Senior Therapy Assistant

• To work as an integrated part of the multi-professional team.
• To assist the Therapy team with a range of duties relating to patient care and service delivery.
• To independently carry out prescribed treatment plans with patients to maximise function, quality of life, facilitate discharge, support patients to remain at home and achieve their goals.
• To work alongside the MDT in providing assessment, intervention and rehabilitation to patients on the inpatient unit, own homes or the living well service.
• To contribute to the development of the Therapy service.
• To maintain stock of therapy equipment and other items.
• To record patient information.

• Exchange and communicate factual information to patients using encouragement, reassurance and tact. Overcoming barriers to understanding with patients whose understanding is impaired.
• Maintain accurate, objective up to date patient records according to Trust standards.
• Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients.
• Receive and provide routine information to staff, patients and carers.
• Accept and relay information / messages to / from staff, verbally, electronically and in writing as requested.
• To participate in regular meetings with other members of the Multi-disciplinary team.

• To be able to facilitate patients to engage with Therapy intervention as prescribed.
• To work with the MDT delivering intervention to patients.
• To work flexibly and be able to adjust to the changing demands of the service.
• To have holistic understanding of patient and family dynamics, the patients condition and its impact on function.
• Perform patient assessment (under supervision and after appropriate delegation from the registered practitioner), plan and deliver high standards of care.
• Undertake manual and therapeutic handling techniques with patients both individually and as part of a team.
• To be able to move a patient safely, manoeuvre a wheelchair, hoist etc as required.
• To undertake patient care e.g. toileting, feeding, mobility and transfers.
• To contribute to maintaining high standards of care which reflect the core values of the hospice and trust.
• To use initiative when responding to changing patient signs i.e. ceasing treatment if patient unwell / appropriately encouraging participation.
• To identify changes in function and report changes to the registered practitioner.
• To deal effectively with patients who have a range of communication and behavioural needs.
• Preparation of the environment and equipment as appropriate.
• To provide patient centred and high standard interventions, respecting patient choice and dignity, and working with a multidisciplinary approach to achieving patient goals.
• Report to the MDT any risks, difficulties or concerns that they themselves or a patient, may identify.
• Liaise effectively by establishing and maintaining professional working relationships with other members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, carers, volunteers and relatives.
• To evaluate emergency situations and act accordingly working within procedures and protocols laid down by the service and the Trust.

• To work within relevant Professional Standards of Practice adhering to Trust procedures and policies.

• Prioritise and manage own day to day work tasks alongside the MDT, being responsible for own effective time management.
• To assist arranging in-service training, study days etc.
• To participate in appropriate Clinical Governance activities such as risk assessment and management, as directed by a registered clinician.

• Continually develop skills and expertise in a broad range of therapeutic activities.
• To reflect on own and others practice and seek advice and support as needed.
• To work within relevant professional standards of practice, adhering to Trust procedures and being prepared to comment on proposals for change.
• To participate in the development of the Therapy and Palliative Care Service.
• To contribute towards service reviews and audit and research and development within the service.
• To actively participate and assist the registered practitioners in the education of students.
• To participate actively in sharing and receiving in-service training and development, to ensure continuous professional development, as appropriate to grade and experience.
• To assist with inducting new staff, students and volunteers.
• To undertake administration tasks to support the services as requested.
• Attend mandatory training in line with Trust policies.
• To actively participate in continuing professional development to further own learning and personal development, including annual appraisal.
• To share learning, skills and knowledge with other staff members and students.
• To be aware of own limitations and ensure that no task is carried out until necessary training has been received.
• To have well developed coping strategies to deal with distressing, complex and unpleasant situation.

• Ensure all equipment is used appropriately and safely.
• Maintain equipment stock levels.
• Observe a personal duty of care when using equipment.
• To use the Trust intranet, EPR systems and data bases as appropriate.
• To be able to use e-mail for communications.

Essential

• Good written and spoken English
• Proven educational standard to GCSE in English and Math's (or the equivalent)
• To have (or be working towards) NVQ 3 or equivalent training
• IT skills

Desirable

• IT literate and able to use a range of applications to support workload.

Essential

• Experience of working autonomously o
• Experience of working as an Assistant (at band 3 / 4), within a Health or Community services setting, with adults with a range of illnesses or disabilities
• Experience of working with patients individually or in groups.
• Understanding of Health and Community Services.

Desirable

• Experience working as a Therapy Assistant Band 3 or 4.
• Practical and teaching knowledge to NVQ3 level or equivalent
• Specialist Palliative care experience.
• Experience working with patients with life limiting illness.
• Experience working in the Community setting.

Essential

• Ability to work with patients at end of life.
• Experience of applying a creative problem solving approach
• Ability to work autonomously and take responsibility.
• Appropriate enthusiasm for engaging patients in therapeutic activity, assessment and rehabilitation. .
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Ability to plan and organise workload, facilitate groups, assist in training courses.
• Ability to make observations and act appropriately.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills.
• To have coping strategies to deal with distressing/unpleasant situations.
• Able to maintain records relating to patients, equipment and supplies

Desirable

• Demonstrates ability to manage emotional distress and challenging behaviours.

Essential

• Team player
• Ability to quickly build rapport
• .
• Flexible.
• Take on new skills
• Organisational Skills
• Able to identify when to seek support.

Essential

• Full driving license and access to a car that can be used for work.

Essential

• To be able to move and handle patients using appropriate recommended techniques/equipment.
• To be aware of and deal appropriately with any exposure to bodily fluids.

Essential

• Have an understanding of an equal opportunities philosophy