Job Description

JOB PURPOSE To work within the occupational therapy and physiotherapy teams providing highly skilled and specialised clinical, administrative and organisational support, working in the Emergency and Speciality Medicine service at SJUH. The post holder will work independently to manage the initial phase of the therapy assessment pathway, will be responsible for the screening of patients attending Elderly Medical specialist ward and determine the most appropriate initial assessments and interventions. The post holder will manage a caseload of patients independently and be able to work with infrequent supervision from OT and Physiotherapy support. On occasions the post holder will assess home environments to ensure safe discharge, without the supervision of a qualified member of staff.



Day to day supervisory support and overall management will be provided to the Joint Therapy Support Worker by occupational therapy and physiotherapy staff. The post holder is responsible for: 1. Assessing and providing care and therapy interventions for individual patients, adapting the process as indicated. 2.



Assessment and intervention may take place in patients homes, clinics or wards. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Essential Level 3 qualification in relevant health/social care related subject. GCSE English and Maths grade C minimum or Functional Skills equivalent Experience working as a therapy support worker in an acute setting Experience in organising and running groups Able to understand and apply therapy process and patient pathways regarding the delivery of therapy/care Communication skills - written, verbal and numeracy Interpersonal skills Ability to work as part of both uni and multi professional teams Ability to work independently/manage workload under guidance Ability to respond and act upon feedback from others Problem solving Time management Organisational skills Show initiative Demonstrate continued professional and personal development Ability to move and handle patients and equipment Maintain confidentiality. Experience of working in a Healthcare, Education or Social Care setting as a carer or similar.



Demonstrate an awareness of people with disabilities and problems Demonstrate understanding of both Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapist Desirable Previous experience of working in a therapy setting Experience of using Information Technology systems Completion of the CARE certificate. Otherwise will be mandatory training requirement during the first 3 months of employment. 8. CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS Communication Skills written, verbal, numeracy Interpersonal Skills Ability to work as part of a Team (OT, PT and MDT) Ability to manage a workload provided by more than one professional.



Problem-solving Time Management Organisational Skills Administrative Skills Able to work in a stressful environment Ability to use initiative Ability to influence and persuade Ability to take responsibility for personal development Ability to move and handle patients and equipment 9. CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING Understanding of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy job roles. Awareness of the needs and problems of those with illness and disabilities Awareness of the functional effects of the patient group in the clinical area caused by illness and / or disability. Understanding of legislation, guidelines and protocols that affect the clinical area Awareness of Health and Safety 10.



PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Clinical To accept responsibility for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy initial assessments to facilitate rehabilitation and discharge from hospital. To plan and prioritise clinical tasks. To deliver the service using patient pathways and protocols to support your delivery of therapy process and taking into account each patients individual physical, social and emotional needs. To make contact with patients to initiate assessments and intervention.



To analyse and make decisions about the most appropriate environment in which to carryout intervention. To independently carry out home and community assessments. To motivate and persuade patients and carers to participate in therapy intervention. To assess and advise patients regarding transfers, falls, equipment and risks.



To assess, prescribe and train patients and carers in the use of assistive equipment. To assess, deliver, fit and demonstrate equipment in patients home and to provide advice and training to patients and carers as required. To interpret and analyse information from assessments, judge how to progress intervention and when to liaise with a qualified member of staff eg. Nurse, Doctor, Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.



To assess risk factors and judge when to summons assistance or adapt the treatment session To communicate with patients and carers using a variety of communication strategies and tools to ensure information is understood and treatment is progressed. This will include patients and carers who have difficulties communicating and understanding. To liaise with other team members, internal and external agencies. To identify the need for and refer to internal and external agencies using appropriate referral system.



To record interventions accurately and timely using team/trust documentation, complying with Therapy guidelines and legislative requirements. To complete activity data using team/trust documentation and outcome measures. To be able to work in a stressful environment. To be able to deal effectively with emotional and/or aggressive patients/ carers.



To participate in ward rounds, case conferences and meetings as required. To collect, respond to and feedback relevant information to the senior therapist. To promote Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy as a treatment medium to others. To lead and participate in departmental/service developments, projects audit and reviews.



To carry out designated ordering and maintenance of stock, equipment and resources.