Therapy Assistant

Job overview

Liverpool Universities Hospitals Foundation Trust Therapies Directorate are looking for enthusiastic and reliable team players to join them as therapy assistants. Therapies includes Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Orthotics, Podiatry and Speech and Language Therapy.

Interview process may involved:

- Stage 1: Short Microsoft Teams Screen. If successful, s

- Stage 2 will be 1:1 Face to Face Interview

*Please note the vacancy may close early once sufficient applications have been received*

Main duties of the job

Therapy assistants work alongside clinicians assisting patients in their rehabilitation and recovery across many areas. Assistants also provide treatment independently under guidance from qualified staff. Posts available in the following clinical areas:

Acute medicine and surgery

Stroke

OIder peoples medicine

All posts are subject to 7 day shift working pattern and staff are required to work flexibly.

Training will be provided in order to gain the required skills and competencies, including some housekeeping and equipment maintenance duties. Some awareness or experience of working with Therapists would be beneficial and previous customer care or health care experience is essential.

This post is based at Aintree University Hospital but if you are successful, there may be opportunity to work at our other sites of Royal Liverpool Hospital or Broadgreen Hospital across a wide range of specialist areas.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Under the instruction of the qualified Therapist assist in carrying out care and exercise programmes with patients in a manner that respects people’s abilities, privacy, dignity and individuality.

Treat patient individually or in a group in a variety of settings with supervision from the qualified Therapist e.g. outpatient department, ward, hydrotherapy and critical care.

To liaise regularly with the qualified Therapist regarding treatment progression and ongoing care. Reporting to Therapist any lack of progression or negative changes in patients ability to undertake treatment session.

To work as a member of the therapy team and multidisciplinary team, sharing information with team members.

Assist on home visits under the direction of a qualified Therapist or technical instructor and arrange transport and complete relevant documentation.

Issue, fit and retrieve Therapy equipment under the supervision of a qualified Therapist in ward or home setting keeping accurate records of this activity.

Ensure equipment within department is clean and fit for its purpose.

Assist patients to access and use toilet facilities.

Transfer patients safely between ward, clinics and treatment areas as requested.

To receive and prepare patients for therapy treatments.

To prepare and maintain equipment and Therapy treatment areas including household duties.

To ensure effective internal and external two-way communication with patients, carers and all other health and social care professionals regarding aspects of patient care, providing and receiving complex information which requires empathy and reassurance, communicating where there may be barriers to understanding.

Maintain accurate and timely records of treatments as directed by the qualified Therapist.

To order therapy equipment and supplies under the direction of Technical Instructor/Therapist and authorised signatories.

To participate in departmental planned out of hours working (optional)

Clinical Governance

To comply with the health and safety policies of the Trust including attendance at mandatory training sessions as specified by the Trust.

To comply with departmental and organisational policies and procedures.

Ensure all accidents, incidents and hazards are reported and dealt with according to Trust requirements.

To comply with the Data Protection Act and Caldicott recommendations.

To maintain accurate documentation in line with local policies and procedures.

To gain valid informed consent in line with Trust and Departmental Policy.

Training & Development

To actively participate in mandatory and in-service training programmes.

To attend relevant training courses as identified and agreed with senior staff and managers during staff appraisal sessions.

To participate in staff appraisal sessions.

To participate in the therapy assist rotational scheme which involves working across the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust in a range of ward settings and outpatients departments.

To contribute to the induction and training of new staff and students assigned to the team.

See Job Description for further information