Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Therapy Assistant to work with our patients on Palatine ward and in outpatients with both physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Patients will include adults and teenage and young adults (TYA) with oncology and haematological conditions receiving a range of cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy and those undergoing Proton beam Therapy (PBT).
We are looking for a compassionate, proactive and highly motivated Therapy Assistant with excellent communication and organisational skills who has an ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary working team here at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in South Manchester.
Main duties of the job
You will have responsibility to provide quality Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy assessments and interventions to patients under the supervision of the specialist TYA and PBT and haematology Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.
Alongside the clinical duties, you will also be responsible for carrying out administrative duties supporting the TYA and PBT and haematology Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists with onward referrals to community services for equipment, ongoing community-based input and shared care.
You will be encouraged to undertake further training in this specialist area and be supported to develop this new role as the Therapy Assistant with the completion of competencies.
You will receive regular supervision, support and training from the TYA and PBT and haematology Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists and are actively encouraged to participate in continual professional development (CPD) with access to a structured Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Team IST calendars and our excellent Trust wide internal and external training opportunities.
We welcome any enquiries about this exciting and ground-breaking post and are happy to facilitate visits prior to interview for interested candidates.
About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country. We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years. We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be supporting planned care and independently reviewing and progressing care in a supportive way for patients undergoing cancer treatments, symptom control, rehabilitation and palliative care.You will be required to see our patients in a wide variety of settings including: our haematology and TYA dedicated inpatient beds on Palatine ward, the Acute Assessment Unit or ward 10 surgical ward as outpatients in our haematology and TYA MDT ambulatory service in our TYA therapy-based gym or clinic sessions as 1:1 or in groups and a large proportion of contacts via telephone, text or video call.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Responsibilities Maintain regular and close communication with registered therapists and the team leader. Work alongside the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to deliver programmes of care and therapy, as planned by physiotherapists and occupational therapists (registered therapists). Develop rapport with patients to encourage interest and participation in their treatment programme. Support and undertake the assessment and management of non-complex patients under direct or indirect supervision of a registered therapist. This includes:o Initial data collectiono Assessment of mobility and basic functiono Assessment of basic activities of daily livingo Implementation of treatment planso Monitoring and analysing progresso Providing feedback to registered therapists Assist in treating complex patients under the direction of registered therapists. Implement exercise programmes to support mobility and independence, including for patients undergoing stem cell transplants. Undertake stair assessments with ambulatory patients prior to discharge and escalate concerns. Identify and provide appropriate walking aids to patients. Identify suitable manual handling equipment under supervision to ensure patient safety. Measure and refer patients to their local wheelchair services for appropriate wheelchair and pressure cushion provision. Attend ward-based MDT meetings, board rounds, and handovers to:o Identify new referralso Share progress updates with the wider physiotherapy and occupational therapy teams Update electronic waiting lists and daily worklists to support team organisation and prioritisation. Participate in audit and research within own scope of responsibility. Recognise precautionary signs, symptoms, and contraindications, seeking support from qualified team members as needed.Communication & Relationship Skills Record and monitor relevant patient data accurately. Maintain effective communication with patients, carers, and relatives about treatment plans and progress. Use a range of communication strategies to support patients and families with limited or restricted communication. Demonstrate excellent care, acting as a role model to others. Provide verbal and written feedback to qualified therapists regarding patient care. Liaise with external agencies and wider MDT members to support continuity of care.Education & Training Participate in ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Maintain a personal development plan and portfolio to support evidence-based, up-to-date practice. Engage in an annual appraisal with senior staff. Stay informed of all relevant policies, procedures, and clinical protocols. Attend team meetings and in-service training as required. Complete all mandatory training and updates in a timely manner.Departmental, Administrative & Information Technology Record, report, and manage departmental systems related to service delivery (e.g. equipment, supplies, estates issues). Relay confidential information appropriately under the direction of qualified therapists. Use relevant clinical databases and electronic systems (e.g. CAREFLOW, CWP, ordering platforms). Participate in departmental projects as assigned by senior staff. Maintain accurate, up-to-date referral information within the department. Conduct regular stock checks and manage orders for mobility aids, OT equipment, braces, and splints. Order specific items (e.g. collars, braces) as requested by registered therapists. Maintain the Rehabilitation Unit and gym environment in a tidy, organised state. Ensure all rehabilitation equipment is cleaned regularly and kept in good condition. Keep patient information folders well stocked and up to date.Clinical Governance Identify and escalate any risks that may impact patients' rehabilitation needs. Uphold high standards of clinical care at all times. Demonstrate collaborative team working across all relevant professional groups. Take accountability for own professional practice and conduct. Stay informed about current best practices and developments relevant to the NHS and rehabilitation professions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be supporting planned care and independently reviewing and progressing care in a supportive way for patients undergoing cancer treatments, symptom control, rehabilitation and palliative care.You will be required to see our patients in a wide variety of settings including: our haematology and TYA dedicated inpatient beds on Palatine ward, the Acute Assessment Unit or ward 10 surgical ward as outpatients in our haematology and TYA MDT ambulatory service in our TYA therapy-based gym or clinic sessions as 1:1 or in groups and a large proportion of contacts via telephone, text or video call.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Clinical Responsibilities Maintain regular and close communication with registered therapists and the team leader. Work alongside the multidisciplinary team (MDT) to deliver programmes of care and therapy, as planned by physiotherapists and occupational therapists (registered therapists). Develop rapport with patients to encourage interest and participation in their treatment programme. Support and undertake the assessment and management of non-complex patients under direct or indirect supervision of a registered therapist. This includes:o Initial data collectiono Assessment of mobility and basic functiono Assessment of basic activities of daily livingo Implementation of treatment planso Monitoring and analysing progresso Providing feedback to registered therapists Assist in treating complex patients under the direction of registered therapists. Implement exercise programmes to support mobility and independence, including for patients undergoing stem cell transplants. Undertake stair assessments with ambulatory patients prior to discharge and escalate concerns. Identify and provide appropriate walking aids to patients. Identify suitable manual handling equipment under supervision to ensure patient safety. Measure and refer patients to their local wheelchair services for appropriate wheelchair and pressure cushion provision. Attend ward-based MDT meetings, board rounds, and handovers to:o Identify new referralso Share progress updates with the wider physiotherapy and occupational therapy teams Update electronic waiting lists and daily worklists to support team organisation and prioritisation. Participate in audit and research within own scope of responsibility. Recognise precautionary signs, symptoms, and contraindications, seeking support from qualified team members as needed.Communication & Relationship Skills Record and monitor relevant patient data accurately. Maintain effective communication with patients, carers, and relatives about treatment plans and progress. Use a range of communication strategies to support patients and families with limited or restricted communication. Demonstrate excellent care, acting as a role model to others. Provide verbal and written feedback to qualified therapists regarding patient care. Liaise with external agencies and wider MDT members to support continuity of care.Education & Training Participate in ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Maintain a personal development plan and portfolio to support evidence-based, up-to-date practice. Engage in an annual appraisal with senior staff. Stay informed of all relevant policies, procedures, and clinical protocols. Attend team meetings and in-service training as required. Complete all mandatory training and updates in a timely manner.Departmental, Administrative & Information Technology Record, report, and manage departmental systems related to service delivery (e.g. equipment, supplies, estates issues). Relay confidential information appropriately under the direction of qualified therapists. Use relevant clinical databases and electronic systems (e.g. CAREFLOW, CWP, ordering platforms). Participate in departmental projects as assigned by senior staff. Maintain accurate, up-to-date referral information within the department. Conduct regular stock checks and manage orders for mobility aids, OT equipment, braces, and splints. Order specific items (e.g. collars, braces) as requested by registered therapists. Maintain the Rehabilitation Unit and gym environment in a tidy, organised state. Ensure all rehabilitation equipment is cleaned regularly and kept in good condition. Keep patient information folders well stocked and up to date.Clinical Governance Identify and escalate any risks that may impact patients' rehabilitation needs. Uphold high standards of clinical care at all times. Demonstrate collaborative team working across all relevant professional groups. Take accountability for own professional practice and conduct. Stay informed about current best practices and developments relevant to the NHS and rehabilitation professions.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum 5 GCSE's grades 9-4 including Maths and English, or equivalent.
- NVQ Level 3 In Health and Social Care, or equivalent.
- A willingness to undertake relevant training to support development.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of caring for others in a personal or working environment.
Desirable
- Experience of working in NHS, Hospice and social care setting.
- Previous experience of working within physiotherapy / occupational therapy service.
- Worked in Oncology setting.
- Administration experience.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work in a team; and to be an effective team member.
- Ability to work independently and organise planned tasks effectively.
- Moving and handling skills.
- Ability to deal empathetically with patients, relatives and carers.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Basic IT skills.
- Ability to recognise own limitations.
Desirable
- Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team.
Knowledge
Essential
- An understanding of the role of a Physiotherapist.
- An understanding of the role of a Occupational Therapist.
- Knowledge of the NHS.
Desirable
- Knowledge of oncology / haematology and palliative care.
Valus
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours.
Other
Essential
- Able to work flexible shift patterns including some weekends.
- Ability to meet the physical requirements of the job role.
- Flexible and creative approach.
- Must be able to maintain patient confidentiality.
- Ability to actively promote Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy within The Christie Hospital.
- Reliable and self-motivated.
Desirable
- Able to work more flexibly if required e.g. evenings, bank holidays.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum 5 GCSE's grades 9-4 including Maths and English, or equivalent.
- NVQ Level 3 In Health and Social Care, or equivalent.
- A willingness to undertake relevant training to support development.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of caring for others in a personal or working environment.
Desirable
- Experience of working in NHS, Hospice and social care setting.
- Previous experience of working within physiotherapy / occupational therapy service.
- Worked in Oncology setting.
- Administration experience.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work in a team; and to be an effective team member.
- Ability to work independently and organise planned tasks effectively.
- Moving and handling skills.
- Ability to deal empathetically with patients, relatives and carers.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Basic IT skills.
- Ability to recognise own limitations.
Desirable
- Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team.
Knowledge
Essential
- An understanding of the role of a Physiotherapist.
- An understanding of the role of a Occupational Therapist.
- Knowledge of the NHS.
Desirable
- Knowledge of oncology / haematology and palliative care.
Valus
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours.
Other
Essential
- Able to work flexible shift patterns including some weekends.
- Ability to meet the physical requirements of the job role.
- Flexible and creative approach.
- Must be able to maintain patient confidentiality.
- Ability to actively promote Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy within The Christie Hospital.
- Reliable and self-motivated.
Desirable
- Able to work more flexibly if required e.g. evenings, bank holidays.
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.
