Job summary
We are looking for a physiotherapy assistant to join our welcoming and friendly children's physiotherapy team. The team provides treatment and support for our children and families with complex or long term medical needs. This post is based at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital site in Chelsea and Park View Health Centre in White City, but you may sometimes provide support to our other main base as required: Jack Tizard Special School.
We provide high quality, family-centred care to children and young people attending the Chelsea Children's Hospital and as part of the Cheyne Child Development Service, working in a variety of locations including the child's home, educational and healthcare settings. The physiotherapy team works closely with other therapy staff including speech and language therapists, music therapists and occupational therapists, with teachers and classroom assistants.
The post provides administrative support for the physiotherapy team but will also include some face to face patient contact.If you have experience of administration, working with babies and children and/or children with complex needs, and want to work in a friendly and supportive team come and visit or give us a call!
Main duties of the job
To carry out designated tasks and activities independently as delegated by the responsible physiotherapist.
To work under the direction and appropriate supervision of the responsible physiotherapist although initiative is encouraged.
To provide administrative support to the physiotherapy team in the community including mainstream and special school settings.
To assist in maintaining a safe work environment.
To participate in CPD and other developmental activities related to the area of work.
About us
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.
We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements, accommodating requests where possible to support our staff and patient needs.
The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all, regardless of background. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven't heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.
Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Clinical: (Although this post includes some clinical work, the role includes >50% administrative support for the physiotherapists) To carry out the appropriate procedures and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the therapist with the appropriate level of competency. It is the joint responsibility of the therapy assistant and the supervisor to ensure the assistant is competent and confident in carrying out the required intervention and duties. These may involve mobilising and transferring patients, assisting with personal care tasks, undertaking home visits, carrying and installing equipment as well as carrying out and supervising others in carrying out exercise programmes. To support the paediatric physiotherapists in specific treatment programmes this may involve regular manual handling of clients with considerable physical disability. The post holder will be expected to kneel, sit on heels, move inert young adult limbs and support clients whilst mobilising. They may also be expected to transfer clients; push wheelchairs, use hoists, and carry/install equipment To provide clients and carers with direction and guidance on a range of physical activities as directed by the physiotherapist. This may include encouraging clients and carers to become actively involved in maximising and maintaining their physical abilities. Setting up equipment for use by therapists during treatment sessions or for use in the school or home environment. To provide advice on the safe use of equipment to patients and those appropriate. To participate in the maintenance, cleaning and recharging of therapy equipment. To participate in maintenance of treatment areas in accordance with the health and safety policy and departmental procedures.
To cover for absent physiotherapy staff e.g. therapy assistants who work in another area, or support a physiotherapist/ occupational therapist who have staff shortages in their section if the need arises. To comply with the Trust and school policy on confidentiality, maintaining strict confidentiality regarding any information pertaining to clients and their families. To attend and actively participate in in-service training as required. To attend staff and team meetings as required To travel between sites as required using own, hospital or public transport. To do home visits with or under direct supervision of a physiotherapist when needed Understand the Trust clinical governance framework, and participate in the promoting and safeguarding of high standards of care, through effective risk management & governance, and adherence to the Trust values
2. Administration:
To participate in the smooth running of work areas by undertaking administrative tasks e.g. making appointments, telephone calls and other clerical activities. To keep regular and up to date records written or electronic data and assist the therapists as necessary with departmental statistics. To make initial appointments for patients on the trust information system according to departmental procedures To make follow-up appointments for clients in person or changing appointments on the computer system as required and informing clients by telephone or letter. Maintain appropriate levels of stock within the therapy team. Arranging transport for clients. Registering client referrals on the departmental computer system. Booking interpreters by phone or online. To be able to use good communication skills with clients of all age groups and carers including those with communication difficulties. Dealing with clients/ relatives queries both in person and on the telephone courteously and efficiently. To report all complaints and accidents to the immediate senior member of staff as soon as possible and document accordingly.
3. Personal development:
To ensure that all mandatory training is completed within the required timescales. To participate in the appraisal system as appraisee and be responsible for fulfilling your agreed objectives and personal development plan. To ensure adherence to Trust policy and guidelines at all times To role model Trust values at all times
4.Communication:
To liaise with the physiotherapist regarding client care and report to the supervising therapist any change in the clients condition. To communicate with other members of the multidisciplinary team, carers, external agencies and those related to the clients care. To use effective communication with clients or relatives who have barriers to understanding or communicating. e.g. visually impaired, hearing or speech disability and to be aware of any device e.g. hearing aids which may hinder communication To deal sensitively with clients and carers who have a high level of anxiety or aggression due to for example, pain, fear or failed expectations.
The post holder is expected to concentrate frequently on a daily basis during treatment sessions and ensure effective communication with those who have impaired understanding or communication difficulties. There may be unpleasant exposure to verbal or physical aggression. To actively participate in the trusts performance appraisal and to have supervision with Physiotherapist to review own performance and identify training and development needs. To be able to use a computer and digital camera to assist with creating an exercise programme, writing letters and writing e-mails.
This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and his/her manager.
All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.
Job description
Job responsibilities
1. Clinical: (Although this post includes some clinical work, the role includes >50% administrative support for the physiotherapists) To carry out the appropriate procedures and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the therapist with the appropriate level of competency. It is the joint responsibility of the therapy assistant and the supervisor to ensure the assistant is competent and confident in carrying out the required intervention and duties. These may involve mobilising and transferring patients, assisting with personal care tasks, undertaking home visits, carrying and installing equipment as well as carrying out and supervising others in carrying out exercise programmes. To support the paediatric physiotherapists in specific treatment programmes this may involve regular manual handling of clients with considerable physical disability. The post holder will be expected to kneel, sit on heels, move inert young adult limbs and support clients whilst mobilising. They may also be expected to transfer clients; push wheelchairs, use hoists, and carry/install equipment To provide clients and carers with direction and guidance on a range of physical activities as directed by the physiotherapist. This may include encouraging clients and carers to become actively involved in maximising and maintaining their physical abilities. Setting up equipment for use by therapists during treatment sessions or for use in the school or home environment. To provide advice on the safe use of equipment to patients and those appropriate. To participate in the maintenance, cleaning and recharging of therapy equipment. To participate in maintenance of treatment areas in accordance with the health and safety policy and departmental procedures.
To cover for absent physiotherapy staff e.g. therapy assistants who work in another area, or support a physiotherapist/ occupational therapist who have staff shortages in their section if the need arises. To comply with the Trust and school policy on confidentiality, maintaining strict confidentiality regarding any information pertaining to clients and their families. To attend and actively participate in in-service training as required. To attend staff and team meetings as required To travel between sites as required using own, hospital or public transport. To do home visits with or under direct supervision of a physiotherapist when needed Understand the Trust clinical governance framework, and participate in the promoting and safeguarding of high standards of care, through effective risk management & governance, and adherence to the Trust values
2. Administration:
To participate in the smooth running of work areas by undertaking administrative tasks e.g. making appointments, telephone calls and other clerical activities. To keep regular and up to date records written or electronic data and assist the therapists as necessary with departmental statistics. To make initial appointments for patients on the trust information system according to departmental procedures To make follow-up appointments for clients in person or changing appointments on the computer system as required and informing clients by telephone or letter. Maintain appropriate levels of stock within the therapy team. Arranging transport for clients. Registering client referrals on the departmental computer system. Booking interpreters by phone or online. To be able to use good communication skills with clients of all age groups and carers including those with communication difficulties. Dealing with clients/ relatives queries both in person and on the telephone courteously and efficiently. To report all complaints and accidents to the immediate senior member of staff as soon as possible and document accordingly.
3. Personal development:
To ensure that all mandatory training is completed within the required timescales. To participate in the appraisal system as appraisee and be responsible for fulfilling your agreed objectives and personal development plan. To ensure adherence to Trust policy and guidelines at all times To role model Trust values at all times
4.Communication:
To liaise with the physiotherapist regarding client care and report to the supervising therapist any change in the clients condition. To communicate with other members of the multidisciplinary team, carers, external agencies and those related to the clients care. To use effective communication with clients or relatives who have barriers to understanding or communicating. e.g. visually impaired, hearing or speech disability and to be aware of any device e.g. hearing aids which may hinder communication To deal sensitively with clients and carers who have a high level of anxiety or aggression due to for example, pain, fear or failed expectations.
The post holder is expected to concentrate frequently on a daily basis during treatment sessions and ensure effective communication with those who have impaired understanding or communication difficulties. There may be unpleasant exposure to verbal or physical aggression. To actively participate in the trusts performance appraisal and to have supervision with Physiotherapist to review own performance and identify training and development needs. To be able to use a computer and digital camera to assist with creating an exercise programme, writing letters and writing e-mails.
This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and his/her manager.
All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ3/ GCSE grade C in English and Maths
- Good spoken English
Desirable
- Relevant NVQ (or working towards) in healthcare, childcare or relevant field
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with the public, babies and children
- Experience of working with children with disabilities
- Experience of working in a school, nursery or healthcare setting
Desirable
- NHS experience
- Experience of previous work as a therapy assistant or equivalent
- Aware of the role of the PT/PT assistant in healthcare and/or at schools
Skills
Essential
- Good written communication
- Experience of administration
- IT Skills - MS Word, Excel
- Demonstrated ability/examples of taking initiative and working without direct supervision
Desirable
- Demonstrated ability/examples of managing own workload with children or adults in a health or school setting
- Demonstrate understanding of the role of the multi-disciplinary team
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ3/ GCSE grade C in English and Maths
- Good spoken English
Desirable
- Relevant NVQ (or working towards) in healthcare, childcare or relevant field
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with the public, babies and children
- Experience of working with children with disabilities
- Experience of working in a school, nursery or healthcare setting
Desirable
- NHS experience
- Experience of previous work as a therapy assistant or equivalent
- Aware of the role of the PT/PT assistant in healthcare and/or at schools
Skills
Essential
- Good written communication
- Experience of administration
- IT Skills - MS Word, Excel
- Demonstrated ability/examples of taking initiative and working without direct supervision
Desirable
- Demonstrated ability/examples of managing own workload with children or adults in a health or school setting
- Demonstrate understanding of the role of the multi-disciplinary team
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).