Job Description

Clinical To deliver therapy intervention as screened and delegated by a qualified therapist in line with agreed local pathways and national targets. To manage and prioritise own clinical workload of delegated, less complex cases. To carry out initial and follow-up physical and cognitive assessments and treatments for delegated patients to establish their level of functioning, interests and activities. To formulate appropriate treatment goals for patients.



To monitor and evaluate the outcome of interventions in partnership with therapists and in conjunction with patients, carers and colleagues. To report any changes back to the therapists in an appropriate and agreed timescale. To act upon adjustments or modifications specified by the relevant physiotherapist. In some delegated situations, analyse a choice of options to make a judgement about a plan of treatment.



To assess for and fit aids to daily living and refer for home adaptations as appropriate. To assess for and provide necessary therapy adjuncts e.g. orthotic devices, walking aids etc. in partnership with qualified therapists.



To use relevant recognised outcome measures. To assist in the instructions and education of patient and carers, and provide information on local resources and support services according to individual need. To work in both the ward, clinic and community environments alone and with other therapists/professionals. To facilitate safe and timely discharge from hospital, referring on to relevant services as indicated and in conjunction with qualified therapists.



To record patient information in accordance with Trust and Therapy documentation standards. To treat patients individually or within a group, in an appropriate therapeutic environment in partnership with qualified therapists. To work in a collaborative and co-operative manner with other therapy, healthcare staff, patients and patients families or carers, recognising and respecting their involvement in the structuring and delivery of care. To demonstrate required handling and therapeutic skills relevant to specific patient groups.



To be prepared to respond to unforeseen situations that take precedence over planned workload. Organisational To manage and prioritise a case load as delegated by therapists. To be aware of, and adhere to, Trust, Directorate and NHS policies and procedures. To monitor and maintain a good working condition of equipment specific to orthopaedics rehabilitation.



To record departmental statistics as required by Therapy managers/co-ordinators. To participate in collating data for audit purposes as delegated by clinicians. To act as an advocate for therapy assistants issues with therapy service managers. To assist in the induction of new staff (band 2-3) and students.



To follow procedures to sensitively deal with complaints, directing each to an appropriate individual within the team. Service Development To assist qualified therapists and clinical governance staff in auditing aspects of service delivery and provision. To assist in any service development projects and as required by Therapy managers/co-ordinators. Training and Personal Development Continuous Professional Development To take part in appraisal, in order to identify your personal development and training needs.



The jobholder must take responsibility in agreement with his/her line manager for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. To undertake competency assessment and maintain core competancies at Assistant Practitioner level. To develop knowledge through a formal training programme and maintain this knowledge and skill base through participation in and delivery of appropriate in service training. To complete and maintain mandatory training.



To assist in the practical training and continual development of students, trainee and Band 2/3 therapy assistant staff. To undertake and complete any relevant informal /formal study deemed necessary for the job role either provided internally or by external providors. Communication To maintain effective written and electronic clinical records. To feedback patient information to appropriate members of the multi-disciplinary team.



To liaise with, and feedback regularly to, supervising therapist(s). To use effective communication skills to establish good working relationships with colleagues, patients and carers. To use effective verbal and non-verbal communication tools, to communicate therapy programmes and obtain consent from patients who may have barriers to understanding. To encourage patients and their carers to actively participate in regaining and maintaining their personal independence using persuasion and motivational skills.



To understand barriers to communication due to patients physical or non-physical conditions e.g. mood and cognition or speech and language deficits. To provide advice and direction regarding therapy related issues to individuals and groups. To facilitate links to local statutory and voluntary organisations to increase knowledge of resources available in the community.



To maintain confidentiality at all times and adhere to information governance policies. To attend and participate in team and wider organisational meetings as required. Managerial To undertake supervision and appraisal of band 2/3 therapy assistants. To assist in the recruitment process of trainee and Band 2/3 therapy assistants.



To act as an autonomous assistant practitioner within prescribed clinical areas. To delegate appropriate tasks to band 2/3 therapy assistants. Other Such other duties at a comparable level of responsibility as may normally be agreed with the jobholder.