Therapy assistants

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Liverpool is seeking compassionate Band 3 Therapy Assistants for the Reablement Therapy Team. Successful candidates will assist in patient rehabilitation, working under qualified staff and maintaining accurate documentation. Candidates must have NVQ Level 3 or equivalent and excellent communication skills. The role involves a flexible 7-day shift pattern across various settings within the trust, ensuring efficient patient care delivery.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent required.
• Experience in the public sector and service delivery is valuable.
• Understanding of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy is needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in carrying out care and exercise programmes with patients.
• Treat patients individually in various settings.
• Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Basic IT skills

Capable of working on own initiative

Teamwork

Organisational abilities

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

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. 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. These posts are based at Broadgreen Hospital and may offer opportunities to work at Aintree Hospital or Royal Liverpool Hospital.

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

Responsibilities

Under the instruction of the qualified Therapist you will 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.

liaise regularly with the qualified Therapist regarding treatment progression and ongoing care. Report 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.

receive and prepare patients for therapy treatments.

prepare and maintain equipment and therapy treatment areas including household duties.

maintain 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.

order therapy equipment and supplies under the direction of Therapist/Assistant Practitioner and authorised signatories.

participate in departmental planned out of hours working and Clinical Governance.

comply with the health and safety policies of the Trust including mandatory training sessions as specified by the Trust.

comply with departmental and organisational policies and procedures.

report all accidents, incidents and hazards and deal with them according to Trust requirements.

comply with the Data Protection Act and Caldicott recommendations.

maintain accurate documentation in line with local policies and procedures.

gain valid informed consent in line with Trust and departmental policy.

Qualifications and Experience

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Experience of dealing with the public in service delivery
• Experience of working in the public sector
• Understanding of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy
• Awareness of current NHS issues
• Capable of working on own initiative
• Able to communicate written information clearly
• Basic IT skills
• Able to work as a team member
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to support and motivate patients to participate in therapy programmes.
• Evidence of organisational abilities

Training & Development

Training will be provided in order to gain the required skills and competencies, including some housekeeping and equipment maintenance duties. You will actively participate in mandatory and in‑service training programmes. Attend relevant training courses as identified and agreed with senior staff and managers during staff appraisal sessions. 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. Contribute to the induction and training of new staff and students assigned to the team.

Working Hours and Flexibility

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