Job Description

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY



This position is accountable to the Head of Therapies. The purpose of the position is to assist Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists provide therapy assessment, rehabilitation and management of patients. Also to assist in the administration and clerical duties of the department, according to the specific rotational area of work.

PLEASE NOTE:

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this post



Experience of dealing with the public is essential, preferably in a care environment. Good communication skills, common sense and a friendly disposition are important. You must be able to assist in the moving and handling of patients.



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 accountable to the Head of Therapies. The purpose of the position is to assist Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists provide therapy assessment, rehabilitation and management of patients. Also to assist in the administration and clerical duties of the department, according to the specific rotational area of work.

Key Result Areas & Performance:

To assist the therapists in moving and handling patients before, during and after treatments, using appropriate manual handling equipment, eg. hoists, standing frames



To assist the therapist with individual and group assessments / treatments / activities, including hydrotherapy, or to treat patients on a 1:1 basis or in a group situation, as directed by the therapists



To report back to the delegating therapist relevant information regarding patient management



To escort patients to and from wards / departments



To escort and assist patients with toilet and dressing requirements as necessary



To assist with the patients on home visits as directed by the therapists, giving support and advice as appropriate. Includes collection and return of house keys from/to inpatients



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



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



To transfer information from patient records to therapy records, including operation notes/details



To maintain accurate computer and written records that meet professional and Trust standard



To write any therapy assessments/reports in consultation with Occupational Therapists/Physiotherapists, and according to local standards. To ensure any written 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 outpatient appointments in the electronic diary, and inform patients and therapists accordingly



To undertake general administrative tasks within the department particularly related to record keeping, filing, supplies, errands and message taking, photocopying, and absence cover rota for support staff



To organise appropriate transport and interpreting services.



Work force



To attend relevant therapy assistant training sessions



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



To participate in mandatory and statutory training as required, eg. basic life support, manual handling etc



To attend Trust in-house training sessions / programmes and external courses as appropriate



To contribute to the training of new / volunteer staff as requested by therapist



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 on the wards and in the departments, reporting any defects or problems with equipment immediately to the senior therapist



To assist with the annual Occupational Therapy department stocktaking process



Partnerships Communications and Relationships



To report back to the delegating therapist relevant information regarding patient management



To assist in dealing with distressed or verbally aggressive relatives and carers on the wards, in the therapy department and on home visits



To take and make telephone calls with patients, colleagues and other medical staff.



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



To liaise with the other members of the multidisciplinary team, outside agencies, including out of borough equipment facilities, and patients' families as directed by therapists.