Job summary We are looking for a therapy assistant practitioner to join the adult acute inpatient therapy team in Poole. This new role for the team will support in the assessment and management of patients admitted to the acute medical unit, alongside the qualified Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists. Previous experience of working with adults, in an acute hospital or community setting is essential. The post will include 7 day working and therefore the post holder will be expected to participate in weekend rotas. You will be required to achieve a certain competency level which we will give you support and training to help you achieve. We have a structured in house training programme and a supportive team of clinical staff. You should be a car driver with full driving license .The role may include assessing patients in their home environment, with support as required from the qualified clinicians. Main duties of the job To work as part of the multi-disciplinary team to provide a Therapy service to patients by managing a caseload of patients from specified diagnostic groups. To organise and be responsible for own caseload on a daily basis. To carry out functional assessments to determine the patient's level of independence and commencing discharge planning including referrals to external service providers. To assess for and provide equipment in the patient's home environment to promote independence and safety. To identify patients who require a home assessment. Completing these visits as appropriate under guidance of qualified therapist or referring those with more complex needs to a qualified Therapist. To cover for the other Therapy Assistants within the team and carry out Therapy Interventions on the wards as required. To ensure all assessments, treatments and discharge planning is discussed with a qualified therapies About us Our values define who we are as TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues. UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme. This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about this at interview. There is a planned move for this service anticipated during Winter 2025, when this role and base of work will relocate to Bournemouth Site.Upon relocation of the role/service, excess mileage allowance / reimbursement will not apply, and any travel between the postholder's home and work base will be classified as a commute. Any other changes unrelated to this, will be handled in line with Trust/National terms and conditions. Date posted 01 November 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 4 Salary £26,530 to £29,114 a year pa pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number 153-SP03833 Job locations Poole Hospital Longfleet Road Poole BH152JB Job description Job responsibilities To work as part of the multi-disciplinary team to provide a Therapy service to patients by managing a caseload of patients from specified diagnostic groups. To organise and be responsible for own caseload on a daily basis. To carry out functional assessments to determine the patients level of independence and commencing discharge planning including referrals to external service providers. To assess for and provide equipment in the patients home environment to promote independence and safety. To identify patients who require a home assessment. Completing these visits as appropriate under guidance of qualified therapist or referring those with more complex needs to a qualified Therapist. To cover for the other Therapy Assistants within the team and carry out Therapy Interventions on the wards as required. To ensure all assessments, treatments and discharge planning is discussed with a qualified therapies Job description Job responsibilities To work as part of the multi-disciplinary team to provide a Therapy service to patients by managing a caseload of patients from specified diagnostic groups. To organise and be responsible for own caseload on a daily basis. To carry out functional assessments to determine the patients level of independence and commencing discharge planning including referrals to external service providers. To assess for and provide equipment in the patients home environment to promote independence and safety. To identify patients who require a home assessment. Completing these visits as appropriate under guidance of qualified therapist or referring those with more complex needs to a qualified Therapist. To cover for the other Therapy Assistants within the team and carry out Therapy Interventions on the wards as required. To ensure all assessments, treatments and discharge planning is discussed with a qualified therapies Person Specification Qualifications Essential oFoundation Degree in Health or Associate Practitioner Apprenticeship level 5 or An equivalent relevant degree Desirable oAttainment of competencies gained from multi-professional team working Other requirements specific to the role Essential oHold a clean driving license and the ability to drive department cars and have access to a car for work purposes Experience Essential oPrevious work as a Therapy Assistant or equivalent (e.g. Occupational Therapy Assistant, Desirable Previous experience working in an acute setting o Working within a multi-disciplinary team. Technical Skills Competencies Essential oAbility to assess a patient with specific objective assessment tools, sometimes without supervision, and identify appropriate therapy intervention Desirable oAbility to carry out a set of observations (L/S BPs, sats, HR, RR) Knowledge Essential oThe effects of physical and cognitive impairment, on patients' skills, abilities and lifestyle Desirable oGeneral knowledge of human physiology and relevant medical conditions eg general medical presentations, Respiratory conditions, Falls, Dementia, Heart conditions, orthopaedic conditions Interpersonal skills Essential oExcellent verbal communication skills both face to face and over the telephone oAbility to document results of interventions clearly and concisely oConfident in dealing with difficult situations e.g. aggressive behaviour, conflict oAbility to work as part of a team Person Specification Qualifications Essential oFoundation Degree in Health or Associate Practitioner Apprenticeship level 5 or An equivalent relevant degree Desirable oAttainment of competencies gained from multi-professional team working Other requirements specific to the role Essential oHold a clean driving license and the ability to drive department cars and have access to a car for work purposes Experience Essential oPrevious work as a Therapy Assistant or equivalent (e.g. Occupational Therapy Assistant, Desirable Previous experience working in an acute setting o Working within a multi-disciplinary team. Technical Skills Competencies Essential oAbility to assess a patient with specific objective assessment tools, sometimes without supervision, and identify appropriate therapy intervention Desirable oAbility to carry out a set of observations (L/S BPs, sats, HR, RR) Knowledge Essential oThe effects of physical and cognitive impairment, on patients' skills, abilities and lifestyle Desirable oGeneral knowledge of human physiology and relevant medical conditions eg general medical presentations, Respiratory conditions, Falls, Dementia, Heart conditions, orthopaedic conditions Interpersonal skills Essential oExcellent verbal communication skills both face to face and over the telephone oAbility to document results of interventions clearly and concisely oConfident in dealing with difficult situations e.g. aggressive behaviour, conflict oAbility to work as part of a team 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 University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust Address Poole Hospital Longfleet Road Poole BH152JB Employer's website https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)