Senior Therapy Assistant

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Oxford

Hybrid

GBP 28,000 - 31,000

Part time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Senior Therapy Assistant (Band 4) for Sobell House and Katharine House Hospices. The role supports rehabilitation, creativity and activity-based interventions for patients with life-limiting illness, in inpatient, home and Living Well service settings.

The post is 30 hours per week, with potential weekend/extended hours. Pro rata salary £28,392–£31,157 per annum. Closing date 16/09/2026.

Qualifications

Good written and spoken English.
Proven educational standard to GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
To have (or be working towards) NVQ 3 or equivalent training.
IT literate and able to use a range of applications to support workload.

Responsibilities

Work as part of the multi-professional team to deliver therapy.
Assist the Therapy team with duties relating to patient care and service delivery.
Independently carry out prescribed treatment plans to maximise function and quality of life.
Work with MDT to deliver intervention on inpatient unit, homes or Living Well service.
Contribute to development of the Therapy service and maintain equipment stock.

Skills

Autonomy

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Education

GCSE English & Maths

NVQ 3 or equivalent

Tools

IT literate

Job description

Main area Senior Therapy Assistant (Band 4) Palliative Care Grade NHS AfC: Band 4 Contract 12 months (Fixed Term for 12 Months) Hours Part time - 30 hours per week (This role might require weekend and extended hours working) Job ref 321-SW-8080134-B4-EXT

Site Sobell House, Churchill Hospital Town Headington Oxford Salary £28,392 - £31,157 Per Annum / Pro Rata Salary period Yearly Closing 16/09/2026 23:59

The Trust comprises of four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call thisDelivering Compassionate Excellenceand its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.

Many of our recruitment programmes useValue Based Interviewingto identify those who have the skills we seek, who share our values and who are able to deliver compassionate excellence from the outset. We know that this makes a significant difference to your job satisfaction and above all the outcomes and experience of our patients and their families. For more information about our Values and Value Based Interviewing please visitwww.ouh.nhs.uk/about/vision-and-values

Job overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic, energetic, flexible and proactive Therapy Assistant to join our Therapy Team at Sobell and Katharine House Hospices. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside members of our multidisciplinary team providing rehabilitation, creative activities, support and a range of interventions to enable patients with life limiting illness to maximise their function and quality of life. We support patients and their carers on the inpatient unit, patients own homes and, in our Living Well Service

Main duties of the job

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.

Working for our organisation

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research. The Trust comprises four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community.

We call this Delivering Compassionate Excellence, and its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.

These values put patients at the heart of what we do and underpin the quality healthcare we would like for ourselves or a member of our family. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel .

In 2023 NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles

Oxford University Hospital's promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.

If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Communication

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.

Clinical Responsibilities

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 patient’s 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.

Professional

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

Planning and Organisational Skills

Prioritise and manage own day to day work tasks alongside the MDT, being responsible for own effective time management.
To participate in appropriate Clinical Governance activities such as risk assessment and management, as directed by a registered clinician.

Service and Personal Development

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.

Information and Resource Management

Ensure all equipment is used appropriately and safely.
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.

Equity, Diversity and Rights

To work and to promote equal opportunity and diversity
At all times maintain patient dignity and confidentiality according to Trust policies.
Identify training needs and facilitates learning of self and others.
Demonstrates Therapy practice sensitive to the cultural, religious and linguistic needs of the individual and brings these issues to the attention of others.

Health, Safety and Security

To be physically able to do the job.

Be responsible for the health and safety of self and patients, and adhere to implement all Trust and Safety policies.

To be aware of and follow the Health & Safety guidelines in relevant work area, including prompt recording and reporting of accidents or incidents to senior staff and completion of Datix reporting system.
To deal with health and safety implication of exposure to unpleasant working conditions e.g. bodily fluids, sputum, vomit, urine, and occasional exposure to verbal and physical aggression.

Please note that this post may involve occasional evening and weekend and cross site working to ensure the delivery of the Living Well Service .

The management of risk is the responsibility of everyone and will be achieved within a progressive, honest and open environment.

Staff will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet this responsibility.

Staff should be familiar with the

and should make themselves familiar with the ‘local response’ plan and their role within that response.

Responsibilities for Health and Safety

The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all duties and responsibilities of this post are carried out in compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, Statutory Regulations and Trust Policies and Procedures. This will be supported by the provision of training and specialist advice where required.

Infection Control

Infection Control is everyone’s responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non‑clinical, are required to adhere to the Trusts’ Infection Prevention and Control Policies and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection control at all times thereby reducing the burden of Healthcare Associated Infections including MRSA.

All staff employed by OUH have the following key responsibilities:

Staff must wash their hands or use alcohol gel on entry and exit from all clinical areas and/or between each patient contact.
Staff members have a duty to attend mandatory infection control training provided for them by the Trust.
Staff members who develop an infection (other than common colds and illness) that may be transmittable to patients have a duty to contact Occupational Health.

Child Protection

The post holder will endeavour at all times to uphold the rights of children and young people in accordance with the UN Convention Rights of the Child.

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults

The Trust is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults throughout the organisation. As a member of the trust there is a duty to assist in protecting patients and their families from any form of harm when they are vulnerable.

Information Governance

All staff must complete annual information governance training. If you have a Trust email account this can be completed on‑line, otherwise you must attend a classroom session. For further details, go to the Information Governance intranet site.

Data Quality

Data quality is a vital element of every member of staff’s job role. Oxford University Hospitals recognises the importance of information in the provision of patient care and in reporting on its performance. Data quality is therefore crucial in ensuring complete, timely and accurate information is available in support of patient care, clinical governance, performance management, service planning, and financial and resource planning and performance.

All staff should ensure that they have read and understood the Trust’s Data Quality Policy.

This job description is not exhaustive and staff will be expected to be flexible in the tasks they undertake and their working areas, in order to meet the needs of the service.

Person specification

Educational achievements, Qualifications and Training

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

Experience

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

Job related aptitude and skills

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
Demonstrates ability to manage emotional distress and challenging behaviours.

Personal Qualities

Ability to quickly build rapport
Take on new skills
Able to identify when to seek support.

Special Requirements

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

Physical

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.
Have an understanding of an equal opportunities philosophy

Sexual Safety Charter : In 2023 NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit totheten core principles

Oxford University Hospital's promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.

If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Vacancy Closures: Please note, this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications are received.

Visa and Immigration: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer Certificates of Sponsorship for all eligible roles for a Skilled Worker Visa without exception, provided the role meets the minimum salary and skill level criteria set by the Home Office (UKVI). All eligible candidates will be considered with equal consideration at all stages of the application and recruitment process.Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers /Work in the UK - GOV.UK

COVID-19: The COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment, we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated there is helpful advice and information at Oxfordshire County Council Website where you can also find out more about how to access vaccination.

Probation Period: This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period. If you currently hold a contract of employment with the Oxford University Hospitals, this will not apply. This statement does not apply to Medical staff or Executive Appointments.

Referencing: When providing employment reference details please provide correct work related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your first referee will need to be your line manager, supervisor or clinical lead from your current or most recent post or place of study. Please note that if you have previously worked for the Trust we will require a reference from your last Manager, this information is essential if your offer of employment is to be confirmed.

To note: Applicants must write their own applications. If AI tools are used, the application may be rejected as this document is crucial for assessment. This does not prevent you from seeking support via AI with applications for the purposes of any disability and/or long-term health conditions.

When using AI to help write your application, it is important to personalise it, especially your supporting statement. While AI can simplify the process, it will not fully understand the job's requirements and/or be able to showcase your skills, knowledge, and experience. Write your statement to show why you are interested in the role and how you would be a valued member of the team/OUH employee.

No unsolicited recruitment agency telephone calls or emails.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Application numbers

Please note that this job advertisement will close automatically once the application limit is reached, regardless of whether this occurs before the advertised closing date.

Name Neale Conner Job title AHP Lead Email address neale.conner@ouh.nhs.uk Telephone number 01865225871 Additional information

We strongly encourage you to contact us for further information and we would be very happy to arrange an informal visit

Band 5 Nurse and Band 2 Healthcare Support Worker recruitment is centralised, meaning when you apply you will be considered for a number of roles across the Trust. If you have any questions please email:nursing.careers@ouh.nhs.uk .

Vacancies with our PFI partners

Domestic / catering / portering services at the John Radcliffe Hospital are provided by Mitie.

Domestic / catering / portering / maintenance engineer services at the Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre are provided by G4S.

Maintenance engineer services at the John Radcliffe Hospital are provided by Equans.

Departments and services

You can view our departments and services alphabetically. Some areas also have dedicated microsites, which are featured in the linked images below.

"Oxford University" is a registered trade mark of the University of Oxford, and is used with the University's permission.

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