Therapy Assistant

NHS; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job description

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Liverpool Universities Hospitals Foundation Trust Therapies Directorate are looking for enthusiastic and reliable team players to join them as therapy assistants. Therapies includes Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.

Please note: If you are successfully shortlisted for an interview, there will be a requirement to attend this face-to-face for a group interview. Successful candidates following the group interview will then have a panel-based interview.

Main duties of the job

Therapy assistants work alongside clinicians assisting patients in their rehabilitation and recovery across many areas. Assistants also provide treatment independently under guidance from qualified staff. Posts available in the following clinical areas:

1. Acute medicine and surgery
2. Orthopaedics
3. Emergency Department

All posts are subject to a 7-day shift working pattern, and staff are required to work flexibly.

Training will be provided in order to gain the required skills and competencies, including some housekeeping and equipment maintenance duties. Some awareness or experience of working with Therapists would be beneficial, and previous customer care or health care experience is essential.

These posts are based at Aintree University Hospital, but if you are successful, there may be opportunities to work at our other sites of Royal Liverpool Hospital or Broadgreen Hospital across a wide range of specialist areas.

Job responsibilities

Clinical

1. Under the instruction of the qualified Therapist, assist in carrying out care and exercise programmes with patients in a manner that respects peoples' abilities, privacy, dignity, and individuality.
2. Treat patients individually or in a group in a variety of settings with supervision from the qualified Therapist (e.g., outpatient department, ward, hydrotherapy, and critical care).
3. Liaise regularly with the qualified Therapist regarding treatment progression and ongoing care, reporting any lack of progression or negative changes in patients' ability to undertake treatment sessions.
4. Work as a member of the therapy team and multidisciplinary team, sharing information with team members.
5. Assist on home visits under the direction of a qualified Therapist or technical instructor and arrange transport and complete relevant documentation.
6. Issue, fit, and retrieve Therapy equipment under the supervision of a qualified Therapist in ward or home settings, keeping accurate records of this activity.
7. Ensure equipment within the department is clean and fit for its purpose.
8. Assist patients to access and use toilet facilities.
9. Transfer patients safely between wards, clinics, and treatment areas as requested.
10. Prepare patients for therapy treatments.
11. Prepare and maintain equipment and Therapy treatment areas, including household duties.
12. Ensure effective internal and external two-way communication with patients, carers, and all other health and social care professionals regarding aspects of patient care.
13. Maintain accurate and timely records of treatments as directed by the qualified Therapist.
14. Order therapy equipment and supplies under the direction of Technical Instructor/Therapist and authorized signatories.
15. Participate in departmental planned out of hours working (optional).

Clinical Governance

1. Comply with the health and safety policies of the Trust, including attendance at mandatory training sessions as specified by the Trust.
2. Comply with departmental and organizational policies and procedures.
3. Ensure all accidents, incidents, and hazards are reported and dealt with according to Trust requirements.
4. Comply with the Data Protection Act and Caldicott recommendations.
5. Maintain accurate documentation in line with local policies and procedures.
6. Gain valid informed consent in line with Trust and Departmental Policy.

Training & Development

1. Actively participate in mandatory and in-service training programmes.
2. Attend relevant training courses as identified and agreed with senior staff and managers during staff appraisal sessions.
3. Participate in staff appraisal sessions.
4. Participate in the therapy assist rotational scheme which involves working across the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust in a range of ward settings and outpatient departments.
5. Contribute to the induction and training of new staff and students assigned to the team.

Training role consideration: We will consider the offer of training posts if they do not meet the criteria at interview. Staff will be remunerated to reflect the training element of the post and will only be transferred to a band 3 pay scale on successful completion of the training - this can take between 12 and 18 months.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Experience

• Experience of dealing with the public in service delivery
• Experience of working in the public sector

Knowledge

• Understanding of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy
• Able to demonstrate awareness of current NHS issues

Skills

• Capable of working on own initiative
• Able to communicate written information clearly
• Basic IT skills
• Able to work as a team member
• Evidence of organisational abilities

Other

• Reliable
• Willingness to work flexibly
• Ability to meet physical requirements of the job role

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.

Employer name

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust