Job Description

Worthing Hospital is launching an exciting new 7-day front door service. We are looking for a skilled Therapist (OT/PT) to expand the current team. The service will run 8am -6pm covering patients in the A&E Department and the Emergency Floor. The team provides rapid and comprehensive assessment, working within an integrated therapy model creating a seamless service across Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, enabling an efficient journey for the patients.



The Front Door Therapy Team consists of Occupational therapists, Physiotherapists and non-registered staff. There is a strong multidisciplinary approach on the acute floor with collaborative working across wider professions.

We are:

A supportive and friendly dynamic team and have a strong commitment to staff development providing regular supervision and CPD opportunities. Committed to providing various opportunities for learning and development of both clinical and leadership skills to ensure continuing development the service including clinical audits Passionate about the development and success of this new 7-day service and there will be the opportunity to support the AHP Team Leads as the service evolves

Please note, in addition we are looking for bank staff- please apply if interested in bank hours.



We will consider a development role from a B5 to B6 for an appropriately experienced candidate.



To work independently as an autonomous practitioner by providing specialist assessment and intervention to individuals presenting with a range of physical and cognitive impairments which impact on their functional ability and safety to return to their home environment, using an evidence based and person-centred approach. To ensure a proactive approach to rehabilitation to maintain and improve function and to facilitate timely discharges always thinking 'Home First'. To work closely with the Front Door Therapy Team (FDTT) members, as well as the wider multi-disciplinary team. This will involve providing both formal and informal clinical support where necessary. To work within a generic therapy role. To effectively communicate your clinical reasoning, adapting accordingly, with patients, relatives and MDT members, in sometimes challenging circumstances To provide supervision and leadership for relevant junior and senior members of staff and students on practice placement. To participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the service To participate in a 7-day rota including shifts, weekend and bank holiday cover between the hours of 8am - 6pm.

At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.



We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.



As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.



We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.

Candidate Information Pack:

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/



Main Duties and Responsibilities



To independently manage a caseload of patients with complex and variable needs. To plan and implement effective individualised assessment and treatment programmes using confident decision-making skills to rapidly determine suitable discharge destination or admission.

To undertake comprehensive and timely assessments of a variety of patients utilising advanced clinical reasoning, theoretical knowledge and analytical skills, responding rapidly to changes in patients' clinical needs, functional needs and mental health status.

To interpret and analyse clinical and non-clinical facts to inform accurate diagnoses and prognoses in a wide range of clinical conditions, to recommend the best course of intervention and to develop comprehensive goals and discharge plans.



To carry out a wide range of interventions and treatment approaches in A&E, the Emergency Floor and urgent treatment areas. To take the lead in recommending and carrying out best course of action to develop goals and discharge plans, taking the A&E '4-hour wait' target into consideration To undertake assessments and interventions such as mobility assessments, prescription of mobility aids, stair assessments and identify any barriers to discharge. To determine potential equipment needs (e.g. bed rails/raised toilet seats) that will aid patients to be independent and safe in their home environment To use persuasive skills to empower patients to engage rapidly in self-management through advice, education, coping strategies and therapy in order to facilitate discharge from the hospital. To use advanced analytical skills to monitor, evaluate and modify treatment in order to identify changes in patient's medical status which is liable to change /deteriorate rapidly in both hospital and community settings. To develop effective therapeutic relationships with patients who may have complex cognitive, perceptual and behavioural needs demonstrating empathy and sensitivity to issues which may arise in hostile and emotive situations. To apply a robust understanding of the effect of disability and provide training and advice on lifestyle changes and adaptations to patient environments to prevent recurrent admissions On very rare occasion to conduct access visits or same day follow-up home visits to facilitate safe discharge and prevent readmissions, this may include lone working. To provide advice and demonstration to patients and carers in the use of equipment and other techniques to optimise patients' functional ability, independence and safety. To identify and justify when a patient does not require Therapy intervention but needs other multi-disciplinary input or referrals to other services. To refer to the Falls Service, Adult Social Care, Community services and other "out of area" schemes as appropriate, to provide short-term inpatient and community rehabilitation/carer input to address ongoing needs on discharge and manage risks at home.

Communication



To assess capacity to give consent, gain informed consent and have the ability to work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment such as patients who have dementia, learning difficulties or who are acutely confused To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date documentation, in line with legal and departmental requirements, and communicate assessment and treatment results to the appropriate disciplines. To communicate effectively with patients, relatives, carers and colleagues, demonstrating highly developed verbal and non-verbal skills to communicate often complex information, managing barriers to communication such as dysphasia, learning difficulties, cognitive or sensory difficulties, different languages, etc. To persuade, motivate, reassure, empathise, explain and encourage patients in undertaking their treatment programme, ensure understanding of their condition and communicate effectively with patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential. To clearly communicate sensitive information to staff, patients and carers. This may include explaining prognoses about long-term disabilities, where an educational and counselling role is required. To be able to diffuse potentially hostile and antagonistic situations with staff, patients, and relatives using negotiation and interpersonal skills. To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical, nursing and other colleagues to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service. This may include attending case conferences, ward rounds and multidisciplinary meetings. Ensure timely communication with the team leader on all professional matters.

Service Delivery and Improvement



To identify and implement opportunities for service development within the team in conjunction with other FDTT colleagues/ Team Leads To maintain appropriate patient/service records and statistics adhering to Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)/ Royal College of Occupational Therapist (RCOT) and departmental standards To be familiar with project developments/initiatives and cascade to team members if appropriate To participate in quality assurance service audit and outcome measures. To be responsible for the equipment used in carrying out duties, and to adhere to departmental equipment policy and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards. To ensure the safe use of equipment and reporting of faults by self and others including patients, carers and other health professionals. To demonstrate effective time management skills, including planning and prioritising tasks/responsibilities for example training, supervision, patient care and meetings daily. To attend formal meetings supporting Clinical Governance relating to the Service and professional role of the post. To report and record any complaint, accident or untoward incident to Team Lead in line with the Trust Policy Up-to-date knowledge of any Medical Devise Alerts and the necessary actions required. To demonstrate a sound understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management, apply this to work situations and attend formal meetings where appropriate.

People Management and Development



To support the Team Leads by providing leadership in the FDTT and to be responsible for the operational management of the clinical team in the absence of the Team Leads. To participate in departmental meetings including staff, team and grade meetings as required. To maintain professional competence to practice, develop professional skills and carry out Standards of Practice as set out by the CSP/RCOT. To take part in the educational and training activities to develop individual expertise through ongoing continuing professional development (CPD). To attend study days, external training and in-service education as agreed with the Professional Lead and FDTT Team Lead. To review and reflect upon own practice and performance through effective use of professional supervision in line with the department supervision policy. To seek informal and formal support from experienced senior colleagues to alleviate distressing or emotional situations, e.g. palliative care, complex physical and environmental issues and chronic conditions. To contribute to an effective supervision framework for staff and participate in the Trust's appraisal process. To assist with the allocation and co-ordination of work to other team members as appropriate. To supervise junior staff and assistants formulating PDPs To supervise undergraduate students on clinical placements as required. * To participate in the induction, training and education of students, new staff and members of the MDT and other external agencies, including formal presentations when appropriate.