Job summary
Community Stroke Rehabilitation in County Durham are looking
for a dedicated Specialist Therapy Assistant with experience in rehabilitation
to join our team.
The post will be based at Sedgefield Community Hospital
covering the surrounding areas of Ferryhill, Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland
and the Durham Dales. The successful candidate will work alongside
Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language and skilled associates
to deliver innovative, best practice, evidence-based stroke rehabilitation in
patients own homes and out-patient settings to optimise recovery.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced
Specialist Therapy Assistant learn more about treating stroke patients in the
community in a fantastic team.
This is an exciting role in a challenging
setting for someone who is able to organise their own busy caseload and manage
sophisitcated communications within a multi-disciplinary team. Please call for
an informal chat about the role.
Main duties of the job
Become involved in all aspects of a stroke survivor's
rehabilitation in the community, working as part of the MDT.
Carry out a range of exercise prescriptions on behalf of OT,
PT and SLT to stroke survivors in their own environment
Provide expert advice, guidance and information to health
and social care professionals, carers and relatives and other non-professionals
Follow individualised therapy plans for ongoing occupational
therapy input
Feedback on patient participation and activity to members of
the MDT
Work under the direction of OT, PT and SLT but
manage own caseload and work autonomously when required.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented
We are unable to offer sponsorship for roles that do not require a professional registration, to apply you must have Right to Work in the United Kingdom. If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents
Job description
Job responsibilities
Provide therapy care to patients, their families and carers
following assessment of their health and health related needs, undertaking a
range of clinical care duties.
Report to a registered therapist any variation in the
condition of the patient that might indicate a change in the patients health
status and subsequently require further assistance.
Support user/patient involvement and participation in areas
of responsibility.
To always endeavour to promote independence and motivate
client choice within their limitations.
To support / enable clients to achieve their optimum
functional level and assist clients with all aspects of personal hygiene and
grooming; preparation of meals and monitoring of eating habits and food
consumption. To be aware of the clients dietary requirements.
To carry out home visits independently for the fitting and
adjustment of a range of equipment. You will be responsible for teaching
patients and carers in the safe and appropriate use of equipment and reinforce rehabilitation
aims.
To be responsible for own safe and appropriate use of
equipment. To maintain equipment in a clean and safe condition.
To communicate with all clients including those who may have
speech, hearing, learning difficulties or a mental health illness.
Within the boundaries of delegated responsibility and
competency provide care and perform interventions that will contribute to the
delivery of the patients care needs.
Evaluate personal performance in a reflective manner to
ensure continued personal development and the maintenance of an up to date
knowledge base.
Accurately record all clinical interventions and patient
related activity in line with the organisational policies on record keeping.
Clinical Quality
Promote and support the effective implementation of all
Organisational Policies and Procedures.
Support the development and maintenance of a learning
environment within the integrated team that is appropriate for the development
needs of all members.
Participate in health promotion and informed patient choice
so that these are encouraged and developed to their maximum potential, within
the available resources.
Participate in an integrated approach to clinical quality
issues.
Participate in appropriate clinical teaching packages for
staff across both Health and Social Care teams.
To practice in accordance with organisational policies and
procedures.
Resources
Support efforts to ensure effective partnership working
between Health and Social Care colleagues as well as other key services and
agencies.
Supports an effective system of annual appraisal and
personal development plans for all staff within the team in order that the
development needs of both the individual and the team are identified and met.
Support an effective two-way network of communication both
within and without the team that ensures that all members are appropriately
informed of salient community/team issues.
Support and promote a team culture which actively encourages
empowerment thereby supporting and facilitating change.
Support the provision of a high quality, value for money and
effective service within available resources.
Supports the effective utilisation of information technology
systems to ensure the provision of accurate clinical and statistical data.
Development
To support an environment that enables the achievement of
the desired philosophy of care through a multi-disciplinary/multi agency
approach.
To participate in clinical supervision.
To contribute in identifying own development needs on an
annual basis in line with the Trusts appraisal scheme.
To develop a self-awareness of interpersonal
skills in relation to cultural values and beliefs of others.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Provide therapy care to patients, their families and carers
following assessment of their health and health related needs, undertaking a
range of clinical care duties.
Report to a registered therapist any variation in the
condition of the patient that might indicate a change in the patients health
status and subsequently require further assistance.
Support user/patient involvement and participation in areas
of responsibility.
To always endeavour to promote independence and motivate
client choice within their limitations.
To support / enable clients to achieve their optimum
functional level and assist clients with all aspects of personal hygiene and
grooming; preparation of meals and monitoring of eating habits and food
consumption. To be aware of the clients dietary requirements.
To carry out home visits independently for the fitting and
adjustment of a range of equipment. You will be responsible for teaching
patients and carers in the safe and appropriate use of equipment and reinforce rehabilitation
aims.
To be responsible for own safe and appropriate use of
equipment. To maintain equipment in a clean and safe condition.
To communicate with all clients including those who may have
speech, hearing, learning difficulties or a mental health illness.
Within the boundaries of delegated responsibility and
competency provide care and perform interventions that will contribute to the
delivery of the patients care needs.
Evaluate personal performance in a reflective manner to
ensure continued personal development and the maintenance of an up to date
knowledge base.
Accurately record all clinical interventions and patient
related activity in line with the organisational policies on record keeping.
Clinical Quality
Promote and support the effective implementation of all
Organisational Policies and Procedures.
Support the development and maintenance of a learning
environment within the integrated team that is appropriate for the development
needs of all members.
Participate in health promotion and informed patient choice
so that these are encouraged and developed to their maximum potential, within
the available resources.
Participate in an integrated approach to clinical quality
issues.
Participate in appropriate clinical teaching packages for
staff across both Health and Social Care teams.
To practice in accordance with organisational policies and
procedures.
Resources
Support efforts to ensure effective partnership working
between Health and Social Care colleagues as well as other key services and
agencies.
Supports an effective system of annual appraisal and
personal development plans for all staff within the team in order that the
development needs of both the individual and the team are identified and met.
Support an effective two-way network of communication both
within and without the team that ensures that all members are appropriately
informed of salient community/team issues.
Support and promote a team culture which actively encourages
empowerment thereby supporting and facilitating change.
Support the provision of a high quality, value for money and
effective service within available resources.
Supports the effective utilisation of information technology
systems to ensure the provision of accurate clinical and statistical data.
Development
To support an environment that enables the achievement of
the desired philosophy of care through a multi-disciplinary/multi agency
approach.
To participate in clinical supervision.
To contribute in identifying own development needs on an
annual basis in line with the Trusts appraisal scheme.
To develop a self-awareness of interpersonal
skills in relation to cultural values and beliefs of others.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within multidisciplinary teams
- Experience of working with adults
- Recent and relevant band 2/3 assistant experience within rehabilitation in a related clinical specialism within the NHS
Desirable
- Experience of working within a rehabilitation team working with stroke patients
- Experience of community working practices
Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
- Able to work as part of team
- Able to observe and record physical and social changes in patients
- Able to identify when to report to a registered therapist
- Able to work alone with patients within an agreed care plan
- Able to work with minimal supervision
- An appreciation of dealing with people in their own homes
- Demonstrate the ability (with training if necessary) to undertake basic clinical activities in relation to rehabilitation
- Able to maintain confidentiality
- Understand of working with other agencies/multi disciplinary working
Desirable
- Able to use own initiative appropriately
- Training list identified is not exhaustive and amendments can be make dependent on individual needs and profession as identified at appraisal
Special Requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel independently and carry small items of equipment on a daily basis to fulfil the requirements of the post
Desirable
- Ability to meet physical demands of the post
- Commitment, motivation and ability to work flexibly within a multidisciplinary service
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum of 4 GCSE level C, or equivalent, including English Language
- NVQ Level 3 in relevant area, e.g diagnostic and Therapeutic Care or Care or working towards or equivalent experience
- Knowledge of Microsoft packages
Desirable
- An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within multidisciplinary teams
- Experience of working with adults
- Recent and relevant band 2/3 assistant experience within rehabilitation in a related clinical specialism within the NHS
Desirable
- Experience of working within a rehabilitation team working with stroke patients
- Experience of community working practices
Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
- Able to work as part of team
- Able to observe and record physical and social changes in patients
- Able to identify when to report to a registered therapist
- Able to work alone with patients within an agreed care plan
- Able to work with minimal supervision
- An appreciation of dealing with people in their own homes
- Demonstrate the ability (with training if necessary) to undertake basic clinical activities in relation to rehabilitation
- Able to maintain confidentiality
- Understand of working with other agencies/multi disciplinary working
Desirable
- Able to use own initiative appropriately
- Training list identified is not exhaustive and amendments can be make dependent on individual needs and profession as identified at appraisal
Special Requirements
Essential
- Ability to travel independently and carry small items of equipment on a daily basis to fulfil the requirements of the post
Desirable
- Ability to meet physical demands of the post
- Commitment, motivation and ability to work flexibly within a multidisciplinary service
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum of 4 GCSE level C, or equivalent, including English Language
- NVQ Level 3 in relevant area, e.g diagnostic and Therapeutic Care or Care or working towards or equivalent experience
- Knowledge of Microsoft packages
Desirable
- An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing
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
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Sedgefield Community Hospital
Salters Lane
Sedgefield
Stockton-on-tees
Cleveland
TS21 3EE
Employer's website
https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
