Therapy Assistant Practitioner- development post

Job overview

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THIS POST IS CURRENTLY ONLY OPEN TO EMPLOYEES OF CPFT

This is an excellent opportunity to develop into a Band 4 Therapy Assistant Practitioner. The post holder will initially work at a Band 3 competency level, with motivation and eagerness to develop their Therapy skills.

This job is within the In-Patient Rehabilitation setting, primarily working at Trafford Ward at North Cambs Hospital.

The post-holder will be supported with their development, with a view to have expanded their skills and knowledge to that of a Band 4 Therapy Assistant within 12 months.

Main duties of the job

The Therapy Assistant works under the direction of the Ward Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist, though is autonomous in their own caselaod. They will be based at Trafford Ward, with flexibility to cover the In-Patient Rehab facility in Peterborough should the need arise.

The post holder will provide Therapy interventions to patients of differing functional abilities. This is inclusive of delivering exercise groups, individualised exercise program, assessing equipment needs and facilitating the discharge planning process.

Patients admitted to the ward are under a Rehabilitation pathway, meaning they are expected to improve, with Therapy input. The ward ethic is very positive and rehab focused, as such the post holder is expected to be equally as positive and motivational for the patients who are seeking to achieve their goals.

The post holder will work closely with all members of the MDT, and have good team working with healthcare assistant and nursing colleagues.

The post holder will work towards completing initial assessments for New Patients admitted to the ward, and supporting in their ongoing treatment and discharge.

The post holder is expected to be IT literate and engage in audit and research, as directed by the Clinical Lead Therapist.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To assess for, plan and implement therapy interventions, such as exercise programmes (group or individual), provision of mobility aids, measuring and fitting adaptive equipment, minor and major adaptations
• To evaluate therapy interventions and facilitate discharge actions for safe discharge from the in-patient setting
• To identify when patients need interventions from other services and initiate timely onward referral as indicated
• To effectively communicate verbally with patients, carers and colleagues using tact and persuasive skills.  This may involve using skills where patients have difficulties in communication eg. Hearing loss, diminished sight, depression, speech problems, cognitive impairment, behavioural problems and pain
• Establish and maintain appropriate working relationships with colleagues, patients, carers and other health care professionals
• Be responsible for ensuing equipment is used safely, following relevant training, and that it is maintained appropriately
• To assess patient understanding of treatment proposals, gain valid informed consent and to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment
• To attend relevant external and internal courses to extend knowledge or gain relevant skills to improve clinical practice as identified as part of the Appraisal process
• Will occasionally be exposed to bodily fluids, infected material, blood products, therefore must utilise universal precautions and adhere to infection control policies
• To work effectively within the team structure and liaise appropriately with members of the MDT and other agencies by attending MDT meetings, case reviews and whiteboard meetings
• To inform/update all members of the multi-disciplinary team, service users and appropriate others, of changes involving current care plans, patients progress and other relevant matters that pertain to the care of the patient
• To promote independence and be proactive in reducing inpatient length of stay to ensure patients receive the appropriate care in the most appropriate setting
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, comfortable and dignified environment for all patients/clients and carers
• To maintain appropriate and timely documentation of each patient contact (ensuring these are recorded on SystmOne within 24 hours), including the recording of objective and subjective measurements
• To adhere to optimal completion of initial assessment tasks for new admissions inclusive of forming rehabilitation plans with individualised goal setting, carrying out moving and handling risk assessments, completion of SystemOne templates and completion and recording of outcome measures
• Work at all times within the scope of HCPC Code of Professional Practice, which is under direction of a HCPC-registered Allied Health Professional (AHP)
• To work towards being able to plan and prioritise own workload in order to achieve anticipated competency at 12 months.