Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Integrated Therapy Assistant (ITA) to join the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team, to work both within the outpatient/community service as well as across the inpatient cardiology wards at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
As an ITA, you will be required to work closely with the multidisciplinary team to deliver quality therapy services under the supervision and guidance of qualified Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.
You will need to be enthusiastic, forward thinking and have a problem-solving approach to patient assessment and management. The ability to work within a fast paced and varied environment is essential, along with having excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to support other team members.
Training and development opportunities are available and you will be required to achieve role specific competences as part of your induction to this post. You will also be supported in your role with regular clinical supervision, in-service learning sessions and an individualised job plan.
The successful candidate would be required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, to include group and lone community working. For this reason, you will require access to a car and hold a full UK Driving License or have an alternative method of transport.
At times you may be expected to support the wider therapy team to meet the needs of the acute Trust.
Main duties of the job
JOB SUMMARY
- The post holder is responsible for the provision of assessment, treatment, intervention and discharge planning of clients assigned by a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.
- The post holder is responsible for the assessment and prescription of mobility aids, equipment and minor adaptations.
- Use technical and creative skills to assist in the provision of therapeutic activities for individuals and groups of patients.
- Responsible for managing designated caseload on a day to day basis including prioritisation of tasks.
- Works in the community as a lone worker in line with the trusts lone working policy.
- Participate in education of Therapy students in relation to the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy processes.
- Completion of admin tasks - Documentation, data collection and onward referrals.
About us
This is an exciting time to join the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted a move towards a more menu based programme of digital and remote interventions, as well as more traditional face to face exercise and health information support and guidance options. For this reason, our workload is varied and interesting, where no two days are the same.
We welcome innovation and we strive to provide the highest quality evidenced-based care to the patients we support.
We are a large multidisciplinary team of Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Therapy support, with access to Dietetics and Psychology.
We work hard and sometimes the work can be emotionally and physically challenging, but we are more than rewarded with our patient outcomes, feedback and a more flexible way of working than some traditional healthcare roles.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Training, Knowledge and Experience
- Knowledge and skills acquired through previous experience working in Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy and extended through Continuing Professional Development.
- Undertake competency training for specified duties, within Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.
- Attend mandatory training including moving and handling, basic life support, consent, fire, equality and diversity, child protection awareness etc.
- Participate and/or facilitate support staff forum.
- Demonstrate an awareness of policy and procedure affecting the post.
Clinical Responsibilities
- Gain valid consent from the patient prior to undertaking any task and to inform and seek guidance from your supervisor if there are any concerns about the patients capability to give this.
- Undertake assessments and interventions within designated caseload.
- Provide general advice to patients, relatives and carers to enable an understanding of the aims of the prescribe intervention, ensuring there is a consistent approach to patient care and offering information on community services.
- Negotiate and agree functional treatment goals with the patient using a range of technical and creative skills.
- When visiting patients, represent the Hospital Therapy team, respond appropriately to patients and carers needs regarding all aspects of Therapy provision.
- Formulate Therapy treatment plans, moving, handling and positioning of patients to enable them to participate in treatment episodes and carry out activities of daily living.
- Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes if required in discussion with your supervisor where necessary.
- Be responsible for the agreed discharge of patients following completion of an episode of care.
- Use problem solving skills to adapt intervention and resolve difficulties that arise.
- Extend and develop skills related to a variety of clinical areas through practical experience.
- Visit patients in their own homes to assess for, fit and check daily living equipment and recommend minor living adaptations.
- Develop a rapport with patients to encourage their interest and participation in prescribed intervention.
- To work as a lone practitioner in a variety of community settings where there is a trust requirement to make decisions spontaneously within the Primary Care Trust Policies and Guidelines. Ensure you are aware of the systems in place in order to seek back up from qualified staff if required.
- Report to your named supervisor at agreed intervals outlining caseload progress, highlighted any problems and informing discharge.
Administration and Communication Skills
- Be a member of multi-agency team, sharing information with team members and having an awareness of their systems.
- Communicate effectively with patients with complex communication difficulties and/or cognitive problems by utilising a variety of communication mediums.
- Responsible for documenting and maintaining records for episodes of care for designated caseload, the majority of which will be in an electronic format.
- Be responsible for collection of clinical statistics.
- Having basic IT skills including email and Microsoft word and Excel.
- Participate in working parties as requested by a qualified Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.
- Participate in audit as requested by a qualified Therapist.
- Maintain the ability to concentrate and communicate effectively when faced with a variety of clinical and non-clinical tasks.
- Liaise, co-ordinate and facilitate multi-disciplinary and multi-agency referrals for patients.
Education and Training
- Be responsible for the delegation of tasks to junior support staff and gaining feedback.
- Participate in the departmental Personal Development review system.
- Utilise supervision sessions offered by Senior Therapists.
- Participate in the education of junior support staff and students in developing competencies as requested by qualified Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.
- Participate in In-service training.
Risk Management
- Be aware and fulfil responsibilities under the Health and Safety at work Act. Trust and departmental policies and procedures.
- Ensure that information is treated in accordance with confidentiality guidelines.
- Gain valid consent to intervention and have the ability to work with patients who lack the ability to give consent.
- Be aware of and implement risk management when completing community visits, especially in relation to aggressive or hostile behaviour and act according to current policies.
- Be able to deal with unexpected events during the course of duties and complete untoward incident reports in line with Trust guidelines.
- Be aware of and comply with policies addressing lone worker risk to staff and environmental hazards e.g. unhygienic houses and poor environmental conditions including patients suffering from incontinence, patients and or relatives who can be verbally abusive.
Confidentiality
- In the course of your duties you may have access to confidential information about patients, staff or health service business. On no account must such information be divulged to anyone who is not authorised to receive it. Confidentiality of information must be preserved at all times whether at or away from work. The Trust has in place a Whistleblowers Policy for staff wishing to express concerns.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Training, Knowledge and Experience
- Knowledge and skills acquired through previous experience working in Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy and extended through Continuing Professional Development.
- Undertake competency training for specified duties, within Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.
- Attend mandatory training including moving and handling, basic life support, consent, fire, equality and diversity, child protection awareness etc.
- Participate and/or facilitate support staff forum.
- Demonstrate an awareness of policy and procedure affecting the post.
Clinical Responsibilities
- Gain valid consent from the patient prior to undertaking any task and to inform and seek guidance from your supervisor if there are any concerns about the patients capability to give this.
- Undertake assessments and interventions within designated caseload.
- Provide general advice to patients, relatives and carers to enable an understanding of the aims of the prescribe intervention, ensuring there is a consistent approach to patient care and offering information on community services.
- Negotiate and agree functional treatment goals with the patient using a range of technical and creative skills.
- When visiting patients, represent the Hospital Therapy team, respond appropriately to patients and carers needs regarding all aspects of Therapy provision.
- Formulate Therapy treatment plans, moving, handling and positioning of patients to enable them to participate in treatment episodes and carry out activities of daily living.
- Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes if required in discussion with your supervisor where necessary.
- Be responsible for the agreed discharge of patients following completion of an episode of care.
- Use problem solving skills to adapt intervention and resolve difficulties that arise.
- Extend and develop skills related to a variety of clinical areas through practical experience.
- Visit patients in their own homes to assess for, fit and check daily living equipment and recommend minor living adaptations.
- Develop a rapport with patients to encourage their interest and participation in prescribed intervention.
- To work as a lone practitioner in a variety of community settings where there is a trust requirement to make decisions spontaneously within the Primary Care Trust Policies and Guidelines. Ensure you are aware of the systems in place in order to seek back up from qualified staff if required.
- Report to your named supervisor at agreed intervals outlining caseload progress, highlighted any problems and informing discharge.
Administration and Communication Skills
- Be a member of multi-agency team, sharing information with team members and having an awareness of their systems.
- Communicate effectively with patients with complex communication difficulties and/or cognitive problems by utilising a variety of communication mediums.
- Responsible for documenting and maintaining records for episodes of care for designated caseload, the majority of which will be in an electronic format.
- Be responsible for collection of clinical statistics.
- Having basic IT skills including email and Microsoft word and Excel.
- Participate in working parties as requested by a qualified Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.
- Participate in audit as requested by a qualified Therapist.
- Maintain the ability to concentrate and communicate effectively when faced with a variety of clinical and non-clinical tasks.
- Liaise, co-ordinate and facilitate multi-disciplinary and multi-agency referrals for patients.
Education and Training
- Be responsible for the delegation of tasks to junior support staff and gaining feedback.
- Participate in the departmental Personal Development review system.
- Utilise supervision sessions offered by Senior Therapists.
- Participate in the education of junior support staff and students in developing competencies as requested by qualified Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.
- Participate in In-service training.
Risk Management
- Be aware and fulfil responsibilities under the Health and Safety at work Act. Trust and departmental policies and procedures.
- Ensure that information is treated in accordance with confidentiality guidelines.
- Gain valid consent to intervention and have the ability to work with patients who lack the ability to give consent.
- Be aware of and implement risk management when completing community visits, especially in relation to aggressive or hostile behaviour and act according to current policies.
- Be able to deal with unexpected events during the course of duties and complete untoward incident reports in line with Trust guidelines.
- Be aware of and comply with policies addressing lone worker risk to staff and environmental hazards e.g. unhygienic houses and poor environmental conditions including patients suffering from incontinence, patients and or relatives who can be verbally abusive.
Confidentiality
- In the course of your duties you may have access to confidential information about patients, staff or health service business. On no account must such information be divulged to anyone who is not authorised to receive it. Confidentiality of information must be preserved at all times whether at or away from work. The Trust has in place a Whistleblowers Policy for staff wishing to express concerns.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Evidence of recent appropriate study, development, and application in the work environment.
Desirable
- Working towards or completed NVQ Level III or Health & Social Care qualification
- Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care.
Experience
Essential
- Previous or current employment in health / social care / vocational rehabilitation setting
Desirable
- Previous Occupational Therapy Assistant/ Physiotherapy Assistant/ Speech and Language/ Dietetic Assistant or Rehab Assistant or Healthcare Assistant experience
- Equipment Cross Prescriber
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work independently within a supportive environment
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to undertake allocated interventions appropriate to level of competence
- Good communication skills (written & verbal)
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Understanding of professional conduct
- Health / safety & risk awareness
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
- Ability to use initiative
- Good prioritisation skills
Desirable
- Basic IT Skills
- Knowledge of health conditions related to Frailty and the care of the older person
- Awareness of the philosophy of rehabilitation
- Basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
- Audit and data collection/data analysis skills
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Professional appearance and approach
- Confidence but aware of own limitations
- Flexible and self motivated
- Good organisation skills i.e time management
- Commitment to and evidence of lifelong learning
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Evidence of recent appropriate study, development, and application in the work environment.
Desirable
- Working towards or completed NVQ Level III or Health & Social Care qualification
- Foundation Degree in Health & Social Care.
Experience
Essential
- Previous or current employment in health / social care / vocational rehabilitation setting
Desirable
- Previous Occupational Therapy Assistant/ Physiotherapy Assistant/ Speech and Language/ Dietetic Assistant or Rehab Assistant or Healthcare Assistant experience
- Equipment Cross Prescriber
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work independently within a supportive environment
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to undertake allocated interventions appropriate to level of competence
- Good communication skills (written & verbal)
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Understanding of professional conduct
- Health / safety & risk awareness
- Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
- Ability to use initiative
- Good prioritisation skills
Desirable
- Basic IT Skills
- Knowledge of health conditions related to Frailty and the care of the older person
- Awareness of the philosophy of rehabilitation
- Basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology
- Audit and data collection/data analysis skills
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Professional appearance and approach
- Confidence but aware of own limitations
- Flexible and self motivated
- Good organisation skills i.e time management
- Commitment to and evidence of lifelong learning
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).
