Job summary An exciting s opportunity has arisen for a Therapy Assistant Practitioner to work within the therapy department within the musculoskeletal teams. Working alongside registered physiotherapists to provide patients with increased access to therapy services, ongoing exercise support with the professional physiotherapy oversight. The Therapy Assistant Practitioner role involves working in a range of environments including the therapy gym - running groups and 1:1 rehabilitation sessions, physiotherapy clinics and community orthopaedic home visits. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate a particular interest in these areas, as well as excellent communication and organisational skills. We provide a structured supervision program, including clinical support and regular in-service training. In return, we expect applicants to show a commitment to Continued Professional Development and evidence based practice. East Coast Community Healthcare CIC (ECCH) is entering exciting new times with integrated health and social care provision. In partnership with local health and care providers we are evolving into a multidisciplinary, multi-organisational workforce as we continue to deliver community care. There is an expectation that as this new system develops, the role will also evolve and change providing an exciting opportunity for the post-holder to further develop their skills and knowledge. Main duties of the job Assist qualified therapists (Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists) in the delivery of services working without direct supervision in outpatient and community settings, undertaking exercise sessions and specific patient plans and tasks delegated by therapists. About us ECCH is well established health care provider and has been successfully delivering NHS care within the community since 2011. We provide a range of NHS, community health and social care services predominantly across the easterly region of the Norfolk/Suffolk borders. We are aligned to NHS terms and conditions, and offer many employee benefits, to find out more about us visit our website - www.ecch.org. We are a social enterprise and staff owned organisation which means staff can opt to be shareholders and have a real say in how ECCH is run and evolves to deliver healthcare for the future. At the heart of our ambition, we work in partnership with and for the community to become the provider and employer of choice for community healthcare. We encourage you to apply as early as possible as this job may close earlier than the advertised closing date once enough applications have been received. Date posted 02 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £26,530 to £29,114 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number B9849-133-24 Job locations Kirkley Mill Surgery Kirkley Rise, Clifton Rd Lowestoft Suffolk NR33 0HF Job description Job responsibilities CLINICAL: To work without direct supervision, but under direction of the qualified therapy staff in the performance of specific tasks for an individual or a group of patients as part of their treatment and rehabilitation programme. Duties may include: Implementation of exercise programme delegated by qualified Therapy staff. Assessment and review of patients undertaking exercise programmes and communication back to referring practitioner. Assessment for and teaching the use of walking aids. Ongoing and advice and guidance to patients regarding physical activity and health promotion. Carrying own case load of non-complex patients. Running of classes / gym based exercise sessions. Working within clinic, community & domiciliary settings. Discharging patients. To undertake delegated duties without access to direct supervision. To be involved in the training, development and supervision needs of assistants in therapy services. To update patient records in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with ECCH and service policies. To be aware at all times of needs of patient during illness and disability and to promote and encourage independence and restoration of function. To communicate effectively and efficiently with the physiotherapist and other members of the multi-professional team regarding changes in patient's condition and any other useful information. To communicate efficiently and effectively with patients and carers to maximize the rehabilitation potential and to ensure understanding of condition. To assess capacity, gain valid informed consent and have the ability to work within the legal framework with patients who lack the capacity to consent to treatment. To maintain a portfolio evidencing ongoing competency and development for this role. CLERICAL AND HOUSEKEEPING: To undertake any clerical duties as necessary. These may include: Reception duties. Registration of patients. Making appointments. Filing. Dealing with telephone calls. Communicating effectively with patient carers, GP surgeries and other hospital staff. Writing discharge letters and reports. Maintaining stock levels and ordering equipment. Cleaning of equipment. Preparation and tidying up of treatment areas. To provide induction for the department for students and other non-clinical staff. ORGANISATIONAL: To attend organised training sessions including statutory / mandatory training and any other in-service training organised by the therapy teams appropriate to role. To attend local team and staff meetings To comply with the trust and service policies and procedures. To be aware of the health and safety aspects of your work including recording and documentation of incidents and accidents. To participate in the appraisal system and performance development plan. Any other duties which may be considered appropriate by the qualified therapy staff and the professional therapy leads All roles within East Coast Community Healthcare CIC (ECCH) require staff to demonstrate our Values and Signature Behaviours in the care and service they provide to patients, service users, stakeholders and colleagues. All members of staff should consider these as an essential part of their job role. Our Values outline the core behaviours that we can all achieve and are summarised as an acronym within the word CARE. These stand for: Compassion, Action, Respect and Everyone. Underpinning our Values are our Signature Behaviours which highlight by taking the right actions we continue to build a strong culture. Our four Signature Behaviours are: Compassion - We Listen, We Learn, We Lead| Action - My Accountability, My Responsibility | Respect - Respect Our Resources: People, Time and Money | Everyone - Work Together, Achieve Together. Job description Job responsibilities CLINICAL: To work without direct supervision, but under direction of the qualified therapy staff in the performance of specific tasks for an individual or a group of patients as part of their treatment and rehabilitation programme. Duties may include: Implementation of exercise programme delegated by qualified Therapy staff. Assessment and review of patients undertaking exercise programmes and communication back to referring practitioner. Assessment for and teaching the use of walking aids. Ongoing and advice and guidance to patients regarding physical activity and health promotion. Carrying own case load of non-complex patients. Running of classes / gym based exercise sessions. Working within clinic, community & domiciliary settings. Discharging patients. To undertake delegated duties without access to direct supervision. To be involved in the training, development and supervision needs of assistants in therapy services. To update patient records in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with ECCH and service policies. To be aware at all times of needs of patient during illness and disability and to promote and encourage independence and restoration of function. To communicate effectively and efficiently with the physiotherapist and other members of the multi-professional team regarding changes in patient's condition and any other useful information. To communicate efficiently and effectively with patients and carers to maximize the rehabilitation potential and to ensure understanding of condition. To assess capacity, gain valid informed consent and have the ability to work within the legal framework with patients who lack the capacity to consent to treatment. To maintain a portfolio evidencing ongoing competency and development for this role. CLERICAL AND HOUSEKEEPING: To undertake any clerical duties as necessary. These may include: Reception duties. Registration of patients. Making appointments. Filing. Dealing with telephone calls. Communicating effectively with patient carers, GP surgeries and other hospital staff. Writing discharge letters and reports. Maintaining stock levels and ordering equipment. Cleaning of equipment. Preparation and tidying up of treatment areas. To provide induction for the department for students and other non-clinical staff. ORGANISATIONAL: To attend organised training sessions including statutory / mandatory training and any other in-service training organised by the therapy teams appropriate to role. To attend local team and staff meetings To comply with the trust and service policies and procedures. To be aware of the health and safety aspects of your work including recording and documentation of incidents and accidents. To participate in the appraisal system and performance development plan. Any other duties which may be considered appropriate by the qualified therapy staff and the professional therapy leads All roles within East Coast Community Healthcare CIC (ECCH) require staff to demonstrate our Values and Signature Behaviours in the care and service they provide to patients, service users, stakeholders and colleagues. All members of staff should consider these as an essential part of their job role. Our Values outline the core behaviours that we can all achieve and are summarised as an acronym within the word CARE. These stand for: Compassion, Action, Respect and Everyone. Underpinning our Values are our Signature Behaviours which highlight by taking the right actions we continue to build a strong culture. Our four Signature Behaviours are: Compassion - We Listen, We Learn, We Lead| Action - My Accountability, My Responsibility | Respect - Respect Our Resources: People, Time and Money | Everyone - Work Together, Achieve Together. Person Specification Qualifications Essential English Language at O Level / GCSE NVQ level 3 / Exercise level 3 or equivalent in a relevant area Experience Essential Previous experience as a healthcare assistant, rehab assistant, therapy / physiotherapy assistant or exercise trainer Personal Attributes Essential To be able to physically handle patients Adopt long static postures Mental capacity to deal with distressed patients Physical / mental capacity to deal with patients with communication difficulties Friendly cheerful attitude Team working Empathy towards clients and patient group Flexible working Willingness to learn new skills Ability to travel across the area covered by ECCH services The ability to travel across the community Ability to embrace our Culture, Values and Signature Behaviours: (Compassion - We Listen, We Learn, We Lead| Action - My Accountability, My Responsibility | Respect - Respect Our Resources: People, Time and Money | Everyone - Work Together, Achieve Together) Willingness and ability to work across different sites and travel to alternative sites and across the community as required Skills and Knowledge Essential Knowledge of basic musculoskeletal anatomy Knowledge of basic mobility function Communication skills Organisation skills Ability to work under pressure Ability to deal with older people Persuasive skills Motivation skills Computer skills Person Specification Qualifications Essential English Language at O Level / GCSE NVQ level 3 / Exercise level 3 or equivalent in a relevant area Experience Essential Previous experience as a healthcare assistant, rehab assistant, therapy / physiotherapy assistant or exercise trainer Personal Attributes Essential To be able to physically handle patients Adopt long static postures Mental capacity to deal with distressed patients Physical / mental capacity to deal with patients with communication difficulties Friendly cheerful attitude Team working Empathy towards clients and patient group Flexible working Willingness to learn new skills Ability to travel across the area covered by ECCH services The ability to travel across the community Ability to embrace our Culture, Values and Signature Behaviours: (Compassion - We Listen, We Learn, We Lead| Action - My Accountability, My Responsibility | Respect - Respect Our Resources: People, Time and Money | Everyone - Work Together, Achieve Together) Willingness and ability to work across different sites and travel to alternative sites and across the community as required Skills and Knowledge Essential Knowledge of basic musculoskeletal anatomy Knowledge of basic mobility function Communication skills Organisation skills Ability to work under pressure Ability to deal with older people Persuasive skills Motivation skills Computer skills 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 details Employer name East Coast Community Healthcare CIC Address Kirkley Mill Surgery Kirkley Rise, Clifton Rd Lowestoft Suffolk NR33 0HF Employer's website https://www.ecch.org/ (Opens in a new tab)