Therapy Assistant

Key Clinical and Non-Clinical Duties

·         To have an understanding of patient consent to carry out assessment/treatment, and to ensure that where possible valid consent is gained according to Trust policy. 

·         To provide patient centred assessments and interventions with support from senior colleagues whilst respecting patient choice and dignity.

·         To follow rehabilitative pathways as set by senior therapists.

·         Support therapists to set goals and treatment plans for patients.

·         Ensure documentation is accurate and completed in a timely manner in line with trust policy.

·         Liaise effectively with other members of the multidisciplinary team, patients and carers. This may include referral to other agencies or localities when a patient’s care is being transferred.

·         To provide appropriate equipment to patients with support from senior therapists.

·         Ensure equipment stocks are managed to enable provision of essential equipment to patients.

Communication

·        Establishes and maintains effective and professional communication with various individuals and groups in a range of situations and environments.

·        Obtains and presents information in an accessible manner and raises communication barrier concerns with seniors.

·        To be able to motivate and persuade patients, carers and other staff through effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

·        Records all necessary information in line with established standards and ensures practice of using the Data Protection Act in accordance with local policies and Therapy specifications.

·        To participate in regular meetings with the Therapies service.

·        To ensure appropriate liaison with other agencies throughout the patient care pathway, including post discharge where appropriate with senior support.

·        To positively promote the Therapy service.

Learning and Personal Development

·         Use supervision and performance development plans to promote clinical and personal effectiveness and competence of self.

·         Participate in the OUH Trust appraisal process to identify, with the support of the senior Therapist, own educational needs and create a personal development plan.

·         Participate in the in-service training programme offered by OUH and the therapies team.

·         Demonstrates a commitment to development and learning, to ensure best practice for the individual, their team and wider MDT is achieved.

·         Participate in training sessions within the therapy team with senior guidance.

·         To be aware of own limitations and ensure that no task or procedure is carried out until necessary training has been received.

·         Attend statutory and mandatory training in line with Trust policies.

Health, Safety and Security

·         The post holder is required to familiarise themselves with and comply with, the Trust’s policies and procedures as set at the end of this document.

·         To undertake personal risk assessments when using equipment and when treating patients as guided by senior colleagues.

     Service Improvement

·         To work to the values and principles that are encompassed by OUH.

·         To assist senior colleagues in statistical reviews, audits and research in order to support in Therapy service development.

·         To provide comments on proposals and to contribute towards service improvement.

Organisational and Planning Skills

·         To demonstrate good time management, punctuality, and consistent, reliable attendance.

·         Able to co-ordinate own working day with guidance from senior therapist.

·         To record departmental statistics and other relevant information as required by the therapy service manager with senior support.

·         To understand colleague’s caseloads and offer support when required.

·         To be able to work flexibly and adjust to constant changing demands of the working environment including an expectation to cross cover to all departments necessary within the hospital in response to increased demand for service.