Assistant Practitioner

• Has experience working in a health or social care environment.
• Holds an appropriate Assistant Practitioner qualification or equivalent experience.
• Has an understanding of long-term respiratory conditions and the impact they can have on people's physical, psychological and social wellbeing.
• Is confident supporting people with exercise and physical activity.
• Has good communication and interpersonal skills and can build positive relationships with patients and colleagues.
• Can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team while also managing delegated tasks independently.
• Is able to recognise when a patient's condition or exercise response requires further clinical assessment or escalation.
• Demonstrates a compassionate, person-centred approach to care.
• Is organised, reliable and able to manage competing priorities.
• Is committed to continuing professional development and maintaining clinical competence.

• To work in the community as part of an MDT delivering exercise and education as part of the Pulmonary and Heart Failure Rehabilitation Programme.
• To deliver rehabilitative domiciliary programmes and intervention as required, under the guidance of qualified community therapy staff and progress rehabilitation programmes in line with own competencies.
• To assess for and provide walking aids in the patients own home or clinic setting as required.
• To contribute to the efficient running of the Pulmonary and Heart Failure Rehabilitation Service
• To contribute to the supervision of junior staff and students.
• To follow all Trust standards, policies and procedures, appropriate to the band/position.
• To maintain accurate and up to date electronic data and records using the approved system eg EMIS clinical notes and following national and local standards.
• To participate in staff appraisal and implement personal development plans.
• To work within the limitations of the post and seek help and advice when unsure.Any other duties appropriate to the band/position as directed by senior staff, Team Leader, Operational Lead or Directorate Manager.

• Between 27-33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• NHS pension scheme membership
• Salary sacrifice schemes for lease cars, home electronics and more, to make your salary go further
• NHS Staff discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary finance - for loans, savings, budget planning and tips on managing debt
• Stockport Credit Union- for local financial advice

Essential

• Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (or equivalent qualification or equivalent experience in relevant clinical area)
• GCSEs (Grade C or above) in Maths and English Language (or New GCSE Grade 4-9) OR Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English or Equivalent (not entry level 2)
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development

Essential

• Knowledge of respiratory conditions including COPD and Interstitial Lung Disease
• Knowledge of the evidence-based principles underlying Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Working knowledge of relevant therapy interventions/exercise appropriate to clinical area
• Knowledge of when to seek advice and escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice
• Awareness of cultural diversity issues
• Awareness of dignity and respect issues
• Awareness of barriers to communication

Essential

• Experience of working as a therapy assistant or as an Assistant Practitioner in a relevant health/care setting
• Experience of delivering exercise therapy in 1:1 and/or group settings
• Experience of working with patients with a wide range of disabilities and complexities
• Experience of monitoring /interpreting patients' vital signs and ability to take action as appropriate within scope of practice

Essential

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Excellent Organisational skills
• Positive inter-personal skills
• Understanding of professional conduct
• Ability to work without direct supervision
• Ability to take part in reflective practice and clinical supervision activities
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Good observational skills
• Health, safety and risk awareness
• Good time management skills
• Ability to handle sensitive situations
• Commitment to lifelong learning

Essential

• Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of the Service
• Desire to learn and constantly develop knowledge and skills
• Ability to move and handle patients
• Ability to travel to different locations transporting equipment as required