Job summary
Inpatient Assistant Practitioner
Department: Therapies
Band 4 pro rata if part-time
Hours: 37.5 per week. 7 day working
All MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Are you looking for a development opportunity or that next career challenge, then we have the role for you.
Our Therapy Department is currently looking for individuals who have the appropriate qualifications as per the person specification and experience for a band 4 Assistant Practitioner post. The role involves managing an appropriately delegated caseload, including new assessments, planning and progressing treatment programmes, and supporting discharges. As well as supporting therapy assistants and students where needed.
We have 2 roles available, one within our Trauma and orthopaedic team, one within our stroke therapy team.
Our stroke service does operate across 7 days, so there is a requirement for weekend work, with rest days during the week.
Orthopaedics runs also runs a weekend service. This service is allocated via a Rota after completion of relevant competencies and is paid as additional hours.
The role will be inpatient based, working as part of a team of dedicated and skilled clinicians. You will be supported by the Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to provide safe quality care to patients.
Interview date: Week commencing 01/12/2025
Main duties of the job
"- NHS Survey, 2024'' They feel supported in their employers making reasonable adjustments to help them carry out their work, rating an 82.9%
We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
These patients can often be complex patients with a variety of background medical conditions. You may also be involved in assisting with home visits or patients on other wards as required.
The focus on therapy interventions will be on supporting individuals back to independence and readiness for home.
If you want to be part of a team shaping a different approach to therapy provision at MKUH and get job satisfaction from caring for others in a holistic, person centered approach then we want to hear from you.
You can expect a warm welcome from the team. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviors.
Working as part of a team of dedicated and skilled clinicians you will support the Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to provide safe quality care to a range of medical patients. Previous experience in a healthcare setting is essential and experience of working with patients in a rehabilitation context will be an advantage. An ability to demonstrate a proactive flexible approach and to be able to work well on own initiative is essential.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
- To undertake assessment, treatment and discharge of appropriate patients as delegated by registered physiotherapist (PT) or Occupational Therapist (OT), adhering to agreed departmental guidelines & protocols.
- To organise and run exercise programmes (group or individual), assess and provide appropriate mobility aids, measure and fit adaptive equipment, promote functional independence through transfer and mobility practice sessions.
- To inform/ update all members of the MDT, service users and appropriate others, of changes involving current care plans, patients progress and other relevant matters that pertain the care of the patient.
Personal Development To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities and to maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development.
To participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraise and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development programmes to meet set knowledge and competencies.
To participate in the measurement and evaluation of your work and current practices through the use of evidence-based practice projects, audit and outcome measures in conjunction with the Lead PT and OT.
To be an active member of the in-service training programme by attendance at, and participation in, in-service training programmes, tutorials, individual training sessions and peer review.
Organisational Liaison with and teaching of therapeutic skills to other health care professionals, students and agencies e.g. social services.
To be responsible for planning own caseload on a daily basis to meet service and patient priorities, readjusting plans as situations arise and change
To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up to date documentation, in line with legal and departmental requirements.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
- To undertake assessment, treatment and discharge of appropriate patients as delegated by registered physiotherapist (PT) or Occupational Therapist (OT), adhering to agreed departmental guidelines & protocols.
- To organise and run exercise programmes (group or individual), assess and provide appropriate mobility aids, measure and fit adaptive equipment, promote functional independence through transfer and mobility practice sessions.
- To inform/ update all members of the MDT, service users and appropriate others, of changes involving current care plans, patients progress and other relevant matters that pertain the care of the patient.
Personal Development To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities and to maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development.
To participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraise and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development programmes to meet set knowledge and competencies.
To participate in the measurement and evaluation of your work and current practices through the use of evidence-based practice projects, audit and outcome measures in conjunction with the Lead PT and OT.
To be an active member of the in-service training programme by attendance at, and participation in, in-service training programmes, tutorials, individual training sessions and peer review.
Organisational Liaison with and teaching of therapeutic skills to other health care professionals, students and agencies e.g. social services.
To be responsible for planning own caseload on a daily basis to meet service and patient priorities, readjusting plans as situations arise and change
To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up to date documentation, in line with legal and departmental requirements.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Hold a Level 5 Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Diploma or Apprenticeship Qualification that was obtained whilst working in practice within Physiotherapy and/or Occupational Therapy or other suitable level 5 or higher qualification such as a Sports Science degree
- Suitable level of experience as demonstrated by a CPD portfolio to match the job description
- Evidence of a good standard of education 5 GCSE's grade C and above or equivalent, including English and Math's
Desirable
- Willingness to complete Assistant Practitioner training provided by the Trust
- Assistant Membership of professional body e.g. COT or CSP
- Willingness to undertake training to meet competency framework
- Have an understanding of electronic notes systems, and have good IT skills
- Understanding of the scope of the role of the Assistant Practitioner in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development
Experience
Essential
- Substantial previous experience in heath or social care setting/ NHS including rehabilitation/ reablement and multidisciplinary and/ or multi-agency working
Desirable
- Previous experience of working as an Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy assistant
- Experience of exercise prescription
- Understand patients that are frail, elderly and have multi pathologies including mental health problems
- Previous experience of independent caseload management
Skills
Essential
- Ability to prioritise own workload appropriately and have excellent time management skills
- Ability to accurately record clinical record in a timely and concise way within required documentation standards
- Ability to be aware of clinical & non-clinical complications & risks.
- Values the importance of multi-disciplinary and multi-professional working for improved patient experience and outcomes
- Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Desirable
- Understanding of audit and patient outcomes.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Have an excellent attitude towards continuing personal and professional development
- Ability to participate in the teaching and induction of newly appointed staff and students
Desirable
- Ability to supervise and delegate duties to junior member of the team
Communication
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence others
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal, non-verbal and written
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Be able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Therapy department
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Hold a Level 5 Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Diploma or Apprenticeship Qualification that was obtained whilst working in practice within Physiotherapy and/or Occupational Therapy or other suitable level 5 or higher qualification such as a Sports Science degree
- Suitable level of experience as demonstrated by a CPD portfolio to match the job description
- Evidence of a good standard of education 5 GCSE's grade C and above or equivalent, including English and Math's
Desirable
- Willingness to complete Assistant Practitioner training provided by the Trust
- Assistant Membership of professional body e.g. COT or CSP
- Willingness to undertake training to meet competency framework
- Have an understanding of electronic notes systems, and have good IT skills
- Understanding of the scope of the role of the Assistant Practitioner in context of the team and the organisation, and how the role may contribute to service development
Experience
Essential
- Substantial previous experience in heath or social care setting/ NHS including rehabilitation/ reablement and multidisciplinary and/ or multi-agency working
Desirable
- Previous experience of working as an Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy assistant
- Experience of exercise prescription
- Understand patients that are frail, elderly and have multi pathologies including mental health problems
- Previous experience of independent caseload management
Skills
Essential
- Ability to prioritise own workload appropriately and have excellent time management skills
- Ability to accurately record clinical record in a timely and concise way within required documentation standards
- Ability to be aware of clinical & non-clinical complications & risks.
- Values the importance of multi-disciplinary and multi-professional working for improved patient experience and outcomes
- Ability to work effectively as a team player under appropriate supervision, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Desirable
- Understanding of audit and patient outcomes.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Have an excellent attitude towards continuing personal and professional development
- Ability to participate in the teaching and induction of newly appointed staff and students
Desirable
- Ability to supervise and delegate duties to junior member of the team
Communication
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence others
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal, non-verbal and written
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- Be able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Therapy department
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.
