Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Integrated Therapy Assistant to join the Clifton Integrated Therapy Team at Clifton Hospital .
As an integrated therapy assistant you will be required to take part in delivering a quality Therapy Service under the supervision and guidance of qualified therapist's.
You will need to be enthusiastic, forward thinking and have a problem-solving approach to patient assessment and treatment. The ability to work within a fast paced environment and be flexible 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 we will ensure that you complete your competency training to equip you with the competence and confidence within this post.You will also be supported in your role with an individualised job plan.
The team runs a 7-day service, so you need to be able to work weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis. You will also be required to complete community visits and have access to a car and hold a full UK Driving License or have an alternative method of transport.
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
ABOUT THE TRUST:
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is situated on the west coast of Lancashire, and offers a full range of district hospital services and community health services to a population of 1.6 million in Lancashire and South Cumbria.
The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology services across the wider region.
We employ more than 6,500 staff, with a turnover in excess of £370m in 2014/2015 and have approximately 900 beds.
Our main activities are:
- Cardiovascular care at our Cardiac centre.
- Accident and Emergency at Blackpool Teaching Hospital.
- Community Midwifery and Women and Children's Services.
- Clinical research with an 80-strong team of nurses and doctors.
- Recovery and rehabilitation for a variety of conditions including brain injury, stroke and elderly care.
- Sexual health and family planning services.
- Wellbeing and lifestyle including mental health services, heart health campaigns, and smoking cessation services.
- End of life and palliative care.
The Trust houses a state of the art Simulation & Skills Facility that provides training for all grades of staff to improve the safety and quality of the service that we offer our patients.
We recommend that all individuals employed in patient facing roles, or those located on a ward or department where patients receive a service should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
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, representing 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.
- To use technical and creative skills to assist in the provision of therapeutic activities for individuals and involved in supporting group work for patient groups.
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 majority of which will be in 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 Occupational 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 hostile behaviour and act according to current policies.
- Have the ability 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 working 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, representing 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.
- To use technical and creative skills to assist in the provision of therapeutic activities for individuals and involved in supporting group work for patient groups.
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 majority of which will be in 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 Occupational 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 hostile behaviour and act according to current policies.
- Have the ability 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 working 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).
