Community Therapy Assistant

Your Office Toronto; London; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Therapy Assistant to join their multidisciplinary team in London. This role involves supporting therapists in providing essential rehabilitation services to patients in community settings. You will engage with patients to promote their independence and well-being, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care. The position offers an opportunity to work flexibly within a supportive environment, where your contributions will significantly impact the lives of those you assist. If you are passionate about helping others and thrive in a collaborative atmosphere, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

In-house training sessions

Regular supervision

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Compassionate and practical approach to patient care.
• Good IT skills for record keeping and communication.
• Ability to work flexibly in a team setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist therapists in providing rehabilitation and support to patients.
• Carry out assessments and treatment sessions as directed.
• Manage administrative tasks and maintain therapy equipment.

Skills

Compassion

Good IT skills

Communication

Manual handling techniques

Teamwork

Education

Relevant healthcare qualification

Tools

Therapy equipment

Computer information systems

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and flexible Therapy Assistant to join our multidisciplinary teams within Lewisham to support our therapists in the community settings.

You will work under the supervision of qualified therapy staff, providing assessment and treatment programmes for patients in the community and in enablement care beds if required.

You will need to be compassionate and practical in your approach as patients often require assistance and support to promote their physical, cognitive, perceptual, and psychological well-being.

You are required to have good IT skills.

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this post.

In addition, you are expected to carry out routine administrative and housekeeping tasks when required.

The successful candidate will be required to work flexibly and take part in the weekend and out of hours rota.

Car driver of own car or pool car (manual), excellent communication, and good IT skills are essential for this post.

Our aim is to maintain and increase patients’ independence and quality of life within their home environments. Moving and handling of patients and equipment is an essential part of the role.

Our teams offer excellent support and regular supervision to the successful candidate.

The current position is within our Intermediate Care Bedded Unit.

Interview date: 6th January 2025.

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement.

Job Summary:
This position is to be an active member of the multi-professional team, supporting the rehabilitation of patients through the promotion of independence and planned programmes of care. Patients are enabled to work towards achieving the goals set in their care plans, by assisting them in the use and practice of skills essential to regain their independence and quality of life.

The purpose of the position is to assist various therapists (e.g. Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists) to provide therapy assessment, rehabilitation, management and discharge of patients. Also to assist in the administration, clerical and housekeeping duties of the department, according to the specific rotational area of work.

Key Result Areas & Performance:

1. To work effectively as a team member in providing and facilitating a high standard of rehabilitative support within the ward / therapy / rehabilitation setting.
2. To assist OT/PT/SALT in individual and group assessments / treatments / activities, to treat patients on a 1:1 basis or in a group situation, as directed by the therapists.
3. To independently carry out treatment sessions, working towards joint rehabilitation goals as directed by the Multidisciplinary Team members, and to report back orally, and in the appropriate written format as directed.
4. To assist in the preparation of the environment, including equipment and materials as required for the delivery of Therapy.
5. To hold own case load as delegated by the therapist. To organise this efficiently and effectively, prioritising with regard to patient requirement and available time.
6. Undertake manual handling and therapeutic handling techniques with patients both single handed and as part of a team demonstrating dexterity and co-ordination whilst carrying out mobilisation, functional rehabilitation and other procedures on a frequent basis. This includes use of appropriate manual handling equipment, eg. Hoists, standing frames.
7. To act as a key worker for allocated patients where required. This includes responsible for all paperwork, document scanning, data gathering, family liaison and discharge.
8. To perform environmental assessment on access visits where required. To identify problems, need for therapeutic equipment and risk management whilst on environmental/access visit.
9. To carry out assessment as delegated by therapists.
10. To supply patients with appropriate, safe, walking aids and to instruct patients in the use of this equipment when requested by therapists.
11. To gather relevant information re: a patient’s social situation, medical history and level of function, from patients, relatives and colleagues to contribute to multi-disciplinary assessment.
12. To escort patients to and from wards / departments /home.
13. To escort and assist patients with functional activities like toileting and washing/dressing as required.
14. To visit people in their own homes as part of assessment and treatment.
15. To assist with the patients on home visits as directed by the therapists, giving support and advice as appropriate. This includes collection and return of house keys and appropriate equipment from/to in-patients /ward.
16. To deliver and install simple aids and equipment in the patient's home as requested by therapy staff and to instruct patients and carers in the use of this equipment, as appropriate.
17. To be responsible for the peripheral therapy equipment store where required. This includes regular ordering, checking and cleaning of store and equipment.
18. Responsible for entering equipment loan data and activity on Local Electronic database (TCES).
19. To transfer information from ward patient records to therapy records, including operation notes/details.
20. To review Outcome Measures with referred patients as required.
21. To assist the Therapy staff, to provide accurate and timely statistical information.
22. To record therapy assessments/reports in consultation with Therapists, This includes maintaining accurate computer and written records that meet professional and Trust standards and ensuring any reports are filed promptly in the appropriate place.
23. To use the relevant therapy/hospital computer information system to check and record patient data and attendance details.
24. To arrange/change outpatient and hospital appointments electronically, and inform patients and therapists accordingly.
25. To organise appropriate transport and interpreting services as required.
26. To undertake general administrative tasks within the department particularly related to record keeping, filing, supplies, message taking, photocopying, and other duties as requested to support smooth-running of the service.
27. To liaise with and provide cover for other Therapist Assistants in the Therapy Service during annual, sick and study leave.

Work force:
To attend Trust in-house training sessions / programmes and external courses as appropriate. This includes mandatory and statutory training , eg. basic life support, manual handling.
To participate in the individual performance review (appraisal) scheme, and to be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development plan to meet set goals.
To contribute to the training of new / volunteer staff / students as requested.
To review and reflect on your own practice and performance through effective use of professional and operational supervision.
To attend and participate in staff meetings, case conferences, multidisciplinary team meetings and other meetings as required.

Financial:
To maintain and help administer stock and condition of therapy equipment on the wards and in the departments, reporting any defects or problems with equipment immediately to therapists.
To assist with the annual Therapy department stocktaking processes as required.

Partnerships:
Communications and Relationships:
To report back to the delegating therapist and multi-disciplinary team relevant information regarding patient management.
To assist in dealing with distressed or challenging patients, relatives and carers on the wards, in the therapy department and on home visits.
To communicate effectively with patients, their families, colleagues, other health and social care staff and outside agencies both verbally and in writing.
To communicate in a respectful manner at all times with all individuals.
Ensure patient confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Encourage patients and their carers in an active approach to regaining and maintaining personal independence.