Job Description

We are looking for a Therapy Assistant Practitioner to expand the current Department, and on the Emergency Floor . The team provides rapid and comprehensive assessment, working within an integrated therapy model creating a seamless service across Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, enabling an efficient journey for the patients.



The Integrated Front Door Therapy Team consists of Occupational therapists and Physiotherapists, and we are looking to expand with this new Rehab Assistant role. There is a strong multidisciplinary approach on the acute floor with collaborative working across wider professions.



The successful candidate should be pro-active, flexible and demonstrate excellent communication, clinical and organisational skills required to manage in a fast-paced environment providing excellent assessment, discharge planning and placing a key focus on admission avoidance.



Assisting in providing Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy interventions for patients assessed by the team. Once deemed competent, the post holder will be able to assess non-complex patients, progress them and plan discharges appropriately, liaising with key personnel and outside agencies accordingly.



The Therapy Assistant Practitioner will work under th e direction and guidance of an Occupational Therapist or P hysiotherapist within the team but may work without being directly supervised but with immediate access to a therapist on site or by telephone/bleep. Other members of the team may also request tasks to be undertaken which will support them in managing the workload on a daily basis .



The post holder will be expected to use a minimal amount of clinical judgement and freedom to act when undertaking their work whilst remaining within agreed protocols.



To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.



To participate in a 7-day rota including weekends and bank holiday within an 8am-8pm service.



At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.



Candidate Pack



This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years' experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.



If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.



Communication



To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical, nursing, social work and therapy colleagues to ensure relevant information regarding patients' status and plans are provided. Instruct patients in the use of walking aids and provide advice to patients and carers regarding safety issues associated with walking aids according to UHSussex protocols and progress patient's mobility and function once competent to complete. To use basic skills of explanation and reassurance to encourage patients to undertake their treatment programme and to communicate effectively with patients and carers to maximise rehabilitation potential including patients who have communication difficulties understanding e.g. Dementia, learning difficulties, non-English speaking. To maintain records according to the Royal College of Occupational Therapy, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and trust standards. To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date patient-related documentation in line with Trust and departmental policy and procedures (SOAP notes). To gain valid informed consent and have the ability to work with the guidance of an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment. Maintaining, always a kind, caring and professional attitude towards patients, relatives and colleagues within the clinical setting, taking into consideration dignity, privacy, confidentiality, cultural and religious needs.

Service delivery and improvement



To assist senior staff in the measurement and evaluation of delegated work and current practices through the use of audit and outcome measures. To undertake standard treatment programmes on a delegated caseload of patients who have been previously assessed by the Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist and progress within a protocol set by the Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapists. To maintain high standards of clinical care for patients, working in partnership to achieve identified patient specific goals as agreed with registered professional. Evidence of training and successful completion of competencies will be required before the post holder can undertake the role fully.

People management and development



To become proficient and competent in the various areas required by undertaking competency assessment specifically designed by senior therapists. To actively participate in supervision and appraisals To assist therapists in the promotion of service users' self-management of long-term conditions. To provide basic spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to relatives, carers and other professionals regarding safety issues associated with mobility aids and daily living equipment according to departmental policy To promote the understanding of the aims of physiotherapy and occupational therapy and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care. Attend regular mandatory and statutory training according to Trust policies To be responsible for maintaining own personal development by actively participating in formal and informal departmental training programmes by attending in-service training sessions, delivering presentations and training sessions, attending relevant courses, completing competencies and undertaking reflective practice. Be responsible for own personal development, including keeping up to date with Mandatory training and training relevant to the area of practice. Identify own development needs and take action to enhance own knowledge skills and areas of competence as appropriate, considering organisational needs and objectives. Plan your development and objectives with support from the Team manager and supervisor. To aid in providing induction, training, support and supervision to less experienced staff and students to aid others development as appropriate. Attend regular reviews with your supervisor and have yearly appraisals following the Knowledge Skills and Framework review process. To keep up to date CPD portfolio. Undertake a link role as required. Act as a professional role model. Responsible for carrying out duties in line with the Trust's e-rostering processes, including managing rosters, supporting staff allocation, and contributing to effective budget reconciliation and workforce planning.

Patient care delivery



To assist the Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist in moving, handling, assessment, activities of daily living and treatment programmes. To carry out non-complex initial assessments within their own scope of practice. To report progress and variances on treatment to the appropriate discipline at the earliest possible opportunity. To provide administrative support; photocopying, filing, emailing, completing onwards referrals and answering telephone calls. To attend multi-disciplinary meetings as directed by Physiotherapy or Occupational therapy staff . To be flexible in meeting the needs of the 8am-8pm service and participating in a 7-day rota. To be responsible and accountable for all aspects of delegated work . To organise the delegated caseload effectively and efficiently on a day-to-day basis with guidance from the Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist when needed. To undertake basic mobility treatment plans of patients previously seen by an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist. To undertake stair assessments with a therapist. To undertake assessments of activities of daily living and report to the therapist. To complete baseline observations and interpret the findings to guide assessments and treatments. To work with the therapists to carry out treatment programmes to develop independence with Activities of Daily Living prior to returning home. To communicate effectively with patients, carers and family to gain/provide the appropriate information. To report and record any accident or untoward incident to the Line Manager and as per trust guidance. To assist in progression of patients functional abilities within scope of practice To work with the on-site therapy team having direct supervision when required, or immediate access to a therapist either by telephone or bleep. To identify changes in patients condition (improvement or deterioration) and recognize within the post holders capabilities, when to inform senior staff. To monitor and evaluate individualised care plans. To contribute to appropriate, safe and timely discharge planning within your own scope of practice including onward referrals and liaison with other agencies. To undertake any other duties as may be deemed necessary by the senior Occupational Therapists or Physiotherapists. To support therapists across the site, if the need arises, within your own scope of practice. To provide basic spontaneous and planned advice, teaching and instruction to patients, relatives, carers and other professionals, regarding use and safety issues associated with daily living equipment/aids according to department policy. To issue daily living equipment/aids and demonstrate its use as agreed by a therapist . To promote the understanding of the aims of occupational therapy and physiotherapy and to ensure a consistent approach to patient care. To be responsible for the equipment used in carrying out occupational therapy and physiotherapy duties and to ensure the safe use of equipment and reporting of faults by self and others including patients carers and other health professionals. * To demonstrate a basic understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management and its application to work.