Children's Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Following appropriate clinical skills training and assessment of competence in the workplace, supported by theoretical knowledge, the post holder will be able to undertake the following duties:

To work to competencies & local protocols and understand local communication networks. This includes making judgments around what may or may not be significant changes in a childs presentation, involving observation and engagement skills and whether or not to report to a registered practitioner.

To ensure full compliance with local hand hygiene policy.

To Prepare clinical areas, including participation in infection control procedures when preparing and cleaning clinical areas, and undertake responsibility for stock control (including monitoring & ordering) of clinical & non-clinical supplies.

To assist the registered practitioners in the delivery of therapy programmes, as per service competencies.

To support children with self-care and self-management of their condition. This may be carried out individually or in groups. This includes raising awareness of health and wellbeing.

To carry out planned intervention as prescribed by registered practitioner (as per service competencies).

To provide and set up therapy equipment, for example specialised seating and walking aids, as per agreed competencies. To give information to parents and other involved professionals to the safe use and basic maintenance of equipment

To communicate with children and young people, and those involved in their care by establishing the most effective methods of communication and enabling children and young people to participate in communication.

To develop relationships with children and young people using play and other methods according to the age of the child or young person, in order to help them understand the situation.

To organize and plan your own day to day work, including delegated workload, whilst coping with occasional last minute changes. Prioritise your own workload and assist other members of team when workloads vary, with indirect supervision available as required.

To carry out, provide feedback on and contribute to revisions to the plan of care activities for which you are responsible, within predetermined parameters.

To maintain contemporaneous records (written & electronic) in line with Trust policy. This includes the ability to take accurate referral information.

Relate to & interact with others using encouragement, sensitivity, support and interventions as necessary. Maintain effective communication with your team and others you come into contact with.

To comply with legal requirements for patient/client confidentiality.

To maintain up to date knowledge and skills relevant to the field of practice ie undertake competency based training in conjunction with theoretical learning where required. Participate in Trust appraisal.

To participate in clinical supervision and maintain your reflective portfolio to Directorate standards.

To carry out your responsibilities at work including taking responsibility for daily running of a specific aspect of the service, which is appropriate to experience and level of expertise.

To work as part of a Multi-disciplinary team, making suggestions for improvement where appropriate.

Make sure your whereabouts are known during working hours.

Participate in regular supervision.

Attend all mandatory training.

Participate annually identifying, developing and agreeing your own development plan with your Line Manager using the Trust Appraisal.

Comply with all Trust policies, procedures and protocols.

Carry out duties with due regard to the Trusts Equal Opportunity Policy.

Seek advice and support from Line Manager whenever necessary.

Maintain professional conduct including appearance at all times.

To undertake all such reasonable other duties as may be required as part of the role.

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING

Essential

• English and Math GCSE grade 9-2 (A*-E) or equivalent
• Competence based level 3 Qualification e.g. NVQ or Diploma in Care or The Care Certificate issued by an employer
• Willingness to participate in competency work-based training programme
• Willingness to undertake additional and mandatory training as required.

Desirable

• Previous competency-based training in relevant field

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Essential

• Recent relevant experience working and communication with the public in education/social care/health care
• An understanding of rehabilitation and reablement principles.
• An understanding of enabling a person to learn or re-learn skills
• IT literate (email/internet)

Desirable

• Recent relevant experience of working in the community with children with physical difficulties.
• Recent relevant experience working in a multidisciplinary team in education/health/social care setting.
• An understanding of the issues when working in users homes and in educational settings.
• Manual handling training
• Understands the needs of specific client group

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)

Essential

• Demonstrates positive attitudes and behaviours.
• Able to work on own following agreed protocols, seeking help appropriately, particularly around unforeseen circumstances.
• Able to use initiative but be aware of limitations of role.
• Problems solving/decision making skills based on patient/client needs.
• Good communication skills.
• Tactful, diplomatic, supportive and resourceful.
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Good time management skills
• Ability to work well in a team

Desirable

• Have an awareness of all Trust policies and procedures.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Children's Therapy Department, Princess Royal Health Centre

Greenhead Road

Huddersfield

HD1 4EW

Employer's website

https://www.cht.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)