Band 4 Reablement & Recovery Inpatient Assistant Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

1. To assess and prescribe low and medium need referrals for manual and basic powered chairs within agreed service eligibility criteria.
2. To be able to set up and instruct patients and carers with reference to the use of basic wheelchairs, cushions and accessories in line with service procedures.
3. To assist therapists and rehabilitation engineers in moving and handling of patients and to carry out appropriate moving and handling tasks in line with mandatory training.
4. To make onward referrals as required.
5. To use appropriate methods of communication with patients, families and carers in order to maximise rehabilitation and understand their conditions. Barriers to effective communication will regularly be evident and a variety of communication methods may be required.
6. To communicate effectively and collaboratively with colleagues across health/voluntary and social sectors to ensure effective service delivery.
7. To maintain sensitivity at all times to the emotional needs of patients and their families/carers.
8. To provide targeted clinical advice either via telephone or face to face within the remit of the job role.
9. To assess capacity, gain valid informed consent and have the ability to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment, and to support other staff likewise.To maintain clinical records in line with Trust Policy and Professional Standards. To ensure that Trusts clinical system, SystmOne, is maintained accurately so as to optimise patients care along treatment pathways.
10. To participate in delivering training as directed by wheelchair therapists.
11. Assess, identify and prescribe low-medium need, new/replacement and like-for-like wheelchairs, accessories, low complexity modifications and pressure cushions, under supervision from a qualified Therapist or Rehabilitation Engineer.
12. Implement personal wheelchair budgets process as part of assessment.
13. Carry out planned reviews/evaluations by phone or in person as delegated, following a standard format.
14. Plan and carry out skills training for clients, as delegated, for manual and powered wheelchairs.
15. Problem solve wheelchair seating problems, at times making independent decisions regarding client safety in their wheelchair.
16. Manage the screening of incoming enquiries following service processes, and recording intervention, discussion and outcome using a standard template on the electronic client database.
17. Manage stock of accessories in line with departmental policies and guidance.
18. To undertake driving assessments with patients for basic indoor and outdoor powered chairs

Professional Responsibilities

1. Complete the trusts competency framework for the wheelchair assistant practitioner role and achieve minimum skill set (list of competencies as defined in National Wheelchair Managers Forum appendix 1 - wheelchair therapy assistant).
2. To propose development and/or changes to team procedures in relation to own area of work.
3. Communicate to qualified staff issues relating to service shortfalls, potential risks and service pressures.
4. To assume delegated activities as requested by senior staff in relation to service development.
5. To support senior staff across wheelchair services with service improvement ideas.
6. Have commitment to work within a changing environment, responding positively to new demands and service changes.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to NVQ 3/4, foundation degree plus additional training to diploma level equivalent, or equivalent through short courses and relevant applied experience
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a relevant health or social care setting

Desirable

• Experience in relevant speciality

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

• Office-based IT skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of SystmOne

Communication

Essential

• Able to communicate effectively using the English language in both verbal and written forms

Desirable

• Presentation skills

Personal and People Development

Essential

• Effective team player
• Ability to prioritise tasks on a day to day basis

Personal Attributes / Behaviours (Linked to Behaviour Framework)

Essential

• Able to identify with the Trust's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults
• Able to work collaboratively Committed to personal and team development
• Dynamic and confident
• Motivated / Driven / Enthusiastic

Other

Essential

• The post holder will need to be passed fit to perform full duties of the post through occupational health with any reasonable aids and adaptations if necessary. Some roles require additional level of checks as part of the employment process i.e. roles which come into contact with children, vulnerable adults or their families.
• Must have a full UK driving license and have access to a vehicle
• 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.

Employer details

Employer name

Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust

Address

Norwich Community Hospital

Bowthorpe Road

Norwich

NR2 3TU

Employer's website

https://www.norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)