Job Description

Post:

Rehabilitation Assistant (Therapies) Accountable to: Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy team leads Job Purpose: To work within the therapy department in supporting high quality rehabilitative palliative and end of life care for patients referred to Phyllis Tuckwell. To be an integral member of our physiotherapy and occupational teams who cover the in-patient unit, outpatient services and homebased community settings. To work with patients living with advanced disease or a terminal illness, with their carers and their family. The role will involve using a range of interventions to enable a patient to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to actively manage their condition and maximise their ability to engage in activities that are meaningful to them.



Through client centred input, the role will empower patients to live fully and enjoy the best quality of life possible according to their preferences, needs and choices. Responsibilities 1.0 Clinical To be able to drive and use own car with business insurance to carry out work in the community, including loading and transporting rehabilitation equipment in own carAlways adhering to safe moving and handling practices when moving patients and equipment, in line with organisational policy and training. To work to support patients, carers and families as individuals both on site and in the community setting, facilitating development of skills, knowledge and confidence in managing their condition and to help to maintain functional ability. To assist colleagues to assess a patients functional ability and establish what is important to them and their goals.


To support a rehabilitative palliative care approach. To manage own caseload of patients as delegated by the therapy leads. To motivate patients to be as independent as possible and support their ability to engage in what is important to them, including personal care, movement, domestic, social, and leisure activities. To report changes in a patients condition, treatment plan or progress to members of the multidisciplinary team and to Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists when additional assessment by them is required.



To understand the physical symptoms, emotional and the psychological, social, spiritual and cultural needs of the patient and utilise these to support improvements. Following training and supervision, assess and teach patients to use adaptive equipment, both on site and within patients homes. To develop knowledge in falls prevention. To support a patients autonomy by using a range of solutions including information, assistive technology and skills in motivating and facilitating behaviour change.



To screen patients needs including assessing their home environment to identify any potential risks, inform goal setting and advanced care planning, in collaboration with registered staff. Support the planning and organisation of group work, including transport arrangements and setting up the rooms appropriately for the groups. Regular moving and handling of equipment and various exercise apparatus for group /1-1 sessionsFollowing training and supervision, to deliver patient information and symptom management group work, modifying in accordance with own competency level. To know own limitations and seeking advice from the appropriate professional when required.


To work alone in the community whilst understanding own competency levels and scope of practice. To ensure equipment is clean, well maintained and stored appropriately reporting faults to appropriate colleagues. Moving equipment between rooms and from the storeroom to the car, in line with safe moving and handling guidanceTo liaise with the multi-professional team including attendance at MDT meeting as required. To read and contribute to patient clinical records to effectively manage delegated caseload.


To risk assess and manage moving and handling situations both jointly and when on own as appropriate within your competency level, reporting any concerns as appropriate. To be able to facilitate patients during rehabilitation sessions, in line with safe moving and handling guidance. To carry out onward referrals to external and internal agencies under the supervision of registered staff and monitor their progress. To support registered staff to order and monitor prescribed equipment.



Reasonable adjustments can be considered to support applicants or employees who may require them to carry out these duties safely. 2.0 Administrative To support team working by answering telephone calls, making appointments and room bookings, scheduling, filing, taking and relaying messages, photocopying and printing. To monitor stock and ordering supplies as required. To oversee the equipment peripheral stores across sites.

To clean and maintain equipment and maintain infection control standards in the working environment. To have effective IT skill across a range of platforms. Regularly review team tasks and emails, ensuring timely and appropriate actions are taken. 3.0 Communication To communicate effectively with patients and their families and carers with compassion and by utilising skills that help to motivate and empower.



To utilise effective communication skills to work with a range of people living with communication difficulties including hearing, sight and speech and language impairment. To gain consent and act in accordance with a patients choices. To work within the multi-disciplinary integrated team communicating appropriately and foster collaborative working. Proactively seek opportunities to support the team and enhance workflow across the service.



To escalate situations in a timely manner. To maintain accurate and up to date patient notes in line with professional standards and Phyllis Tuckwell policy. 4.0 Professional Work efficiently, managing time and resources effectively to meet service and budget needs. To work within established standards and policies to deliver high quality patient care.



To be responsible for ensuring a safe working environment in all care settings. To participate in surveys and audits as directed by your line manager. To be responsible for time management and organisation of daily workload and schedules as allocated by senior member of staff. To maintain confidentiality according to the Caldicott principles.



Always work and communicate in alignment with Phyllis Tuckwells values and professional behaviour standards. 5.0 Training and Development To participate in statutory and mandatory training. To participate in clinical supervision, one to one support meetings, appraisals / performance review and look for opportunities for self and professional development ensuring skills are developing. To contribute to service planning.



To develop competencies in falls prevention, moving and handling, provision of adaptive equipment and in engaging patients in and providing opportunities for meaningful activities. Support registered staff in the delivery of teaching sessions. 6.0 Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Role holders are required to understand their responsibilities in the safeguarding context, ensuring that Phyllis Tuckwell reduces the risk of harm or abuse of adults and children at risk. You are required to: adhere to Phyllis Tuckwells Safeguarding Policy (held on the NEST), which supports the local authoritys multi agency safeguarding policy, the law (Care Act 2014) and Mental Capacity Act 2005 (including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards).



inform the appropriate PT professional where there is concern that an adult or child may be at risk of harm, abuse, or neglect. Phyllis Tuckwell is committed to an Equal Opportunities approach, valuing, and respecting everyone as individuals, with diverse opinions, cultures, lifestyles, and circumstances. This job description is underpinned by Phyllis Tuckwells philosophy, culture, and core values, which actively embrace diversity and inclusion and promotes total team spirit. This job description is current and subject to yearly review in consultation with the jobholder.



It is liable to reflect and anticipate necessary changes to support the PT strategy.