Job Description

East Lancashire Hospitals Paediatric Physiotherapy department is a dynamic and enthusiastic team who are dedicated to enabling the children and young people to fulfill their physical potential in every aspect of their lives.



We are looking to recruit an Assistant Practitioner or Trainee Assistant Practitioner to join our team. The role will work with children and young people aged 0-19yrs across the neurological, MSK, Early Years and Respiratory pathways.



The post holder will work alongside registered Physiotherapists and fellow therapy assistants in a range of outpatient, inpatient and community settings, including schools, special schools and patient homes.



You will work with children and young people on a 1:1 basis, and also in a group setting. You will hold your own caseload of patients under the supervision of a registered Physiotherapist. Training and development will be provided.



Informal visits / discussions are encouraged by contacting Nikki Gannon, Clinical and Operational Lead by contacting communitytherapiesadmin@elht.nhs.uk.



Support registered clinicians in treating patients with a variety of medical conditions / disabilities.



Work as a member of the team contributing to the running of the service. Work under the guidance of a qualified clinician, assisting with specific duties in the team.



The post holder will;



Carry out intervention as requested by the clinician being responsible for feeding back information regarding patient's progress.



Be employed in a Trainee Assistant Practitioner (TAP) Programme with a designated Higher Education Institute (HEI) alongside working in the role of a Paediatric Physiotherapy Assistant.



The post involves on-the-job training as a Paediatric Physiotherapy assistant, with academic study.

During the TAP training the post holder will:

Perform all of the elements in this job description as a learner and under the direct and/or indirect supervision of a registered practitioner.



Develop skills and will contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of therapy programmes, incrementally as the programme progresses.



Seek opportunities to develop knowledge and skills, achieving competencies and Assistant Practitioner qualification within agreed timeframes. Seek support and guidance in a timely manner.



Commits to undertake the formal education of the course and complete all components of the training programme within the Trainee Assistant Practitioner contract period.



The service operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm.



East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area.



We employ over 7,000 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work



1. Assist in collating the monthly infection prevention and control audit.



2. Where required be responsible for administrative tasks such as monitoring stock levels including maintenance, ordering stock equipment for patients and receive and process deliveries.



3. Maintains treatment areas and equipment used to an appropriate standard in accordance with health and safety, infection control and other relevant guidance.



4. Preparing and supporting the environment in preparation for meetings and training



5. Responsible for supporting clinical services for example, clinic preparation, patient groups and preparing patients for therapeutic intervention (including virtual/ on-line sessions).



6. Inputting or collating data, as requested, for service evaluation purposes.



7. Undertaking of general administrative duties to support the clinical teams.



8. Support the collection of patient experience feedback.



9. Arranging interpreters as required.



10. Undertake specific delegated assessment and treatment tasks as requested by a clinician (or Assistant Practitioner).



11. Deliver part or all of the treatment plan prescribed by the clinician and follow their direction, contributing to its development, modification and evaluation (this may be face to face, in a group, or telephone reviews).



12. Follow agreed clinical pathways and interventions and escalate to clinician/ supervisor when variations are noted or required.



13. Give both verbal and written feedback about the progress of a patient's treatment programme to the clinician in charge of the case.



14. Undertake risk assessments and report back on and document risk, seeking advice as required in accordance with policy and procedures.



15. Supporting clinical staff gathering information from patients, relatives, and other services (from a variety of sources including electronic patient records).



16. Support patient and carers in the self-management of the patient's condition.



COMMUNICATION



1. Assist with visitors (staff or patients) entering the service.



2. Make and answer telephone calls and ensure that accurate messages are taken and followed up with relevant staff.



3. Liaise effectively with other departments/ services/ agencies and including information relating to patient interventions and service delivery.



4. The management of emails and associated actions.



5. Supporting clinical staff gathering information from patients, relatives, and other services (from a variety of sources including electronic patient records).



6. Attend and participate in team meetings.



7. Use of a range of techniques to overcome barriers to communication.



8. Communicate appropriately in person, by email, on Teams or over the phone with therapy staff, other professionals, patients and families with patients who are possibly distressed, in pain, unwell or angry using listening and empathetic skills.



9. Advise patients and carers in a variety of ways which may include suggesting techniques and strategies to manage their condition, use of equipment etc.



10. Act as an advocate for patients.



11. Dealing with challenging situations including verbal aggression or patient complaints seeking support as necessary.



TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT



1. Take part in regular supervision in line with Supervision Policy.



2. Share knowledge and experience with other members of staff and students.



3. Maintain your own development portfolio.



4. Assisting in the teaching and education of others and share knowledge and experience with others and share knowledge and experience with other staff members and students.



5. Complete the foundation degree.



ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES



1. Participate in team service improvement, audits and governance activities as required.



2. Assist with the induction of staff.



3. Able to deal sensitively with complaints, following procedures and directing them to an appropriate person within the team.



4. Be responsible for maintaining written or electronic clinical documentation in line with relevant policies, legislation, and guidance.



5. Support the delivery of service and organisational objectives.



PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES



1. Understand the need to act in the best interests of service users at all times.



2. Understand the need to respect, and so far as possible uphold the rights, dignity, values and autonomy of every service user.



3. Understand your role in the process of promoting and maintaining health and wellbeing for patients, self and others.



4. Practise in a non-discriminatory manner.



5. Exercise a professional duty of care.



6. Operate within the codes of practice outlined in the Trust behavioural framework.



7. Be willing to recognise own limitations in knowledge, skills and experience and seek support to address any learning needs as required in a timely manner and with an appropriate qualified member of staff.



8. Understand your role in supporting staff and patients with protected characteristics, to be a role model and ally in challenging and eliminating discrimination of all forms.



9. Assess and maintain competencies as required for the role.



10. Awareness of HCPC professional standards and demonstrate evidence of compliance.