Job summary
Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust are able to offer an exciting opportunity for a band 4 Community Assistant Practitioner to join the Post Covid Service. This integrated pathway of care supports patients on their Post Covid recovery journey. This role offers partnership working between the MDT and other external agencies to ensure the delivery of a seamless high quality service.
Part Time
Fixed term/ secondment until 31/3/26
- Do you want to deliver patient centered rehabilitation?
- Are you an experienced assistant with qualifications to fulfillthis role?
- Are you keen to support people to develop their independence and maximise their quality of life?
- Are you interested in working as a team to establish a specialist service for post COVID syndrome?
- Are you able to empower others to achieve their goals?
- Are you interested in working in and learning from a team of experienced Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists , Nurses, Psychologists and more?
If you have answered yes to any of the above please read on and consider applying for this post.
Main duties of the job
For more information on this role please see the attached support information. This will give you a better overview of the job role and requirements.
The Post Covid team are based at Norwich Community Hospital but work remotely from home and other trust sites countywide; providing assessment and intervention to Post Covid patients with a GP registered in Norfolk and Waveney.
You will be an integral part of a friendly and supportive pathway, providing basic observations, self-management strategies to patients, facilitating lifestyle management, assisting with education/ breathlessness , fatigue and exercise groups, working with house bound people in their own homes, working face to face and virtually.
This post will offer you with opportunity to consolidate and develop existing clinical skills and knowledge in Therapy and Nursing. You will work closely with the Therapists and Nurses within the team to support high standards of patient care and service delivery aligned to the Trust Visions and Values. The team has strong leadership with experienced Therapy and Nursing staff that will support your development through Value Based Appraisal, joint visits, one to one support meetings, caseload management and supervision.
About us
Apply now to join an organisation that has been awarded an Outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the highest possible rating and the first stand-alone NHS community trust in the country to be awarded the title.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- To assist the clinical team in organising and running the Post Covid Service education and intervention pathway
- Prepare for and deliver individual and group activities to meet defined intervention needs.
- To deliver, monitor and progress education activity and exercise programmes for patients with Post Covid Syndrome using own clinical reasoning, notifying a qualified clinician accordingly
- To provide an individualised exercise programme or group programme suitable for the patients level of ability, increasing the level of intensity for patients as they improve.
- To advise patients on a home activity programmes and other community programmes after they have completed the course in order to maintain benefits.
- To participate in patient education sessions.
- To work without direct supervision within a specialist clinical area undertaking tasks delegated by a qualified clinician.
- To establish and maintain links with local community-based exercise and activity providers.
- To demonstrate problem solving and contribute to the solution, working with colleagues.
- To undertake baseline physical observations and record results correctly. In addition, be able to identify anomalies that should be referred to a qualified clinician
- To plan and prioritise own work and visits and ensure these are recorded accurately in ledgers.
Specific Duties
- To assist the clinicians and participate in assessment, treatment and discharge of patients with Post Covid Syndrome.
- Develop, adapt, monitor, and progress Post Covid exercise programme for individual patient and groups increasing the level of fitness as patients clinical symptoms improve.
- Carrying out group work, including education and prevention work.
- To implement treatment plans to more complex patients as delegated by clinical team member when needed.
- Take responsibility of patients without direct supervision, but under the direction of qualified staff in the performance of specific tasks for an individual or group of patients with chronic condition, as part of their treatment.
- To be aware at all times of the needs of the patients during illness or disability and to promote and encourage independence and restoration of function.
- To communicate with all other members of the multidisciplinary team, regarding changes in the patient condition or any other useful / important information.
- To communicate effectively with patients and carers. Communication skills of encouragement, motivation and explanation will be needed. Barriers to communication within the client group may include loss of hearing, pain, altered perception, fear, loss of confidence, psychological / cognitive issues and sensory impairment, language difficulties e.g.: English not as a first language, etc.
- To update patients records in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with legal requirements and Trust Policies and Procedures. To communicate assessment and treatment results where appropriate to clinical colleagues in the form of reports and letters.
- To be actively involved in the collection of appropriate data and statistics for use by the Trust and / or department e.g.: inputting on SystmOne and to be involved in the audit process.
- To be involved with service updates, evaluate outcomes, and assist with service audits as necessary.
- To be involved with the training, development, and supervision of other unregistered staff as appropriate.
- To maintain accurate up-to-date documentation in line with legal and Trust Policies and Procedures and communicate assessment and treatment results where appropriate.
- To undertake delegated duties without direct clinical supervision at venues within Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust or at Leisure / community centres or patients own home as necessary.
- To undertake administrative / clerical duties as necessary. This may include maintaining stock levels, registration of patients, filing, dealing with telephone calls, cleaning equipment, photocopying, etc.
- In conjunction with the MDT, take responsibility for the general care, cleaning and safety of the equipment and work areas.
- To undertake other duties which might be considered as appropriate by the Clinical Lead, Registered staff, or the Team Lead of the Post Covid Service
- The duties of the post may require visits to other venues. You must be able to make your own transport arrangements.
- Be required to use tact and persuasive skills and health coaching style, to support patient engagement, goal setting and encouraging the patients co-operation in their treatment/care/management plan
- Work predominantly independently on specified tasks, with regular clinical support and supervision by a qualified practitioner
- Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of consent, and gain consent as appropriate following department policy.
- To be an active member of the staff meetings, and where appropriate, training sessions, courses, and reflective practice.
- To establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients and carers, incorporating motivation, encouragement, and confidence building.
Trust BehaviorFramework
- All post holders are required to adhere to the Trusts Behavior Framework in the undertaking of their duties.
Research & Development (Should the post require more than this level then the requirement should be clearly described and referred to the AfC Panel for Evaluation)
- May be required to undertake surveys or audits, as necessary to own work; may occasionally participate in R&D, clinical trials or equipment testing.
Safeguarding Clause
- Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Rigorous recruitment checks are carried out and where applicable to the role successful applicants will be required to undertake a criminal record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Infection Control
- Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust staff are responsible for protecting themselves and others against infection risks. All staff regardless of whether clinical or not are expected to comply with current infection control policies and procedures and to report any problems with regard to this to their managers. All staff undertaking patient care activities must attend infection control training and updates as required by Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust.
Health and Safety
- Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), to ensure the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees and visitors.
- To ensure that the Trusts Health and Safety Policies are understood and observed and that procedures are followed.
- To ensure the appropriate use of equipment and facilities and the environment is maintained in good order.
- To take the necessary precautions to safeguard the welfare and safety of themselves, patients, staff, and visitors, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
- To undertake appropriate Health and Safety training to support safe working practice including, where appropriate, its management.
General
- All staff are required to respect confidentiality of all matters that they learn as a result of the employment with the Trust, including matters relating to other members of the staff and members of the public/patients.
- Maintain appropriate patient and clinical records in line with the Trusts policies and procedures, and in line with the agreed service specification.
- The post holder will be expected to participate in an annual appraisal of their work where the job description will be reviewed, and objectives set. In line with the annual personal development plan the post holder will be expected to undertake any training or development required to fulfil their role.
- Ensure that all patients, clients, and colleagues are treated at all times in an equitable manner, respecting diversity and showing an understanding of diversity in the workplace.
- The post holder must carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the Trusts Equality and Diversity Policies, Procedures and Schemes and must ensure that equality is promoted at all times.
- NCHC is committed to supporting our voluntary workforce and all apprentices, and all staff are expected to welcome and support volunteers and apprentices in their teams.
This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended from time to time in consultation with the post holder. The post holder will be required to undertake any other duties as may be required for the effective performance of the post.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- To assist the clinical team in organising and running the Post Covid Service education and intervention pathway
- Prepare for and deliver individual and group activities to meet defined intervention needs.
- To deliver, monitor and progress education activity and exercise programmes for patients with Post Covid Syndrome using own clinical reasoning, notifying a qualified clinician accordingly
- To provide an individualised exercise programme or group programme suitable for the patients level of ability, increasing the level of intensity for patients as they improve.
- To advise patients on a home activity programmes and other community programmes after they have completed the course in order to maintain benefits.
- To participate in patient education sessions.
- To work without direct supervision within a specialist clinical area undertaking tasks delegated by a qualified clinician.
- To establish and maintain links with local community-based exercise and activity providers.
- To demonstrate problem solving and contribute to the solution, working with colleagues.
- To undertake baseline physical observations and record results correctly. In addition, be able to identify anomalies that should be referred to a qualified clinician
- To plan and prioritise own work and visits and ensure these are recorded accurately in ledgers.
Specific Duties
- To assist the clinicians and participate in assessment, treatment and discharge of patients with Post Covid Syndrome.
- Develop, adapt, monitor, and progress Post Covid exercise programme for individual patient and groups increasing the level of fitness as patients clinical symptoms improve.
- Carrying out group work, including education and prevention work.
- To implement treatment plans to more complex patients as delegated by clinical team member when needed.
- Take responsibility of patients without direct supervision, but under the direction of qualified staff in the performance of specific tasks for an individual or group of patients with chronic condition, as part of their treatment.
- To be aware at all times of the needs of the patients during illness or disability and to promote and encourage independence and restoration of function.
- To communicate with all other members of the multidisciplinary team, regarding changes in the patient condition or any other useful / important information.
- To communicate effectively with patients and carers. Communication skills of encouragement, motivation and explanation will be needed. Barriers to communication within the client group may include loss of hearing, pain, altered perception, fear, loss of confidence, psychological / cognitive issues and sensory impairment, language difficulties e.g.: English not as a first language, etc.
- To update patients records in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with legal requirements and Trust Policies and Procedures. To communicate assessment and treatment results where appropriate to clinical colleagues in the form of reports and letters.
- To be actively involved in the collection of appropriate data and statistics for use by the Trust and / or department e.g.: inputting on SystmOne and to be involved in the audit process.
- To be involved with service updates, evaluate outcomes, and assist with service audits as necessary.
- To be involved with the training, development, and supervision of other unregistered staff as appropriate.
- To maintain accurate up-to-date documentation in line with legal and Trust Policies and Procedures and communicate assessment and treatment results where appropriate.
- To undertake delegated duties without direct clinical supervision at venues within Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust or at Leisure / community centres or patients own home as necessary.
- To undertake administrative / clerical duties as necessary. This may include maintaining stock levels, registration of patients, filing, dealing with telephone calls, cleaning equipment, photocopying, etc.
- In conjunction with the MDT, take responsibility for the general care, cleaning and safety of the equipment and work areas.
- To undertake other duties which might be considered as appropriate by the Clinical Lead, Registered staff, or the Team Lead of the Post Covid Service
- The duties of the post may require visits to other venues. You must be able to make your own transport arrangements.
- Be required to use tact and persuasive skills and health coaching style, to support patient engagement, goal setting and encouraging the patients co-operation in their treatment/care/management plan
- Work predominantly independently on specified tasks, with regular clinical support and supervision by a qualified practitioner
- Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of consent, and gain consent as appropriate following department policy.
- To be an active member of the staff meetings, and where appropriate, training sessions, courses, and reflective practice.
- To establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients and carers, incorporating motivation, encouragement, and confidence building.
Trust BehaviorFramework
- All post holders are required to adhere to the Trusts Behavior Framework in the undertaking of their duties.
Research & Development (Should the post require more than this level then the requirement should be clearly described and referred to the AfC Panel for Evaluation)
- May be required to undertake surveys or audits, as necessary to own work; may occasionally participate in R&D, clinical trials or equipment testing.
Safeguarding Clause
- Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Rigorous recruitment checks are carried out and where applicable to the role successful applicants will be required to undertake a criminal record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Infection Control
- Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust staff are responsible for protecting themselves and others against infection risks. All staff regardless of whether clinical or not are expected to comply with current infection control policies and procedures and to report any problems with regard to this to their managers. All staff undertaking patient care activities must attend infection control training and updates as required by Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust.
Health and Safety
- Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed upon them under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), to ensure the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees and visitors.
- To ensure that the Trusts Health and Safety Policies are understood and observed and that procedures are followed.
- To ensure the appropriate use of equipment and facilities and the environment is maintained in good order.
- To take the necessary precautions to safeguard the welfare and safety of themselves, patients, staff, and visitors, in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
- To undertake appropriate Health and Safety training to support safe working practice including, where appropriate, its management.
General
- All staff are required to respect confidentiality of all matters that they learn as a result of the employment with the Trust, including matters relating to other members of the staff and members of the public/patients.
- Maintain appropriate patient and clinical records in line with the Trusts policies and procedures, and in line with the agreed service specification.
- The post holder will be expected to participate in an annual appraisal of their work where the job description will be reviewed, and objectives set. In line with the annual personal development plan the post holder will be expected to undertake any training or development required to fulfil their role.
- Ensure that all patients, clients, and colleagues are treated at all times in an equitable manner, respecting diversity and showing an understanding of diversity in the workplace.
- The post holder must carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the Trusts Equality and Diversity Policies, Procedures and Schemes and must ensure that equality is promoted at all times.
- NCHC is committed to supporting our voluntary workforce and all apprentices, and all staff are expected to welcome and support volunteers and apprentices in their teams.
This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended from time to time in consultation with the post holder. The post holder will be required to undertake any other duties as may be required for the effective performance of the post.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Foundation degree programme or equivalent
Desirable
- Graduate degree in relevant area
- Exercise or activity qualifications
Experience
Essential
- Band 3 or 4 experience working with community health or social care services or equivalent
- Experience of working in clinical area of activity/exercise
Desirable
- Experience in respiratory, cardiac, psychology, mental health, neurology, etc
Skills, Abilities & Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of practice through in-house training
- Willingness to develop self and undertake training as identified
- Ability to modify communication to allow for patient presentation; eg comprehension level, hearing
- Highly motivated
- Able to provide high standards of care
- Empathy & sensitivity
- Ability to use own initiative
- Good observational & reporting skills
- Ability to manage stressful situations
- Excellent organisation skills and the ability to manage own caseload and prioritise workload
Desirable
- Computer literate with ability to use a full range of software packages.
Communication
Essential
- Excellent communication skills (verbal, listening and written)
- Ability to deal with people in a sensitive manner using empathy and tact.
- Ability to modify communication to allow for patient presentation; eg comprehension level, hearing
Desirable
- Ability to compile and produce written and verbal reports confidently and articulately.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Professional appearance
- Good interpersonal skills/ Team player
- Work flexibly to accommodate patient/service needs
- Be reliable
- Able to identify with the Trust's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
Other
Essential
- Must hold full and valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle (if applicable)
- Able to communicate effectively in written and verbal English Language
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Foundation degree programme or equivalent
Desirable
- Graduate degree in relevant area
- Exercise or activity qualifications
Experience
Essential
- Band 3 or 4 experience working with community health or social care services or equivalent
- Experience of working in clinical area of activity/exercise
Desirable
- Experience in respiratory, cardiac, psychology, mental health, neurology, etc
Skills, Abilities & Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of practice through in-house training
- Willingness to develop self and undertake training as identified
- Ability to modify communication to allow for patient presentation; eg comprehension level, hearing
- Highly motivated
- Able to provide high standards of care
- Empathy & sensitivity
- Ability to use own initiative
- Good observational & reporting skills
- Ability to manage stressful situations
- Excellent organisation skills and the ability to manage own caseload and prioritise workload
Desirable
- Computer literate with ability to use a full range of software packages.
Communication
Essential
- Excellent communication skills (verbal, listening and written)
- Ability to deal with people in a sensitive manner using empathy and tact.
- Ability to modify communication to allow for patient presentation; eg comprehension level, hearing
Desirable
- Ability to compile and produce written and verbal reports confidently and articulately.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Professional appearance
- Good interpersonal skills/ Team player
- Work flexibly to accommodate patient/service needs
- Be reliable
- Able to identify with the Trust's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
Other
Essential
- Must hold full and valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle (if applicable)
- Able to communicate effectively in written and verbal English Language
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.
