Pulmonary Rehabilitation Community Assistant Practitioner

Job description

Job responsibilities

Professional / Clinical responsibilities

1. Assist the registered healthcare professionals in the delivery of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Neurology programmes in a variety of settings (including virtual and face to face).

2. To undertake core clinical observations (BP, respiratory rate, heart rate, pulse oximetry, temperature)

3. To undertake delegated duties at venues within East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust or at leisure/community centres across Norfolk. This will include administering respiratory assessment tools (CAT score, BORG score, walk tests) and support with assessing patients to determine their suitability/safety to exercise alongside a registered healthcare professional.

4. Work within established national guidelines

5. To monitor patients responses to interventions and liaise with appropriate clinician to decide on appropriate action.

6. Provide a suitable individualised home exercise programme with the support of clinicians, following completion of the course of Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Neurology exercise groups.

7. Carry out group work including education and health promotion, leading specific tasks where appropriate.

8. To be aware at all times of the needs of the patients during illness or disability whilst promoting, encouraging independence and restoration of function.

9. To communicate with the registered health professionals in the team regarding changes in the patients condition or any other useful/important information.

10. Communication skills of encouragement, motivation and explanation will be needed to maximise rehabilitation potential. Recognise barriers to communication within the client group identified and reasonable adjustments made to facilitate participation in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme.

11. To work alongside non-registered staff/volunteers.

12. To undertake administrative/clerical duties as required. This may include maintaining stock levels, registration of patients, filing, managing telephone calls and photocopying/printing.

13. Involvement in the local support groups for patients as required

14. The role will involve good working relationships with a wide range of system partners (such as GPs, Practice Nurses, Consultants and community colleagues).

Information management

15.Ensure comprehensive, accurate patient records are completed using SystmOne in line with the trusts policies.

16.To collect data and statistics as directed.

Education & Professional Development

17.Participate and actively seek clinical supervision and mentorship.

18.Attend mandatory training as required.

Service Development

19. Involvement in service review and evaluation as undertaken by the team and East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust.

20. Participation and contribution to achieving and maintaining national Pulmonary Rehabilitation accreditation.

21. Attend and contribute to team meetings including broader service development such as changes to the Pulmonary rehabilitation programme content.

22. Demonstrate problem-solving and contribute to the solution, working with team colleagues.

Risk & Governance Management

23.Completion of service audits this includes mandatory Trust audits and audits specific to Pulmonary Rehabilitation such as the National Respiratory Audit Programme (NRAP)

23.In conjunction with the clinical team take responsibility for the general care, cleaning, maintenance and safety of therapy equipment and work areas.

25.Promptly report any accidents/incidents/concerns to a relevant Health Care Professional and clinical lead by use of DATIX.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• BTEC Level 5/ NVQ Level 5 or the Foundation degree or equivalent
• Good general education up to GCSE or equivalent

Desirable

• Recognised exercise qualification
• Care certificate

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a health care setting
• Previous experience of working at Band 3 or 4 level in Neurology and/or Pulmonary rehabilitation and / or community setting

Desirable

• Experience of working with people living with long term conditions in particular respiratory disease and / or neurological conditions
• Experience of working with patients in a gym setting
• Evidence of contributing to patient education packages
• Using virtual platforms such as MS Teams
• Confidence to work and challenge within a multi-disciplinary team

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

• Have basic IT and standard keyboard skills
• Ability to work independently and use own initiative to prioritise caseload
• Recognising own limitations and responsibilities by working within clear protocols/guidelines
• Ability to accurately complete patient records and data
• Ability to record baseline clinical observations

Communication

Essential

• Demonstrates listening, empathy and compassion with appropriate questioning skills
• Excellent telephone manner

Personal and People Development

Essential

• Ability to motivate and encourage patients to improve engagement

Desirable

• Takes responsibility for own professional development

Personal Attributes / Behaviours (linked to the Trust's Behaviour Framework)

Essential

• Able to identify with the Trust's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults

Other

Essential

• The post holder will need to be passed fit to perform full duties of the post which includes exercising with patient's and transportation/setting up of equipment(with any reasonable aids and adaptations if necessary)
• Must hold full and valid driving licence 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

East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust

Address

St James Clinic

Extons road

King's Lynn

PE30 5NU

United Kingdom

Employer's website

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