of all equipment used, to report defects in equipment in a timely manner to the Clinical Lead(s) in the area and locate missing items.
- To understand the function and use of departmental equipment and be able to use safely jointly with therapy staff or independently with own patients.
- To undertake routine light cleaning/tidying tasks of clinical equipment e.g. wheelchairs, electrical equipment
- To administer any equipment loan monitoring system and liaise with maintenance engineers where appropriate.
- To undertake administrative tasks particularly related to photocopying, record keeping, filing, errands and making appointments
- To be responsible for stock control within clinical areas ensuring consistent supply and request new orders from the departmental secretary, including using catalogues for new equipment.
- To collect, unpack and store new supplies
- To administer appropriate systems for the managing the petty cash and stock control in relevant place of work.
- To monitor levels, condition, date of contents in resuscitation trolley or first aid box, in relevant areas, on a regular basis, and ensure that new supplies are requested as required.
Service Development
- To follow Therapy department and Trust policies
- To comment on changes to departmental policies, procedures and service development as required.
- To contribute to the neuro-rehabilitation governance agenda
TRAINING, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
- To demonstrate capability in rehabilitation assistant skills, by completing the tasks listed in the Assistant Induction Checklist, within the first 3 months of employment.
- To participate in the Kings College Hospital KSF and to fulfil its requirements for maintaining competencies to the required level.
- To undertake in-service training to improve patient care and for personal development and organise programme on a rotational basis.
- To contribute to in-service training when appropriate and of benefit to the team.
- To be responsible for personal Life Long Learning, and ensure that LLL is reflective in clinical and non-clinical practice.
- To participate in the departments ongoing audit programme as required.
- To undertake Safeguarding Vulnerable Childrens Training to level 3
GENERAL
The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and well being and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff.
To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
All employees must hold an 'nhs.net' email account, which will be the Trust's formal route for email communication. You are therefore required to check this regularly and to deal with such communication promptly.
This post requires a flexible approach to working and may require the post holder to work as part of a rotad seven day working pattern as necessary.
Infection Control Statement
The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role.
These requirements are set out in the National Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY
The post holder will assist therapists to maintain a high standard of patient care by undertaking delegated clinical programmes of management and administrative duties to support in-patients pathway.
Therapy Assistants do not hold a professional qualification, and work only under the direction of qualified therapists (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy & Speech and Language Therapy) and require a period of induction and training, approximately three months, to achieve required competency to perform all tasks.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
CLINICAL
Patient Care
- Once inducted, to work with minimal or no direct supervision from a therapist(s).
- To carry own caseload of patients as delegated by the therapist(s) across the paediatric occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy teams.
- To appropriately prioritise an independent caseload across these 3 specialities on a weekly basis
- To assist with the care of patients including receiving them, transporting to treatment area, supervising or assisting with eating and drinking, toileting, dressing and undressing as part of their treatment programme.
- To provide treatment to patients following a pre-prescribed treatment plan utilising a variety of basic therapy techniques such as assisting a patient to carryout activities of daily living, assisting patients to walk with an appropriate aids, completing specific exercises, etc.
- To progress patients with their prescribed treatment plans where appropriate using their own clinical reasoning.
- To be able to recognise change in the condition of a patient, decide whether to treat or monitor and document the patient response/reaction to any treatment undertaken.
- To monitor patients physical and cognitive function whilst undertaking a range of activities and report changes to the therapist(s).
- To carry out some basic therapy assessments of physical, cognitive and communication difficulties under the direction and supervision of qualified therapists.
- To assist with removal and application of functional/supportive aids e.g. splints and assist in the manufacture of splints and ensuring comfort of new splints by accurate final finishing.
- To assist the therapist(s) with individual/group treatments progressing to independent routine treatment sessions and supervision of groups where maintenance of function is the objective or progression of activity is not required.
- To measure, adjust and supply walking aids. To demonstrate to the patient safe usage and develop clinical judgement skills and experience to progress the patient onto other aids following departmental protocol or instruction from the physiotherapist.
- To be responsible for providing equipment education to patients and their families/carers independently.
- To assess the safety of patients whilst carrying out activities of daily living in line with agreed protocol, documenting safety in patients clinical notes.
- To work closely with the patient and their family/carers in all activities.
- To collect data from patients for recognised outcome measures and document for the therapist(s) to interpret.
- To organise delegated work tasks and activities being flexible to the needs of the service as indicated by the therapist(s).
Communication
- To take and relay messages accurately on the telephone and face to face with patients, relatives, health care professionals and others
- To provide and receive information from patients, carers and other professionals regarding a patients condition and treatment progress.
- To be able to motivate and persuade patients through effective communication skills, utilising verbal and non-verbal skills. Communication will be tailored to the patients/carers level of comprehension or cognition e.g. using interpreters
- To liaise with health care professionals on a day-to-day basis in clinical area of work, with regard to patient care.
- To liaise with managers, other administrative and support staff as necessary to ensure the smooth running of the department, both clinically and administratively.
- To maintain confidentiality of patient information at all times in line with Trust and departmental policies.
- To liaise with community services on behalf of the Kings paediatric therapy team to both discuss and refer a patient when required.
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
Information Management
- To maintain accurate and timely patient notes and activity records in accordance with departmental policy and to ensure the safekeeping and confidentiality of these records.
- To use departmental/Trust software e.g. EPR, PIMS, therapy programs.
- To be able to complete written reports and referrals where appropriate in order to support the qualified members of the team.
- To organise rehab referrals and follow up on community referrals
- To book follow up neuro-rehabilitation outpatient appointments for 6 months and 12 months.
Human resources
- To undertake non-clinical induction of new members of the team and students as required.
- To be an active team member by supporting other members, offering assistance, being flexible and approachable particularly during changing service demands and staffing levels.
Physical resources
- To be responsible for competent use and maintenance of all equipment used, to report defects in equipment in a timely manner to the Clinical Lead(s) in the area and locate missing items.
- To understand the function and use of departmental equipment and be able to use safely jointly with therapy staff or independently with own patients.
- To undertake routine light cleaning/tidying tasks of clinical equipment e.g. wheelchairs, electrical equipment
- To administer any equipment loan monitoring system and liaise with maintenance engineers where appropriate.
- To undertake administrative tasks particularly related to photocopying, record keeping, filing, errands and making appointments
- To be responsible for stock control within clinical areas ensuring consistent supply and request new orders from the departmental secretary, including using catalogues for new equipment.
- To collect, unpack and store new supplies
- To administer appropriate systems for the managing the petty cash and stock control in relevant place of work.
- To monitor levels, condition, date of contents in resuscitation trolley or first aid box, in relevant areas, on a regular basis, and ensure that new supplies are requested as required.
Service Development
- To follow Therapy department and Trust policies
- To comment on changes to departmental policies, procedures and service development as required.
- To contribute to the neuro-rehabilitation governance agenda
TRAINING, EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
- To demonstrate capability in rehabilitation assistant skills, by completing the tasks listed in the Assistant Induction Checklist, within the first 3 months of employment.
- To participate in the Kings College Hospital KSF and to fulfil its requirements for maintaining competencies to the required level.
- To undertake in-service training to improve patient care and for personal development and organise programme on a rotational basis.
- To contribute to in-service training when appropriate and of benefit to the team.
- To be responsible for personal Life Long Learning, and ensure that LLL is reflective in clinical and non-clinical practice.
- To participate in the departments ongoing audit programme as required.
- To undertake Safeguarding Vulnerable Childrens Training to level 3
GENERAL
The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and well being and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff.
To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
All employees must hold an 'nhs.net' email account, which will be the Trust's formal route for email communication. You are therefore required to check this regularly and to deal with such communication promptly.
This post requires a flexible approach to working and may require the post holder to work as part of a rotad seven day working pattern as necessary.
Infection Control Statement
The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role.
These requirements are set out in the National Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.
Person Specification
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential
- Experience of working with patients in health or social care setting
- Experience of working with children
- Knowledge of therapy roles
- Excellent communication skills
- demonstrates problem solving/reasoning skills
Desirable
- Previous experience as a therapy assistant
- NVQ level 3 or higher
- Demonstrates commitment to own development
Person Specification
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential
- Experience of working with patients in health or social care setting
- Experience of working with children
- Knowledge of therapy roles
- Excellent communication skills
- demonstrates problem solving/reasoning skills
Desirable
- Previous experience as a therapy assistant
- NVQ level 3 or higher
- Demonstrates commitment to own development
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
