Senior Therapy Assistant

Job overview

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Band 3 Technical Instructor to join our established Spinal Injury Therapy team at the Northern General Hospital.

The Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre is based in the Osborn Building at the Northern General Hospital. It consists of 60 beds over 3 wards. There are 6 dedicated ventilator dependent patient beds plus 2 additional respiratory beds suitable for patients with tracheostomies.

The job will include working with all levels of spinal cord injury patients and supporting therapy staff in delivering rehabilitation to patients or assisting qualified therapy staff during joint sessions.

Rehabilitation may take place on the wards or within the spinal injury therapy department.  The post holder will also carry out general housekeeping and administrative duties.  The therapy team have access to a therapy car and a minibus for undertaking trips out with patients so the ability to drive is desirable.

The therapy department facilities include a main Occupational Therapy (OT) department, technology suite, kitchen, bedroom, Physiotherapy gym, weights room and a hydrotherapy pool. This post will mainly be based in OT but cross cover to the physiotherapy team may also be necessary.

The spinal injury therapy team provide a 7-day service.  The successful candidate will be expected to work on a weekend/bank holiday roster as part of their regular shift pattern.

Main duties of the job

The post will involve the moving and handling of patients on the wards and within the spinal injury therapy department.  The post also entails dealing with the general public and other members of the multidisciplinary team so excellent customer care and team working skills are required.

To be considered for this post the applicant must have a GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent in English and proven continuous development or study at Level 3 in a subject relevant to health/healthcare e.g. NVQ3/QCF3 units/A level or equivalent. They must also have relevant experience as an Occupational Therapy and/or Physiotherapy Assistant and knowledge of this field.

Applicants must also be willing to perform a mix of clerical, domestic and patient related tasks.

You must be able to demonstrate:-  ·         Current knowledge and skills in therapy practise  ·         Excellent interpersonal and communication skills ·         Ability to motivate and teach patients ·         Collaborative team working skills ·         Competency in Therapy Assistant therapy practise ·         Professional, patient centred care ·         Able to maintain confidentiality ·         Ability to act on own initiative, organise and manage case load ·         Calm and flexible approach to changing work situations ·         Ability to maintain accurate written records ·         Sound IT skills

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.

When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.