Assistant Practitioner

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is looking for a dedicated professional to join their Rapid Response service in Bridgwater. The role involves supporting patients in achieving independence and includes assessing their needs for equipment. Candidates should have community experience and must be willing to work towards a level 5 foundation degree. The organization offers flexible working options, NHS pension, and a generous annual leave allowance.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Access to Blue Light Card discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive community experience, particularly with older people.
• Minimum of 18 months Band 3 NHS experience.
• Experience working as an autonomous practitioner.

Responsibilities

• Provide effective support to Occupational and Physiotherapists.
• Assess and provide equipment and rehab aids for patient safety.
• Support patients who have fallen but are not injured.

Skills

Community experience

Supervising staff

Basic IT skills

Moving and handling skills

Education

Level 2 English and Maths

Level 3 qualification in healthcare or equivalent experience

Accredited level 5 foundation degree or willingness to work towards

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Rapid Response Bridgwater therapy team. The team is based from Bridgwater Hospital but you will be required to cross cover where necessary. This service is part of the wider intermediate care provision, working closely with services such as Hospital at Home and D2A. Rapid Response includes urgent community response.

Come and join our friendly team which consists of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Nurses, Paramedics, support workers and pharmacy technicians.

Main duties of the job

To work as an integral member of the Rapid response service providing effective support to Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and any other team members

To work with patients to support and encourage them to achieve their optimum level of independence and quality of life.

To assess and provide appropriate equipment and rehab aids to enable the patient to remain at home safely.

To provide support for patients who have fallen with no injuries as part of the urgent community response pillars.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax

A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities

The Job description is detailed and attached, which includes the person specification. Please ensure that you take the time to read to ensure you meet the criteria.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Level 2 English and Maths
• Level 3 qualification of certificate in healthcare or equivalent experience
• Accredited level 5 foundation degree or willing to work towards this

Experience

• Extensive community experience
• Minimum of 18 months Band 3 NHS experience
• Experience of working with older people with frailty and disability
• Experience of supervising staff
• Experience of working as an autonomous practitioner

Additional Criteria

• Basic IT skills
• Knowledge of equipment and rehab aids
• Able to manage own caseload and plan diary
• Moving and handling skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.