Therapy Assistant (SLT/OT)

Job overview

In this exciting new role, the post holder will support Occupational therapy (OT) and Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) in the management of activities of daily living (ADLs) and swallowing/communication needs for people with dementia, in the South-East Essex area.

Working under the supervision of the OT, the post holder will assist with assessment/review of patients and with the ordering of specialist equipment to enable patients to maximise their independence, remain in their own home and prevent admission to hospital.

Working under the supervision of the SLTs, the post holder will assist with assessment/review of patients with swallowing/communication needs in order to support safer swallowing, maximise nutrition/hydration, prevent hospital admission and to help maintain quality of life.

The post holder will also provide education/training to patients, their families, care homes and care agencies when required.

Experience with dementia and end of life care would be an advantage.

Main duties of the job

• To take responsibility for a caseload as designated by the Clinical lead for OT or SLT, or their deputising senior.
• The role will be shared between caseloads for OT and SLT as needed.
• To work independently, facilitating individual work planned with registered OT/SLT.
• To carry out joint visits with OT/SLT as required
• To assess patients within their home environment and arrange provision of agreed equipment, or aids to daily living on behalf of OT.
• To review patients within their home environment (inc. care homes) regarding their tolerance of diet and fluid by observing patients, reviewing notes and liaising with family/carers.
• To review patients’ tolerance of diet and fluids via telephone by liaising with family/carers.
• To demonstrate to patients/carers the correct and safe use of the equipment and advise on safety in the home environment, as applicable.
• To demonstrate to patients/carers  correct and safe eating and drinking advice
• To provide Communication Partner Training to families/carers as required

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To form professional relationships with patients and communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture.
• To instruct and guide individual patients in the use of therapeutic activities.
• To report effectively to the team on patients’ performance / progress in areas of self-maintenance, productivity and leisure.
• To provide relevant information, written and oral, for documents relating to patients’ progress.
• To correspond with external agencies on clinical matters, under direction of qualified staff.
• To use tact and persuasion to maximise patient outcomes and goals, as well as discuss sensitive issues.

Documentation

• To ensure that up-to-date written / electronic records and activity data are maintained in accordance with the Professional Trust Standards.

Professional

• To adhere to the HCPC Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and the Trust’s Code of Conduct for non-qualified staff and all other relevant policies and procedures.

Training Staff and Students

• Participate in the induction and training of students.
• Participate in the dissemination and sharing of information and skills with staff, students and volunteers.
• Participate in relevant training opportunities, specifically for catering staff and domicillary care agency staff in regards to food and fluid modification.