Therapy Assistant | Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution in Liverpool seeks compassionate and enthusiastic Band 3 Therapy Assistants to join its Reablement Therapy Team. The role involves providing high-quality care and supporting patients in their rehabilitation through teamwork with qualified therapists. Candidates should have essential communication and interpersonal skills, along with some previous experience in healthcare or customer service. The position requires flexibility, participation in training, and adherence to health and safety policies.

Qualifications

• Previous customer care or health care experience is essential.
• Some awareness or experience working with therapists is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Assist in carrying out care and exercise programmes with patients.
• Treat patients individually or in groups under supervision.
• Maintain accurate records of treatments as directed by the qualified Therapist.
• Assist patients to access and use toilet facilities.
• Transfer patients safely between wards, clinics, and treatment areas.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to motivate patients

Teamwork

Empathy

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for compassionate and enthusiastic Band 3 Therapy Assistants to join the Reablement Therapy Team at the Broadgreen Hospital. You will be part of a multidisciplinary team providing high quality care which includes Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to support and motivate patients to participate in therapy programmes. 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist in carrying out care and exercise programmes with patients in a manner that respects people’s abilities, privacy, dignity and individuality.
• 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).
• To liaise regularly with the qualified Therapist regarding treatment progression and ongoing care. Reporting to Therapist any lack of progression or negative changes in patients ability to undertake treatment session.
• Work as a member of the therapy team and multidisciplinary team, sharing information with team members.
• Assist on home visits under the direction of a qualified Therapist or assistant practitioner and arrange transport and complete relevant documentation.
• Issue, fit and retrieve Therapy equipment under the supervision of a qualified Therapist in ward or home setting keeping accurate records of this activity.
• Ensure equipment within department is clean and fit for its purpose.
• Assist patients to access and use toilet facilities.
• Transfer patients safely between ward, clinics and treatment areas as requested.
• To receive and prepare patients for therapy treatments.
• To prepare and maintain equipment and Therapy treatment areas including household duties.
• To ensure effective internal and external two‑way communication with patients, carers and all other health and social care professionals regarding aspects of patient care, providing and receiving complex information which requires empathy and reassurance, communicating where there may be barriers to understanding.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of treatments as directed by the qualified Therapist.
• To order therapy equipment and supplies under the direction of Therapist/Assistant Practitioner and authorised signatories.
• To participate in departmental planned out of hours working.

Clinical Governance

• To comply with the health and safety policies of the Trust including attendance at mandatory training sessions as specified by the Trust.
• To comply with departmental and organisational policies and procedures.
• Ensure all accidents, incidents and hazards are reported and dealt with according to Trust requirements.
• To comply with the Data Protection Act and Caldicott recommendations.
• To maintain accurate documentation in line with local policies and procedures.
• To gain valid informed consent in line with Trust and Departmental Policy.

Training & Development

• To actively participate in mandatory and in-service training programmes.
• To attend relevant training courses as identified and agreed with senior staff and managers during staff appraisal sessions.
• To participate in staff appraisal sessions.
• To participate in the therapy assistant rotational scheme which involves working across the Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust in a range of ward settings and outpatients departments.
• To 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.

Working pattern

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

Qualifications and experience

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