Therapy Assistant (Orthopaedics)

• To carry out the appropriate procedures and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the therapist with the appropriate level of competency. It is the joint responsibility of the therapy assistant and the supervisor to ensure the assistant is competent and confident in carrying out the required intervention and duties. These may involve mobilising and transferring patients, assisting with functional tasks, cognitive rehabilitation programmes set out by a therapist, undertaking home visits, assisting with groups, carrying and installing equipment and supervising exercise programmes.
• To provide patients and carers with direction and guidance on a range of rehabilitation activities as directed by the physiotherapist or occupational therapist. This may incorporate encouraging patients and carers to actively become involved in regaining and maintaining their independence.
• To carry out access or joint home visits with patients, supervising and assisting patients with treatment programmes as directed by the therapists.
• To support therapists in specific treatment programmes which may involve regular manual handling of patients who may have considerable physical disability. The post holder will be expected to kneel, sit on heels, move inert adult limbs and support patients whilst mobilising. They may also be expected to transfer patients; push wheelchairs, use hoist, measure and cut sticks, and carry/install equipment i.e. bath seats, frames and commodes on a daily basis.
• Setting up equipment for use by therapists during treatment sessions or for use in the home environment to assist patients independence.
• To provide advice on the safe use of equipment to patients and those appropriate.
• To participate in the maintenance, cleaning and recharging of therapy equipment.
• To participate in maintenance of treatment areas in accordance with the health and safety policy and departmental procedures.

Essential

• GCSE or equiv English and Maths C or above
• Good reading and writing English comprehension

Desirable

• Relevant NVQ (or working towards a NVQ)

Essential

• Experience of working in a healthcare setting/ hospital
• Experience working in a clinical role with people with disabilities/health conditions.

Desirable

• Experience working in a Therapy Department with both physiotherapy and occupational therapy teams

Essential

• Evidence of verbal and written communication skills in English
• Demonstration of initiative/ proactive/ work without direct supervision
• Demonstration of ability to work in a team
• Demonstrates effective planning/ organisational skills/ prioritise
• Ability to cope with stressful working situations/ emotional or aggressive people
• Knowledge of physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• Evidence of basic computer skills

Desirable

• Experience of manual handling with in-patients
• Knowledge of disability equipment
• Broad understanding of orthopaedic conditions or principles of rehab

Essential

• Able to work collaboratively with professional staff/ MDT
• Conscientious, reliable, honest, trustworthy, punctual
• Committed to self development
• Commitment to patient confidentiality and data protection.