Trainee/ Assistant Practitioner

TN United Kingdom; Nelson; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits for a Trainee Assistant Practitioner to join a dedicated stroke rehabilitation team. This innovative role offers a chance to gain a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care through an apprenticeship, paving the way to a fulfilling career in healthcare. You will work alongside qualified therapists, contributing to patient care and rehabilitation in various settings, including hospitals and community visits. Ideal candidates will possess strong organizational skills and a commitment to patient care, with opportunities for professional growth and mentorship throughout the program. If you are passionate about making a difference in patients' lives, this role is for you!

Benefits

In-house training

Annual appraisals

Assigned mentor

Research involvement

Qualifications

• Previous experience in healthcare, particularly in rehabilitation settings.
• Ability to manage workload and work effectively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering specialist rehabilitation and treatment for stroke patients.
• Organize therapy interventions and support patient independence.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Teamwork

IT Competence

Moving and Handling Tasks

Therapeutic Interventions

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care

GCSE Grade 4 or above in English/Maths

Care Certificate

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to recruit a full-time Trainee Assistant Practitioner to join our Integrated Stroke Rehabilitation Therapy Service. The position offers the chance to complete a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care (Assistant Practitioner) via an apprenticeship route. Upon successful completion of the 2-year course, you will advance to a band 4 position.

We seek a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate, preferably with previous experience in a rehabilitation setting, who has studied to NVQ level 3 in health and social care or at an equivalent academic level, and is competent in IT systems.

The role involves working across the stroke therapies pathway, supporting Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Speech and Language Therapists in treating patients on the acute stroke unit at Blackburn Hospital, inpatient stroke rehab, and the community stroke team based at Pendle Community Hospital. Access to a vehicle is essential for traveling between patient visits.

Qualified Assistant Practitioners are encouraged to apply.

Main duties of the job

You will assist in delivering specialist rehabilitation, supporting qualified therapists in assessing and treating patients with a new diagnosis of stroke.

Your tasks include undertaking skilled support work from referrals, which involves gathering information for assessments, implementing treatment programs, and recommending equipment and minor adaptations. You will employ technical and creative skills in providing therapeutic activities and will evaluate and modify treatment plans under guidance from the therapist.

You will manage your own caseload within a broad framework set by a qualified therapist, delivering therapy input independently while having immediate access to a therapist for advice.

The work settings include inpatient stroke units, care homes, and patients' homes. The role may require lone working in the community, so adherence to lone worker policies is necessary.

Working for our organisation

Based at Pendle Community Hospital or Royal Blackburn Hospital, you will be part of the stroke rehabilitation team. Our community stroke team visits patients across East Lancashire. We are involved in research projects and offer robust supervision, annual appraisals, and in-house training. An assigned mentor will support you through the 2-year foundation degree program.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will organize and deliver therapy interventions as delegated by a qualified therapist, following stroke rehabilitation pathways.

Using your technical and therapeutic skills, you will promote patient independence and support the team in group or virtual therapy sessions.

You will handle administrative tasks such as collecting patient information, completing referrals, and ordering equipment.

You will set appropriate treatment goals with patients and support their achievement.

The role involves contributing to a 7-day stroke rota, including working weekends on a rotating basis.

Person specification

Application and Interview

• GCSE Grade 4 or above in English/Maths or equivalent
• Completed Care Certificate
• Experience in healthcare, including assessments and therapeutic interventions
• Organizational skills and ability to manage workload
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and fairness
• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Own private vehicle for travel across ELHT sites and patient residences
• Ability to undertake moving and handling tasks
• Previous experience in stroke or neuro settings is desirable