Job Description

This Therapy Assistant Practitioner post is an exciting development for the Stroke & Neuro Early Supported Discharge (ESD) Service.



The ESD service provides prompt and intensive, tailored rehabilitation in the patient's home environment to maximise their recovery after a stroke or neurological event.



The successful candidate will be well supported and have access to training and opportunities for development. Our friendly team includes disciplines of Physiotherapy, Clinical Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Nursing, Senior Therapy Assistants, Follow-Up and close links with the Stroke Association.



The post holder will support multi-disciplinary aspects of rehabilitation provision as required, in order to provide holistic patient care, and meet service needs.

Base Location:

Canford House

Interview Date:

TBC



To be responsible for an identified caseload of non-complex patients, following initial triage/assessment from a registered therapist - facilitating return home from hospital, and maximising effective recovery and independence.



To modify and update care and therapy goal plans to reflect patient needs.



To provide induction, core training and clinical supervision to a small number of therapy assistants to support the team to deliver a high quality service.



To lead on audits as requested by the clinical lead, including audits to review compliance with medication administration chart protocols and documentation standards.



To work flexibly access all disciplines to provide holistic care and meet service needs.



To devise, implement, review and progress treatment programmes, within a defined scope of practice, and with reference to a qualified therapist.



Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues. UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme. This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about this at interview.



Please note if the role or service is relocated as part of a planned move, employees will not be eligible for excess mileage reimbursement. Travel from the postholder's home to the new work base will be considered a normal commute. Any other changes not related to this relocation will be managed according to the relevant Trust or National terms and conditions.



Communication - To use a range of verbal and non-verbal tools to communicate effectively with patients during assessment and treatment to engage them with rehabilitation plans. This may include patients, family and other agencies. This includes using teaching skills to enable education.



Analytical and Judgement Skills - To assess the patient's level of functional independence and make decisions on appropriate action such as making changes to the goal and care plan or onward referral to registered clinicians within the team. This includes dealing appropriately with unforeseen clinical and practical difficulties and use problem solving skills to resolve issues as quickly as is practical and communicate and escalate any issues to relevant qualified staff.



Planning and Organisational Skills - Plan and organise rehabilitation and care plans for individual patients, taking into account their individual preferences and wishes and using a strength-based approach. In addition, to exercise good personal time management, punctuality reliability and a consistently reliable attendance record.



Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy -



To manage a community caseload of patients requiring a rehabilitation following stroke or other neurological diagnosis, as part of the Early Supported Discharge model. This includes carrying out Welcome Home, Half Way ad Discharge visits with non-complex patients, to modify and update their goal and care plans and determine their needs of the service. All of the above is to be completed under the guidance/supervision of a qualified therapist and if identified patients have more complex needs they should be handed over to a qualified Therapist to continue their assessment/treatment/discharge plans



Responsibility for Policy / Service Development - To adhere to professional standards, codes of practice and policies of the Trust, and to assist with compliance for departmental operating procedures.



Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources - To undertake any non-clinical/clerical duties as necessary. This may include maintain stock levels, filing, dealing with telephone calls, and booking appointments.



Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management - To be responsible for day to day supervision of the therapy assistants within the service with the support of the registered clinicians.



Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties - To be responsible for maintenance of concise and accurate written documentation consistent with legal and organisational requirements.



Responsibility for Research and Development - Undertakes surveys or audits as necessary and requested by the clinical lead.



Mental, Physical, and Emotional Effort - Ability to carry out therapeutic and manual handling activities (involving patients and/or equipment) Ability to deal sensitively with patients who have high levels of anxiety caused by neurological changes, pain, dementia or limited ability with occasional exposure to distressing or emotional circumstances.



Other Specific Tasks - To have full driving licence and business insurance. Ability to drive within local geographical region and have access to a car for business use as cross-site working will be required.