Therapy Assistant Stroke/Neuro Early Supported Discharge
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
We are delighted to be able to offer an exciting opportunity to come and work in our UHD Stroke Early Supported Discharge (ESD) Team as a Band 3 Therapy Assistant. This role involves working closely alongside patients with stroke and neurological conditions in their home environment to provide intensive rehabilitation and promote independence.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to work in our team and applicants should be able to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and commitment in their work. Good organisational and team-working skills are essential, as is the ability to work under pressure. The applicant will need to show excellent communication skills and a high level of compassionate care, tact and empathy whilst working with patients, families and carers.
Base Location: Royal Bournemouth or Poole Hospitals - base to be confirmed with successful candidate.
Interview Date: TBC
Main duties of the job
The Stroke ESD Team help to support people to be discharged home immediately after discharge from hospital, with evidence strongly supporting that patients improve more effectively in their home environments. ESD works to promote independence and some of the tasks you may be supporting patients with could include balance, mobility, arm function, communication, returning to everyday activities, personal care, and memory and accessing the community again as well as returning to work and hobbies.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a close multidisciplinary team alongside speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and nursing colleagues, helping to deliver therapy for each of these disciplines. They will be able to work both autonomously and jointly with colleagues. There will be many chances to develop knowledge and skills in both formal and informal settings.
The post-holder will need to hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a car. It is also essential to have some basic IT skills. Experience of working in a hospital or healthcare setting is essential.
Working Hours: 22.5 hours per week with a 1 in 6 weekend working pattern with allocated enhancements. The shifts will be 8-4 pm and 10-6 pm.
Job responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Minimum of 4 GCSEs or equivalent (one to include English) at grades A-C/9-4
* NVQ or Apprenticeship Level 3 or equivalent level of knowledge in Health & Social Care
* Other relevant qualifications such as NHS, Social Care, Exercise/sports science, communication support, GCSE in Biology or Maths
Experience
* Dealing with the public
* Experience working in a hospital or community healthcare setting
* Experience of dealing with people living with disability in order to promote independence
* Experience of team working
* Previous work as a Therapy Assistant or equivalent where direct patient care is involved
* Experience in delivering rehab programmes to individuals or groups
* Experience of working with people in a community setting
* Experience of teaching
* Experience of working with people with Stroke Neurological conditions
Technical Skills and Competencies
* Basic IT skills (keyboard, Excel, Word, internet, email)
* Ability to work under pressure
* Ability to write information clearly and concisely
* Ability to prioritise workload
* Ability to work independently to continue patient rehab programmes with guidance from qualified therapists
* Ability to move and handle patients and equipment using approved techniques
* Aware of the different team roles
* Specific IT training courses attended
* Ability to carry out simple cognitive screens
* Skills in manual handling techniques
Knowledge
* General understanding of the effects of neurological conditions on a patient's physical, cognitive and communication abilities
* Knowledge of basic rehab techniques and strategies
* An understanding of illness and aging
* An understanding of mobility and adaptive equipment
* General understanding of communication difficulties
* Experience working with hospital IT systems e.g. EPR, eCamis, Graphnet.
* Specific training, knowledge and skills with neuro patients
* Specific training, knowledge of communication impairments
* Understanding the process of risk assessment
* Understanding the potential sources of support for patients after stroke
Other requirements to the role
* Adheres to confidential protocols and policies
* Car Driver with full driver's license, business insurance and access to a car
* Ability to work in confined spaces
* Ability to use tools to adjust equipment and furniture
Personal Attributes
* Adaptable to change/flexible and able to keep calm under pressure
* Excellent communication skills written and verbal
* Strong ability to work in a team
* Able to manage own time effectively and work to deadlines
* Compassionate and empathetic communication style
* Shows initiative and can take direction but knows boundaries
* Self-motivated and reliable
* Ability to establish rapport and motivate people
* To be able to understand the importance of confidentiality
Language Requirement
* To be able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role
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 name
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
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