Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and flexible Therapy Assistant to join our multidisciplinary team within the Bromley Stroke Community Team.



You will work under the supervision of qualified therapy staff, providing assessment and treatment programmes for stroke patients in the community.



You will need to be compassionate and practical in your approach as patients often require assistance and support to promote their physical, cognitive, perceptual, and psychological well-being.



You are required to have good IT skills.

PLEASE NOTE:

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this post



In addition, you are expected to carry out routine administrative and housekeeping tasks when required.



Excellent communication, and good IT skills are essential for this post.



Our aim is to maintain and increase patients' independence and quality of life within their home environments. Moving and handling of patients and equipment is an essential part of the role.



Our teams offer excellent support and regular supervision to the successful candidate.



Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:



Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development



Widening access (anchor institution) and employability



Improving the experience of staff with disability



Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development



Making equalities mainstream

Job Summary:

This position is to be an active member of the multi-professional team, supporting the rehabilitation of patients through the promotion of independence and planned programmes of care. Patients are enabled to work towards achieving the goals set in their care plans, by assisting them in the use and practice of skills essential to regain their independence and quality of life.



The purpose of the position is to assist various therapists (e.g. Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists) to provide therapy assessment, rehabilitation, management and discharge of patients. Also to assist in the administration, clerical and housekeeping duties of the department, according to the specific rotational area of work.

Key Result Areas & Performance:

To work effectively as a team member in providing and facilitating a high standard of rehabilitative support within the rehabilitation setting.

To assist OT/PT/SALT in individual and group assessments / treatments / activities

To independently carry out treatment sessions, working towards joint rehabilitation goals as directed by the Multidisciplinary Team members, and to report back orally, and in the appropriate written format as directed.

To assist in the preparation of the environment, including equipment and materials as required for the delivery of Therapy.

To hold own case load as delegated by the therapist. To organise this efficiently and effectively, prioritising with regard to patient requirement and available time.

Undertake manual handling and therapeutic handling techniques with patients both single handed and as part of a team demonstrating dexterity and co-ordination whilst carrying out mobilisation, functional rehabilitation and other procedures on a frequent basis. This includes use of appropriate manual handling equipment, eg. Hoists, standing frames.

To perform environmental assessment on access visits where required. To identify problems, need for therapeutic equipment and risk management whilst on environmental/access visit.

To carry out assessment as delegated by therapists.

To supply patients with appropriate, safe, walking aids and to instruct patients in the use of this equipment when requested by therapists

To gather relevant information re:

a patient's social situation, medical history and level of function, from patients, relatives and colleagues to contribute to multi-disciplinary assessment..

To escort and assist patients with functional activities like toileting and washing/dressing as required.

To visit people in their own homes as part of assessment and treatment.

To deliver and install simple aids and equipment in the patient's home as requested by therapy staff and to instruct patients and carers in the use of this equipment, as appropriate.

To review Outcome Measures with referred patients as required.

To assist the Therapy staff, to provide accurate and timely statistical information.

To record therapy assessments/reports in consultation with Therapists, This includes maintaining accurate computer and written records that meet professional and Trust standards and ensuring any reports are filed promptly in the appropriate place.

To use the relevant therapy/hospital computer information system to check and record patient data and attendance details.

To arrange/change appointments electronically, and inform patients and therapists accordingly.

To organise appropriate transport and interpreting services as required

To undertake general administrative tasks within the department particularly related to record keeping, filing, supplies, message taking, photocopying, and other duties as requested to support smooth-running of the service.

To liaise with and provide cover for other Therapist Assistants in the Therapy Service during annual, sick and study leave.



Work force



To attend Trust in-house training sessions / programmes and external courses as appropriate. This includes mandatory and statutory training , eg. basic life support, manual handling.

To participate in the individual performance review (appraisal) scheme, and to be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development plan to meet set goals and complete competency programme as indicated.

To contribute to the training of new / volunteer staff / students as requested .

To review and reflect on your own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision.

To attend and participate in staff meetings, case conferences, multidisciplinary team meetings and other meetings as required



Financial



To maintain and help administer stock and condition of therapy equipment, reporting any defects or problems with equipment immediately to therapists.

To assist with regular Therapy department stocktaking processes as required.



Communications and Relationships



To report back to the delegating therapist and multi-disciplinary team relevant information regarding patient management.

To assist in dealing with distressed or challenging patients, relatives and carers if required

To communicate effectively with patients, their families, colleagues, other health and social care staff and outside agencies both verbally and in writing.

To communicate in a respectful manner at all times with all individuals

Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times

Encourage patients and their carers in an active approach to regaining and maintaining personal independence.

To educate patients / relatives/ carers regarding the nature of the condition and the aims of Therapy intervention