Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant to join the Integrated Therapy Team (ITT) at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. The post will involve working as part of a team covering the Care of the Older person Wards and the Frailty Assessment Area. The team provides a 7-day service, working one weekend in every 7 weeks.



As a Therapy Assistant you will be required to take part in delivering a quality service under the supervision and guidance of qualified therapists. You will also work clinically with other members of the Multidisciplinary Team.



You will need to be enthusiastic, forward thinking and have a problem-solving approach to patient assessment management. The ability to work within a fast paced and pressured environment is essential, along with having excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and demonstration of the ability to support other team members.



Various training and development opportunities are available, including role specific competency training. An understanding of Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and the Acute Hospital setting is essential.



Candidates need to be able to work weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis. You will also be required to complete community visits, therefore applicants will need to have access to a car and hold a full UK Driving License.



JOB SUMMARY



The post holder is responsible for the provision of assessment, treatment, intervention and discharge planning of clients assigned by a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.



The post holder is responsible for the assessment and prescription of mobility aids, equipment and minor adaptations.



Use technical and creative skills to assist in the provision of therapeutic activities for individuals and groups of patients.



Responsible for managing designated caseload on a day to day basis including prioritisation of tasks.



Works in the community as a lone worker in line with the trusts lone working policy.



Participate in education of Therapy students in relation to the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy processes.



We are committed to undergraduate education, CPD, clinical supervision, clinical governance and flexible working. You will also be supported in your role with an individualized job plan.



Working for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will provide you with lots of opportunity to develop your skills and further your career. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre and North Lancashire.

As a Trust we are committed to:

Developing new roles and ways of working to ensure a flexible and innovative approach to staff.



Real equality of opportunity.



Continual development and learning for staff.



Achieving a work life balance.



We are committed to the effective recruitment, retention and development for our employees, which is why we offer a great working environment, an attractive range of benefits and excellent opportunities for training and development.



The Trust is accredited as a disability Confident employer. That means we recognise our obligations to ensure people with disabilities are afforded equal opportunity to enter employment and progress if and where possible.



As a Trust, we recommend that individuals employed in patient facing roles, or those located on a ward or department where patients receive a service are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES



Training, Knowledge and Experience



Knowledge and skills acquired through previous experience working in Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy and extended through Continuing Professional Development.



Undertake competency training for specified duties, within Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.



Attend mandatory training including moving and handling, basic life support, consent, fire, equality and diversity, child protection awareness etc.



Participate and/or facilitate support staff forum.



Demonstrate an awareness of policy and procedure affecting the post.



Clinical Responsibilities



Gain valid consent from the patient prior to undertaking any task and to inform and seek guidance from your supervisor if there are any concerns about the patient's capability to give this.



Undertake assessments and interventions within designated caseload.



Provide general advice to patients, relatives and carers to enable an understanding of the aims of the prescribe intervention, ensuring there is a consistent approach to patient care and offering information on community services.



Negotiate and agree functional treatment goals with the patient using a range of technical and creative skills.



When visiting patients, representing the Hospital Therapy team, respond appropriately to patients and carers needs regarding all aspects of Therapy provision.



Formulate Therapy treatment plans, moving, handling and positioning of patients to enable them to participate in treatment episodes and carry out activities of daily living.



Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes if required in discussion with your supervisor where necessary.



Be responsible for the agreed discharge of patient's following completion of an episode of care.



Use problem solving skills to adapt intervention and resolve difficulties that arise.



Extend and develop skills related to a variety of clinical areas through practical experience.



Visit patients in their own homes to assess for, fit and check daily living equipment and recommend minor living adaptations.



Develop a rapport with patients to encourage their interest and participation in prescribed intervention.



To work as a lone practitioner in a variety of community settings where there is a trust requirement to make decisions spontaneously within the Primary Care Trust Policies and Guidelines. Ensure you are aware of the systems in place in order to seek back up from qualified staff if required.



Report to your named supervisor at agreed intervals outlining caseload progress, highlighted any problems and informing discharge.



Administration and Communication Skills



Be a member of multi-agency team, sharing information with team members and having an awareness of their systems.



Communicate effectively with patients with complex communication difficulties and/or cognitive problems by utilising a variety of communication mediums.



Responsible for documenting and maintaining records for episodes of care for designated caseload majority of which will be in electronic format.



Be responsible for collection of clinical statistics.



Having basic IT skills including email and Microsoft word.



Participate in working parties as requested by a qualified Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.



Participate in audit as requested by a qualified Therapist.



Maintain the ability to concentrate and communicate effectively when faced with a variety of clinical and non-clinical tasks.



Liaise, co-ordinate and facilitate multi-disciplinary and multi-agency referrals for patients.



Education and Training



Be responsible for the delegation of tasks to junior support staff and gaining feedback.



Participate in the departmental Personal Development review system.



Utilise supervision sessions offered by Senior Occupational Therapists.



Participate in the education of junior support staff and students in developing competencies as requested by qualified Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.



Participate in In-service training.



Risk Management



Be aware and fulfil responsibilities under the Health and Safety at work Act. Trust and departmental policies and procedures.



Ensure that information is treated in accordance with confidentiality guidelines.



Gain valid consent to intervention and have the ability to work with patients who lack the ability to give consent.



Be aware of and implement risk management when completing community visits, especially in relation to aggressive hostile behaviour and act according to current policies.



Have the ability to deal with unexpected events during the course of duties and complete untoward incident reports in line with Trust guidelines.



Be aware of and comply with policies addressing Lone working risk to staff and environmental hazards e.g. unhygienic houses and poor environmental conditions including patients suffering from incontinence, patients and or relatives who can be verbally abusive.



Confidentiality



In the course of your duties you may have access to confidential information about patients, staff or health service business. On no account must such information be divulged to anyone who is not authorised to receive it. Confidentiality of information must be preserved at all times whether at or away from work. The Trust has in place a 'Whistleblowers Policy' for staff wishing to express concerns.