Therapy Support Worker

Job overview

• This post will provide support to the Occupational Therapist & Physiotherapists in a range of clinical and non-clinical tasks as part of the therapy service on the HCE & Medical Ward at Derriford Hospital.
• Running an enhanced 7 days a week service the post holder will be required to join the weekend & bank holiday rota.

The caseload will be delivered to the Medical & HCE patient, under the guidance of the qualified therapist.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS at Risk staff throughout Devon who is able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Main duties of the job

To work without direct supervision, but under the guidance of the registered staff in the delivery of specific tasks for an individual or group of patients, as part of their treatment and rehabilitation programmes.

To work within protocols and competencies specific to this post.

To undertake an active role in supporting, the team to plan, co-ordinate and deliver therapy services on the Medical & Health Care of the Elderly Wards

To take a proactive role in supporting, instigating and leading group therapy delivery to supplement the therapeutic activity patients receive on the wards.

Contribute to evidence-based audit and research projects to further own and the teams’ clinical practice.

To actively participate in continuous improvement of the service we provide.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Clinical

• Under the guidance of the therapists, work with groups and individual patients using a range of treatments, to help achieve the individual patient’s rehabilitation goals.

• Review patient’s response to treatment and report to the therapist as necessary.

• Use an extensive range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients/carers; to motivate, gain co-operation and to progress rehabilitation and treatment programs.

• Provide relevant advice, teaching and instruction to patients, relatives, carers and other professionals, within the scope of practice.

• Support all therapists in completing home treatments and assessments if required.

• Liaise with the multidisciplinary team and other agencies involved in the patient’s care as appropriate.

• Attend multi-disciplinary team meetings or patient progress meetings as the therapy representative, when delegated by the therapist.

• Keep clear, accurate and timely patient records using standardized formats in the patients’ notes.

• Gain valid informed consent, which must be documented and work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

• Comply with local confidentiality policies, child protection and vulnerable adult procedures.

• Participate in working parties in developing changes in the therapy team or the inter-disciplinary team

• Order equipment in line with community equipment store policy and service guidelines.

• Contribute to the evaluation process through knowledge and use of outcome measures.

• Participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development programmes to meet set knowledge and competencies.

• To undertake as directed any mandated data collection for use in service audit and business intelligence monitoring and modelling.

• Be responsible for your own safe and competent use of and teaching of family members and family when using equipment for patient’s function and therapy. This should be through teaching, training, and direct supervision of practice from clinical supervisor and responsibility to highlight gaps in own knowledge so appropriate measures can be implemented.

• Promote and encourage patients’ independence and restoration of function.
• To undertake any clerical duties as necessary.  This may include maintaining stock levels, registration of patients, reception duties, filing, dealing with telephone calls, cleaning.
• Adhere to infection control guidelines and maintain a clean and tidy workplace including weekly cleaning of the therapy gym.
• To complete all trust mandated education sessions within the set time frames, and any appropriate in-service training arranged by the senior staff and therapy Manager.
• To abide by the HCPC codes of conduct.
• To be aware of and comply with Trust and Departmental policies and procedures.
• To be aware of the Health and Safety aspects of your work and abide by policies including the prompt recording and documentation of incidents and accidents. Static postures (kneeling/standing) Moving inert adult limbs Supporting patients whilst walking Assisting patients during transfers Pushing wheelchairs Using hoists and other heavy gym equipment daily8. Regular moving/adjustment of patients ward or gym environment to maximise their independence and safety Working in tighter spaces, whilst ensuring your own and patient’s safety Frequently working with patients with complex needs which can include cognitive, psychological and/or communication difficulties. Ensuring good communications with patients who have impaired understanding or communication difficulties. Daily requirement for multi-tasking or switching between tasks e.g. writing notes, supporting different members of the team, communicating with team, telephone calls etc. Working with patients and families undergoing major changes in their health and social position. Immediate and professional response to complaints/demands from distressed or anxious patients, carers and/or other professionals, which continue to uphold the trust’s values Likely frequent exposure to unpleasant working conditions e.g. bodily fluids, vomit and soiled linen. On rare occasions contact with fleas, lice and scabies. Occasional exposure to verbal and physical aggression, unpredictable behaviour. Occasional risk of exposure to contagious conditions e.g. diarrhoea and vomiting.