Job summary
The post holder will be a part of the ICAT therapy team providing a comprehensive and holistic service for patients. The role requires the post holder to work in a variety of care home settings including residential and nursing homes.
This is a dynamic role that requires the post holder to work closely with the multi-disciplinary teams/agencies to support with a range of complex care/issues and care planning will not always be straightforward and will need adjusting from time to time, preventing unnecessary hospital admissions, and improving the health and wellbeing of the population served. The nature of the service will be determined by local service specifications
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be required to work with individuals who are on the Discharge to Assess (D2A) pathway following discharge from hospital to a rehab bed in the community. The work will entail having a rehab focus to support individuals to maximise their potential and independence and reduce the need for long term care and support.
About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties and responsibilities
1.
2. The Assistant Practitioner role works under the supervision/direction of the Registered Therapists, Clinical Lead & Team Lead and is responsible for assessing individuals referred to the service who are deemed to be non complex. The Assistant Practitioner is also responsible for managing their own caseload and will receive regular clinical supervision by a Registered Therapist within the Team.
3. The Assistant Practitioner will work closely with colleagues in MPFT & other agencies, assessing individual's functional abilities and providing a treatment plan to enable the person to maximise their independence through a combination of rehabilitation, provision of equipment and advice and information. The Assistant Practitioner will enable service users to regain skills and become more independent whilst reducing dependency on formal and informal care.
4. The Assistant Practitioner will be an integral member of the Multi-disciplinary Team working closely with Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Social Care, Home First Support Workers and Administrators.
Systems and equipment
- To adhere to the Care Certificate standards and all other relevant guidance from the Partnership Trust. To be aware of the Health and Care Professions Councils (HCPC) guidance/codes of conduct and other AHP Professional bodys guidance/codes of conduct such as those of the college of Occupational Therapists (COT) or Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
- Working knowledge of basic equipment hoists, slings, walking frames, toileting equipment and transfer aids
Decisions and judgements
- To establish and maintain effective working relationships both within the Trust and with external organisations in order to meet service requirements and support and demonstrate the Trusts equality values.
- To support registered practitioners to assess service users to support registered practitioners in the service user assessment To contribute to the development and implementation of programmes of treatment/ care/support for individuals, families and carers under the guidance of a registered practitioner. The care/support plans may include the following:
- Promoting independence/self-management and maintaining safety
- Increased functional ability
- Improvement in health and wellbeing including mental health Holistic approach to improvement of health and wellbeing
- Interventions in disease/condition management
- Prevention and reducing of health inequalities
- Admission avoidance
- Early supported discharge
- Contribute to case management/ treatment /care plans
i. Palliative and end of life care
9. To apply skills, knowledge and competences to recognise any significant change in the holistic needs of the service user/carer and feedback to the registered practitioner.
- To maintain contemporaneous and accurate records as required by the Partnership Trust and in line with standards (e.g. HCPC). Support identified team members giving guidance and direction where appropriate.
- To use own knowledge and judgement to take into account a range of care/support packages and treatment options available. To consider each service users personal circumstances and preferences in order to implement and adjust programmes of care and intervention.
Communication and relationships
- Under the supervision of a registered practitioner provides advice to service users, carers and professionals regarding the management and care/support of service users.
- To maintain sensitivity at all times to the emotional needs of the service user and their carers offering reassurance and empathy. This may be in regard to the nature/prognosis of their condition and implications of the same.
Physical demands of the job
- To take responsibility for the safe use and transportation of equipment (e.g. wheelchairs) between locations and in and out of peoples homes. This may require the post holder to work in cramped or awkward positions e.g. raising furniture (beds, chairs, toilets, therapy equipment etc.). This is a significant part of the job role and will involve frequent moving and handling of patients and equipment with a wide spectrum of needs. This may be required on a regular basis or at least once a week. To work in non-purpose built rooms involving the necessity to move furniture, therapy equipment etc.
- To use problem solving and innovation to deliver a high standard of intervention within competences whilst managing the demands of unplanned aspects of the role where appropriate.
Most challenging/difficult parts of the job
- To work with individuals and carers who may find it difficult to engage with the service or aspects of the service resulting in uncooperative or challenging behaviour that has to be managed.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties and responsibilities
1.
2. The Assistant Practitioner role works under the supervision/direction of the Registered Therapists, Clinical Lead & Team Lead and is responsible for assessing individuals referred to the service who are deemed to be non complex. The Assistant Practitioner is also responsible for managing their own caseload and will receive regular clinical supervision by a Registered Therapist within the Team.
3. The Assistant Practitioner will work closely with colleagues in MPFT & other agencies, assessing individual's functional abilities and providing a treatment plan to enable the person to maximise their independence through a combination of rehabilitation, provision of equipment and advice and information. The Assistant Practitioner will enable service users to regain skills and become more independent whilst reducing dependency on formal and informal care.
4. The Assistant Practitioner will be an integral member of the Multi-disciplinary Team working closely with Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Social Care, Home First Support Workers and Administrators.
Systems and equipment
- To adhere to the Care Certificate standards and all other relevant guidance from the Partnership Trust. To be aware of the Health and Care Professions Councils (HCPC) guidance/codes of conduct and other AHP Professional bodys guidance/codes of conduct such as those of the college of Occupational Therapists (COT) or Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
- Working knowledge of basic equipment hoists, slings, walking frames, toileting equipment and transfer aids
Decisions and judgements
- To establish and maintain effective working relationships both within the Trust and with external organisations in order to meet service requirements and support and demonstrate the Trusts equality values.
- To support registered practitioners to assess service users to support registered practitioners in the service user assessment To contribute to the development and implementation of programmes of treatment/ care/support for individuals, families and carers under the guidance of a registered practitioner. The care/support plans may include the following:
- Promoting independence/self-management and maintaining safety
- Increased functional ability
- Improvement in health and wellbeing including mental health Holistic approach to improvement of health and wellbeing
- Interventions in disease/condition management
- Prevention and reducing of health inequalities
- Admission avoidance
- Early supported discharge
- Contribute to case management/ treatment /care plans
i. Palliative and end of life care
9. To apply skills, knowledge and competences to recognise any significant change in the holistic needs of the service user/carer and feedback to the registered practitioner.
- To maintain contemporaneous and accurate records as required by the Partnership Trust and in line with standards (e.g. HCPC). Support identified team members giving guidance and direction where appropriate.
- To use own knowledge and judgement to take into account a range of care/support packages and treatment options available. To consider each service users personal circumstances and preferences in order to implement and adjust programmes of care and intervention.
Communication and relationships
- Under the supervision of a registered practitioner provides advice to service users, carers and professionals regarding the management and care/support of service users.
- To maintain sensitivity at all times to the emotional needs of the service user and their carers offering reassurance and empathy. This may be in regard to the nature/prognosis of their condition and implications of the same.
Physical demands of the job
- To take responsibility for the safe use and transportation of equipment (e.g. wheelchairs) between locations and in and out of peoples homes. This may require the post holder to work in cramped or awkward positions e.g. raising furniture (beds, chairs, toilets, therapy equipment etc.). This is a significant part of the job role and will involve frequent moving and handling of patients and equipment with a wide spectrum of needs. This may be required on a regular basis or at least once a week. To work in non-purpose built rooms involving the necessity to move furniture, therapy equipment etc.
- To use problem solving and innovation to deliver a high standard of intervention within competences whilst managing the demands of unplanned aspects of the role where appropriate.
Most challenging/difficult parts of the job
- To work with individuals and carers who may find it difficult to engage with the service or aspects of the service resulting in uncooperative or challenging behaviour that has to be managed.
Person Specification
Essential
Essential
- NVQ Level III in Health and Social Care
- Or a Foundation degree in Health and Social care or the equivalent level of knowledge and skills acquired through experience
- GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths
- Good written and spoken English
Experience
Essential
- Considerable recent practice as a Therapy Assistant working in the NHS / private sector
- Working with patients with complex nursing, therapy or social care needs
- Working in a multi-disciplinary team and establishing good rapport with external agencies.
Desirable
- Experience in community rehabilitation
- Experience working with older adults with complex cognitive impairments, limited communication and mental health needs.
- Experience working in a Nursing / residential home.
Skills , Knowledge and Abilities
Essential
- Working in a team environment
- Assessment and provision of equipment
- Have an awareness of safeguarding, risk assessments and incident reporting.
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of normal movement and rehabilitation appproaches.
- Have a working knowledge of assistive technology
- Demonstrate good observational skills and ability to report back to senior staff members.
- Experience of using outcome measures and writing care plans
Personal attributes
Essential
- Access to a car for work purposes and transporting equipment
- Excellent communication skills
Desirable
- Demonstrate that they meet the Trust Values and behaviours
Person Specification
Essential
Essential
- NVQ Level III in Health and Social Care
- Or a Foundation degree in Health and Social care or the equivalent level of knowledge and skills acquired through experience
- GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths
- Good written and spoken English
Experience
Essential
- Considerable recent practice as a Therapy Assistant working in the NHS / private sector
- Working with patients with complex nursing, therapy or social care needs
- Working in a multi-disciplinary team and establishing good rapport with external agencies.
Desirable
- Experience in community rehabilitation
- Experience working with older adults with complex cognitive impairments, limited communication and mental health needs.
- Experience working in a Nursing / residential home.
Skills , Knowledge and Abilities
Essential
- Working in a team environment
- Assessment and provision of equipment
- Have an awareness of safeguarding, risk assessments and incident reporting.
Desirable
- Basic knowledge of normal movement and rehabilitation appproaches.
- Have a working knowledge of assistive technology
- Demonstrate good observational skills and ability to report back to senior staff members.
- Experience of using outcome measures and writing care plans
Personal attributes
Essential
- Access to a car for work purposes and transporting equipment
- Excellent communication skills
Desirable
- Demonstrate that they meet the Trust Values and behaviours
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).
