Job summary
Why not consider a Physiotherapy Assistant job with Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust - Community Learning Disability Team?
Sheffield has an excellent reputation as 'the outdoor city' with a multi-cultural population, good transport links with the rest of the UK, a host of independent retailers, excellent food outlets, cinemas, theatres and 2 highly-rated Universities that provide AHP, nursing and medical training.
We are offering an opportunity to join a highly specialist, friendly team. We provide physiotherapy for adults with a learning disability, and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
You will work in people's homes or community settings, often independently but under the supervision of a physiotherapist. You will use your motivation and communication skills to support our service users with their physiotherapy programmes, support active lives, and meet their goals.
You will support the day to day running of the physiotherapy service, including generating resources for clients, assessing for and ordering equipment.
You will demonstrate caring and compassionate values. Ideally you will have experience working with people with disabilities, or working within a care setting.
You will be supported in your learning and development and expected to take part in our Continuous Professional Development Programme.
Please read on for more information, and do give us a call if you want to discuss anything in more detail
Main duties of the job
As part of a Community Learning Disability Team, working as a Physiotherapy Assistant, you will work with individuals/groups of clients, who all have a learning disability .Many have additional complex disabilities, including physical, sensory, and or mental health/autism .You will work with clients to promote and support their independence and wellbeing.
Under the supervision of Physiotherapists, the post holder will be expected to use personal and creative skills to assist in the provision of a flexible, client centred range of therapeutic activities and interventions.
Implement therapy treatment programmes and complete client records.
An intrinsic part of the role is participating and supporting clients in undertaking physical activity for example walking, gym sessions, hydrotherapy .
The post holder will be encouraged to enhance their existing skills by undertaking their own continuous professional development.
About us
We are passionate about providing the very best care to the people we support, and we're looking for amazing people who share this passion to join us.
What is it that makes our Trust such a special place to work? Well, it's all about the people. Our staff, service users, carers and families all come from such diverse backgrounds and all have expertise and stories to share.
It's important that you feel supported in your role, that the people who you work with are as passionate as you are and that your health and wellbeing is taken care of
If you're interested in developing your career, you'll have access to a range of training and education opportunities, including apprenticeships, work experience and placements, as well as the chance to get involved in research.
We are all very proud of the difference we make to people's lives each and every day and if that's something that you'd like to be part of we'd love to have you with us.
Job description
Job responsibilities
CLINICAL
Always under the guidance, direction and supervision of qualified therapists:
- To work independently in the clients own home/community settings to carry out a range of activities, instructing and guiding clients to support them in achieving goals and identified in their treatment programmes.
- To work effectively as a member of a team in providing therapy interventions to adults who have a learning disability and their carers.
- To participate and support clients in undertaking physical activities i.e. walking, gym sessions, swimming etc.
- To use personal/creative skills to engage clients in therapeutic interventions to promote their independence and wellbeing.
- To facilitate and participate in planned group work and individual activities as required.
- To adjust therapeutic interventions based on the fluctuating needs of the clients, mental health and physical levels of function and capacity to undertake activities.
- To provide feedback on clients occupational and physical functioning to qualified staff.
- To recognise when clients have reached desired goals or have problems requiring re-assessment by a qualified therapist and refer back to qualified therapist or discharge as appropriate.
- To undertake mobility and wheelchair assessments to defined protocols with informed client consent.
- To initiate referrals to other agencies e.g. social services for equipment working across professional boundaries to facilitate integrated services for clients.
- To be responsible for the effective selection and fitting of equipment and for providing safe instruction in its use to clients and carers.
- To provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to relatives and carers related to the treatment plan.
- To provide therapeutic interventions in working conditions which may frequently be hazardous e.g., exposure to body fluids, people with challenging behaviours, visits to high-risk areas and associated travel risks.
- To undertake frequent therapeutic moving & handling of clients, with or without aids and equipment utilising moderate physical effort within clinical and non-clinical settings.
- To work with clients, carers, relatives who may have distressing or challenging social/clinical circumstances/behaviours.
- To gather information to screen client situation and needs.
- Use of computer packages to generate clinical resources e.g. photographic programmes.
- Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
COMMUNICATION
- To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with health, social care and voluntary sector colleagues to assist in the delivery of a co-ordinated multi agency service within the complexities of a community environment.
- To have an awareness of the communication barriers that the clients with learning disabilities may experience e.g. cognitive functioning, mental health problems, sensory impairments.
- To have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills of motivation and reassurance to encourage clients to undertake their treatment programmes.
- To attend meetings as requested by the Physiotherapists.
DOCUMENTATION
- To ensure that up to date written and electronic client records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional and Trust standards.
- To maintain accurate, comprehensive, non-clinical documentation in line with professional and Trust standards.
- To be actively involved in the collection of appropriate data and statistics for the use of the department
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor.
- To keep a record of your training and development activities.
- To maintain job related competencies through life long learning and attendance on relevant external courses and incorporate evidence based practice as instructed by a qualified therapist
TRAINING STAFF AND STUDENTS
- To participate in the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting as appropriate and as required.
LEADERSHIP, SUPERVISION AND APPRAISAL
- Review and reflect on your own practice and performance through regular participation in supervision and appraisal.
CLINICAL GOVERNANCE, QUALITY STANDARDS
- Participate in clinical governance and quality improvement projects as allocated by the Clinical Lead Physiotherapist and the Learning Disabilities Directorate.
- To demonstrate an understanding of clinical governance, equal opportunities policies, Risk Management appropriate to the role and apply to work situations.
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION
- To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
- To be responsible for the management and prioritisation of own workload.
- To promote the understanding of the role of therapy assistant to therapy students and other health and social staff.
- To be responsible for all therapy resources and equipment and to adhere to departmental policy ensuring competence in use.
- To organise and plan appropriate venues for the provision of individual/group activities.
- To be responsible for ordering and maintaining stock and equipment. To undertake, under supervision of the Physiotherapist responsible.
- To be aware of health and safety aspects of your work in the community setting and implement any policies, which may be required to improve the safety of your work area, including your prompt recording and reporting of accidents and incidents to senior staff and ensuring that equipment use is safe.
RESEARCH AND PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT
- As part of a team, incorporate up to date techniques and ideas of positive practice into your programme.
- To participate in Therapy/team audit and evaluation activities as agreed with your supervisor.
The post holder will be required to:
- To undertake any other duties which may be allocated by the Physiotherapist within the general scope of the post, and appropriate to the grade.
- To maintain existing skills and develop/receive training in new skills, as required to carry out the work of the Trust.
- It is the responsibility of all Trust employees to ensure that all duties are carried out in accordance with best practice risk management.
- All employees are expected to observe to the Trusts Equal Opportunities Policy in their behaviour to clients, the public and colleagues.
Job description
Job responsibilities
CLINICAL
Always under the guidance, direction and supervision of qualified therapists:
- To work independently in the clients own home/community settings to carry out a range of activities, instructing and guiding clients to support them in achieving goals and identified in their treatment programmes.
- To work effectively as a member of a team in providing therapy interventions to adults who have a learning disability and their carers.
- To participate and support clients in undertaking physical activities i.e. walking, gym sessions, swimming etc.
- To use personal/creative skills to engage clients in therapeutic interventions to promote their independence and wellbeing.
- To facilitate and participate in planned group work and individual activities as required.
- To adjust therapeutic interventions based on the fluctuating needs of the clients, mental health and physical levels of function and capacity to undertake activities.
- To provide feedback on clients occupational and physical functioning to qualified staff.
- To recognise when clients have reached desired goals or have problems requiring re-assessment by a qualified therapist and refer back to qualified therapist or discharge as appropriate.
- To undertake mobility and wheelchair assessments to defined protocols with informed client consent.
- To initiate referrals to other agencies e.g. social services for equipment working across professional boundaries to facilitate integrated services for clients.
- To be responsible for the effective selection and fitting of equipment and for providing safe instruction in its use to clients and carers.
- To provide spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to relatives and carers related to the treatment plan.
- To provide therapeutic interventions in working conditions which may frequently be hazardous e.g., exposure to body fluids, people with challenging behaviours, visits to high-risk areas and associated travel risks.
- To undertake frequent therapeutic moving & handling of clients, with or without aids and equipment utilising moderate physical effort within clinical and non-clinical settings.
- To work with clients, carers, relatives who may have distressing or challenging social/clinical circumstances/behaviours.
- To gather information to screen client situation and needs.
- Use of computer packages to generate clinical resources e.g. photographic programmes.
- Undertake delegated tasks to contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
COMMUNICATION
- To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with health, social care and voluntary sector colleagues to assist in the delivery of a co-ordinated multi agency service within the complexities of a community environment.
- To have an awareness of the communication barriers that the clients with learning disabilities may experience e.g. cognitive functioning, mental health problems, sensory impairments.
- To have good verbal and non-verbal communication skills of motivation and reassurance to encourage clients to undertake their treatment programmes.
- To attend meetings as requested by the Physiotherapists.
DOCUMENTATION
- To ensure that up to date written and electronic client records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional and Trust standards.
- To maintain accurate, comprehensive, non-clinical documentation in line with professional and Trust standards.
- To be actively involved in the collection of appropriate data and statistics for the use of the department
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives identified with your supervisor.
- To keep a record of your training and development activities.
- To maintain job related competencies through life long learning and attendance on relevant external courses and incorporate evidence based practice as instructed by a qualified therapist
TRAINING STAFF AND STUDENTS
- To participate in the induction, training and education of students and other staff in this setting as appropriate and as required.
LEADERSHIP, SUPERVISION AND APPRAISAL
- Review and reflect on your own practice and performance through regular participation in supervision and appraisal.
CLINICAL GOVERNANCE, QUALITY STANDARDS
- Participate in clinical governance and quality improvement projects as allocated by the Clinical Lead Physiotherapist and the Learning Disabilities Directorate.
- To demonstrate an understanding of clinical governance, equal opportunities policies, Risk Management appropriate to the role and apply to work situations.
MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATION
- To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.
- To be responsible for the management and prioritisation of own workload.
- To promote the understanding of the role of therapy assistant to therapy students and other health and social staff.
- To be responsible for all therapy resources and equipment and to adhere to departmental policy ensuring competence in use.
- To organise and plan appropriate venues for the provision of individual/group activities.
- To be responsible for ordering and maintaining stock and equipment. To undertake, under supervision of the Physiotherapist responsible.
- To be aware of health and safety aspects of your work in the community setting and implement any policies, which may be required to improve the safety of your work area, including your prompt recording and reporting of accidents and incidents to senior staff and ensuring that equipment use is safe.
RESEARCH AND PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT
- As part of a team, incorporate up to date techniques and ideas of positive practice into your programme.
- To participate in Therapy/team audit and evaluation activities as agreed with your supervisor.
The post holder will be required to:
- To undertake any other duties which may be allocated by the Physiotherapist within the general scope of the post, and appropriate to the grade.
- To maintain existing skills and develop/receive training in new skills, as required to carry out the work of the Trust.
- It is the responsibility of all Trust employees to ensure that all duties are carried out in accordance with best practice risk management.
- All employees are expected to observe to the Trusts Equal Opportunities Policy in their behaviour to clients, the public and colleagues.
Person Specification
other
Essential
- Must hold a full driving license and have access to a car to be able to travel within a geographical area in a timely and effective manner
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Computer literate
- To have a basic understanding of the roles of therapists.
- Good personal organisation skills.
- Ability to manage time and juggle demands.
- Ability to work as part of a team
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Maths and English grade 'C' GCSE or equivalent
- Recognised qualification in healthcare equivalent to NVQ 3 (level 3 on RQF) or above or have equivalent relevant experience
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a care/rehabilitation setting with people with a disability
- To have worked as part of a team
Person Specification
other
Essential
- Must hold a full driving license and have access to a car to be able to travel within a geographical area in a timely and effective manner
Knowledge and skills
Essential
- Computer literate
- To have a basic understanding of the roles of therapists.
- Good personal organisation skills.
- Ability to manage time and juggle demands.
- Ability to work as part of a team
Training and Qualifications
Essential
- Maths and English grade 'C' GCSE or equivalent
- Recognised qualification in healthcare equivalent to NVQ 3 (level 3 on RQF) or above or have equivalent relevant experience
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a care/rehabilitation setting with people with a disability
- To have worked as part of a team
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).
