Job summary
Physiotherapy Assistant:
Band 3
Paediatric Musculoskeletal (MSK) Service
Full Time: 15 Hours per week
The post will be based at Northern Health Centre on the Holloway Rd, which is the children's hub for the borough but the post holder will be required to travel to other sites within Islington to deliver specific programs such as a gym group or a schoolwith Physiotherapists.
Main duties of the job
The post will be based at Northern Health Centre on the Holloway Rd, which is the children's hub for the borough but the post holder will be required to travel to other sites within Islington to deliver specific programs such as a gym group or a schoolwith Physiotherapists.
We will offer you excellent in house training opportunities with a strong emphasis on individual performance appraisal and supervision, both from within the team and from the physiotherapy service.
Islington Additional Needs and Disability Service provides a comprehensive community service to children and young people living or at school in Islington. The post holder will work closely with the paediatricphysiotherapists to supportin theassessment and treatment of children withphysical problems on an individual basis and within a group setting. This will include referrals from GPs and health visitors, local orthopaedic department or schools forchildren and adolescents requiring physiotherapy.
About us
Whittington Health is an Integrated Care Organisation providing acute general hospital and community services to people living primarily in the London Boroughs of Islington and Haringey. Islington is a central London borough and all areas of the organisation are well supported by bus, underground and mainline rail services.
This paediatric service is well established andcomprises of a team of paediatric physiotherapists, including a Clinical Lead, Band 7s, rotational band 6 and 5 and dedicated administration staff. The post holder will be anessential team memberfor delivering a strong paediatric physiotherapy service.
We welcome part time applicants as there may be opportunity to split roles according to experience. As well as the Paediatric Musculoskeletal Teams there may be some potential to be based with our Special Schools Teams and Mainstream Teams depending on experience.
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES
Role & Responsibility:
- To be a member of the Paediatric MSK Team and share information with team members as directed and appropriate, keeping confidentiality at all times.
- Demonstrate ability to use basic computer systems, reports and inputting data.
- Ensure that up-to-date written and electronic records are maintained in accordance with Trust standards with guidance from supervisor.
- Respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of children and their families, and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to theseneeds.
- Assist team members with liaising within health as well as other agencies involved in the childs care including: acute and primary healthcare providers, education, Social Services, Voluntary Services, Orthotic Service.
- Form professional relationships with children, families and children centre staff and communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
- Develop skills in working with children requiring exercise as part of their therapy input, including exercise and specialist equipment and orthotics.
- To use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication skills and tools to communicate with children who are non verbal, of a non English speaking background, requiring an interpreter, with a hearing impairment, with altered emotional states, with cognitive/learning/behavioural disability.
- Report verbally to therapists on the childs development and performance in therapeutic and functional skills
- Liaise with other agencies involved in the childs care, including relatives and carers, as appropriate to the childs needs, as directed by team members
- Report effectively any issues or concerns to supervisor/line managerby trained staff members, observing general behaviour, ability and response of the children, recording the information as requested and reporting to a supervisor. Settings could include clinic, home, nursery or school.
- Assist MSK team in assessment and treatment.
- Engage children in therapeutic activities and rehabilitation to promote independence, safety, well-being including return to normal levels of function andparticipation.
- To work closely with the physiotherapists to support the development of the MSK service.
- Facilitate and participate in planned activities, seeking guidance if childs condition changes.
- Assist in the implementation of team member interventions including:o Assist in the running of exercise/education groupso Carry out therapy programmes as directed by the physiotherapists, with children referred to the service including those following orthopaedic surgeryo Under supervision of a therapist, provide a range of treatments; instructing and guiding children to support them in achieving identified goals. To worktowards goals identified by the child, family/carers, the treating therapist, education professionals and the MDTo Implement therapy treatment planso Organise transport and schedule visitso Assist team members with home assessments if needed Adhere to the Trusts Policies and Procedures To assist in completing risk assessment of environment and safety under the guidance of senior team members following local and Trust policies
- Have a basic understanding of Moving and Handling Legislation and apply manual handling principles.
- Assist with transfers, standing and the application of braces and splints
- Ensure that clinic equipment, toys and play materials are kept clean, safe and secure.
- Highlighting the need for resources to aid the smooth running of clinical sessions
- To support professionals staff in gathering evidence (including research database and website searches) and developing resources.
- When required, to provide training or demonstrating teachers/nurseries/schools, with the support and guidance of therapists
- To co-ordinate the Therapy Assistant referrals from therapists and report on the outcomes
- Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility
- Provide leadership and support for the band 3 therapy assistants in other areas of the service through supervision and support coordination of referrals.
- Review and reflect own practice and performance through effective use of regular professional and operational supervision and appraisal.
- Participate in non-clinical induction, training and education of students and new assistants as directed by supervisor/line manager
- Administrative Duties
- To keep up to date records on clients following Service Policy.
- To be responsible for the maintenance of equipment under the guidance of qualified staff.
- To attend relevant staff and service meetings.
- To provide cover for administrative duties such as answering the telephone, photocopying and filing when requested.
- Financial Responsibility
- Highlight stock issues to team members
- Ensure the security of stock and the safe use of equipment
- Responsibility for checking the condition of an area or equipment for the department
- Service Development and Improvement
- Implement the Policies and Procedures that have been determined by IANDS.
- To highlight service provision problems to line manager in order to identify unmet needs and gaps in service provision
- To undertake surveys or audits as directed by supervisor/line manager
- Ensure that work areas are well maintained are comply with Health and Safety Guidelines, ensuring the safe use of equipment, cleaning and storage of materials
- Responsibility for Dealing with Difficult Situations
- To regularly deal with emotional circumstances with children and families to promote achievement of goals with close guidance and support
- To regularly work with children and adolescents with complex emotional, social and behavioural difficulties.
- To identify and report concerns regarding Child Protection issues
- To be able to complete required work load within time frames and deadlines set by line manager/supervisor, which may be stressful at times
- To deal with children and their parents/carers with a variety of emotional conditions e.g. depression, anxiety, aggression, frustration, apathy, andcognitive/learning/behavioural disabilities and mental illness.
- To deal sensitively with clients and their carers who may be distressed.
- Physical Working Conditions and Environment
- At times. assist with transfers of children occasionally using equipment such as hoists and wheelchairs
- Ability to work in occasionally unpleasant conditions with odours, occasional body fluids, home visits and confined areas
- Developed physical skills for assessment and manual treatment of children
- Light to moderate effort for several short periods during the day requiring use of exercise equipment
- Working with children or parents/carers/family members who may display aggressive or abusive behaviour.Knowledge, Training and Education
- To take part in a structured induction programme, aimed at identifying learning needs and developing competencies in working with a wide range of therapists.
- a basic level of understanding of the effects of medical conditions on functioning
- Have a basic understanding of the Moving and Handling Legislation and apply manual handling principles in best practice
- To participate in a designated aspect of induction training and education of students, work experience and other relevant staff.
- Attend all mandatory training set by the trust and the department
- To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and available development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in aportfolio (CPD)
- To ensure that mandatory training is kept current and up-to-date
- Undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with supervisorAny other aspects of the roleExercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance and maintain professional standards of dress code and personal presentation
- Scope and Purpose of Job DescriptionA job description does not constitute a term and condition of employment. It is provided only as a guide to assist the employee in the performance of their job.The Trust is a fast moving organisation and therefore changes in employees duties may be necessary from time to time. The job description is not intended tobe an inflexible or finite list of tasks and may be varied from time to time after consultation/discussion with the post-holder
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES
Role & Responsibility:
- To be a member of the Paediatric MSK Team and share information with team members as directed and appropriate, keeping confidentiality at all times.
- Demonstrate ability to use basic computer systems, reports and inputting data.
- Ensure that up-to-date written and electronic records are maintained in accordance with Trust standards with guidance from supervisor.
- Respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of children and their families, and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to theseneeds.
- Assist team members with liaising within health as well as other agencies involved in the childs care including: acute and primary healthcare providers, education, Social Services, Voluntary Services, Orthotic Service.
- Form professional relationships with children, families and children centre staff and communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
- Develop skills in working with children requiring exercise as part of their therapy input, including exercise and specialist equipment and orthotics.
- To use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication skills and tools to communicate with children who are non verbal, of a non English speaking background, requiring an interpreter, with a hearing impairment, with altered emotional states, with cognitive/learning/behavioural disability.
- Report verbally to therapists on the childs development and performance in therapeutic and functional skills
- Liaise with other agencies involved in the childs care, including relatives and carers, as appropriate to the childs needs, as directed by team members
- Report effectively any issues or concerns to supervisor/line managerby trained staff members, observing general behaviour, ability and response of the children, recording the information as requested and reporting to a supervisor. Settings could include clinic, home, nursery or school.
- Assist MSK team in assessment and treatment.
- Engage children in therapeutic activities and rehabilitation to promote independence, safety, well-being including return to normal levels of function andparticipation.
- To work closely with the physiotherapists to support the development of the MSK service.
- Facilitate and participate in planned activities, seeking guidance if childs condition changes.
- Assist in the implementation of team member interventions including:o Assist in the running of exercise/education groupso Carry out therapy programmes as directed by the physiotherapists, with children referred to the service including those following orthopaedic surgeryo Under supervision of a therapist, provide a range of treatments; instructing and guiding children to support them in achieving identified goals. To worktowards goals identified by the child, family/carers, the treating therapist, education professionals and the MDTo Implement therapy treatment planso Organise transport and schedule visitso Assist team members with home assessments if needed Adhere to the Trusts Policies and Procedures To assist in completing risk assessment of environment and safety under the guidance of senior team members following local and Trust policies
- Have a basic understanding of Moving and Handling Legislation and apply manual handling principles.
- Assist with transfers, standing and the application of braces and splints
- Ensure that clinic equipment, toys and play materials are kept clean, safe and secure.
- Highlighting the need for resources to aid the smooth running of clinical sessions
- To support professionals staff in gathering evidence (including research database and website searches) and developing resources.
- When required, to provide training or demonstrating teachers/nurseries/schools, with the support and guidance of therapists
- To co-ordinate the Therapy Assistant referrals from therapists and report on the outcomes
- Leadership and Staff Management Responsibility
- Provide leadership and support for the band 3 therapy assistants in other areas of the service through supervision and support coordination of referrals.
- Review and reflect own practice and performance through effective use of regular professional and operational supervision and appraisal.
- Participate in non-clinical induction, training and education of students and new assistants as directed by supervisor/line manager
- Administrative Duties
- To keep up to date records on clients following Service Policy.
- To be responsible for the maintenance of equipment under the guidance of qualified staff.
- To attend relevant staff and service meetings.
- To provide cover for administrative duties such as answering the telephone, photocopying and filing when requested.
- Financial Responsibility
- Highlight stock issues to team members
- Ensure the security of stock and the safe use of equipment
- Responsibility for checking the condition of an area or equipment for the department
- Service Development and Improvement
- Implement the Policies and Procedures that have been determined by IANDS.
- To highlight service provision problems to line manager in order to identify unmet needs and gaps in service provision
- To undertake surveys or audits as directed by supervisor/line manager
- Ensure that work areas are well maintained are comply with Health and Safety Guidelines, ensuring the safe use of equipment, cleaning and storage of materials
- Responsibility for Dealing with Difficult Situations
- To regularly deal with emotional circumstances with children and families to promote achievement of goals with close guidance and support
- To regularly work with children and adolescents with complex emotional, social and behavioural difficulties.
- To identify and report concerns regarding Child Protection issues
- To be able to complete required work load within time frames and deadlines set by line manager/supervisor, which may be stressful at times
- To deal with children and their parents/carers with a variety of emotional conditions e.g. depression, anxiety, aggression, frustration, apathy, andcognitive/learning/behavioural disabilities and mental illness.
- To deal sensitively with clients and their carers who may be distressed.
- Physical Working Conditions and Environment
- At times. assist with transfers of children occasionally using equipment such as hoists and wheelchairs
- Ability to work in occasionally unpleasant conditions with odours, occasional body fluids, home visits and confined areas
- Developed physical skills for assessment and manual treatment of children
- Light to moderate effort for several short periods during the day requiring use of exercise equipment
- Working with children or parents/carers/family members who may display aggressive or abusive behaviour.Knowledge, Training and Education
- To take part in a structured induction programme, aimed at identifying learning needs and developing competencies in working with a wide range of therapists.
- a basic level of understanding of the effects of medical conditions on functioning
- Have a basic understanding of the Moving and Handling Legislation and apply manual handling principles in best practice
- To participate in a designated aspect of induction training and education of students, work experience and other relevant staff.
- Attend all mandatory training set by the trust and the department
- To demonstrate ongoing personal development through participation in internal and available development opportunities, recording learning outcomes in aportfolio (CPD)
- To ensure that mandatory training is kept current and up-to-date
- Undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with supervisorAny other aspects of the roleExercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance and maintain professional standards of dress code and personal presentation
- Scope and Purpose of Job DescriptionA job description does not constitute a term and condition of employment. It is provided only as a guide to assist the employee in the performance of their job.The Trust is a fast moving organisation and therefore changes in employees duties may be necessary from time to time. The job description is not intended tobe an inflexible or finite list of tasks and may be varied from time to time after consultation/discussion with the post-holder
Person Specification
Qualifications
Desirable
- Education - GCSE Maths and English
- and/or relevant City and Guilds/College
Experience
Essential
- Relevant therapy experience or relevant experience of working with people in a caring environment.
Desirable
- Experience working with children
- Experience working in sports or rehabilitaion
- Previous experience working as an allied health assistant
- Experience leading a group
Skills and Knowledge
Desirable
- Able to employ motivational skills with staff, patients and carers
- Knowledge of physical disability or injury/impairment
Communication
Essential
- Ability to communicate well with patients, physiotherapists and other health professionals
Physical Skills
Essential
- Ability to work at moderate to high levels of physical activity including the demonstration of exercise
Person Specification
Qualifications
Desirable
- Education - GCSE Maths and English
- and/or relevant City and Guilds/College
Experience
Essential
- Relevant therapy experience or relevant experience of working with people in a caring environment.
Desirable
- Experience working with children
- Experience working in sports or rehabilitaion
- Previous experience working as an allied health assistant
- Experience leading a group
Skills and Knowledge
Desirable
- Able to employ motivational skills with staff, patients and carers
- Knowledge of physical disability or injury/impairment
Communication
Essential
- Ability to communicate well with patients, physiotherapists and other health professionals
Physical Skills
Essential
- Ability to work at moderate to high levels of physical activity including the demonstration of exercise
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.
