Detailed job description and main responsibilities Clinical 1. To gather information prior to seeing client and provide feedback to the therapist. • To obtain biographical information and knowledge from relevant sources of information, e.g. medical notes, computer records. • To take a simple case history 2. To contribute to the assessment process and provide feedback to the therapist. • To be able to use basic screening assessments competently and to evaluate results with the therapist. 3. To implement therapy programmes/approaches, both on an individual basis and for groups, and provide feedback to therapist. • To carry out a programme devised by the therapist using a range of delegated exercises and manual physical therapy techniques. • To be able to develop a programme from agreed goals with the therapist, to monitor client progress and to recommend possible changes to the therapist. • To undertake support work alongside the physiotherapist for highly dependent patients with complex needs. • To be responsible for assessing and managing clinical risk in relation to your own caseload, seeking guidance and help from therapist as appropriate. • Will not attempt any procedure without appropriate training and deemed competent to carry out specific instructions. 4. To contribute to the evaluation of therapeutic interventions, including discharge planning. • To contribute objective comments on observed therapy intervention and use an outcome measurement for a specific goal. • To contribute to devising and implementing the outcome measurements for a specific goal and to produce data for evaluation by the therapist. 5. To be able to prioritise workload following set guidelines, and feedback appropriate work load to the qualified therapist. • To plan day-to-day workload. • To identify factors involved in prioritisation. 6. To support clients / carers / other professionals in dealing with and understanding the care aim and the impact on the person's wellbeing. • To use listening skills and be aware of the issues and of how to respond to questions and anxieties, record and inform the therapist. This requires empathy, sensitivity and good interpersonal skills, especially when individual has barriers to understanding. 7. To provide training for patients and carers, involving 1:1 training and problem solving discussions. • To develop a rapport with clients, encouraging interest and participation, and to assist in the hand-over of a specific programme. • To contribute to a training session devised by the therapist. 8. To participate within a multi-disciplinary team alongside the therapist. • To attend meetings under guidance of the therapist and make previously agreed contributions. • To participate independently in MDT discussion. 9. To participate in writing progress reports. • To participate in the writing of standard progress reports. • To write standard reports independently, which are subsequently passed to the therapist for checking and countersigning. 10. To participate in audit and clinical governance. • To identify any clinical governance risk, to inform the therapist and gather information as directed by the therapist in line with an audit plan. • To identify risk and risk patterns and to identify a clinical area for audit. 11. To be involved in service projects and developments. • To contribute to and support project work. • To implement a project plan in liaison with the lead therapist. 12. To maintain up-to-date client records and complete all client documentation to department standards. • To put records and input into pro forma format, continuation sheets and / or medical records as appropriate. 13. To organise administrative tasks efficiently. 14. To keep clinical skills updated by attending study days and training. 15. To maintain personal / professional development. • Take part in CPD • Attend In-Service training and instruct on in-service training where appropriate. • To participate in the organisation's appraisal scheme and formulate a personal development plan. 16. To support the therapy teams with the provision virtual appointments • To assist patients and therapists in booking carrying out virtual appointments • To take part in both telephone and video based rehabilitation sessions, with guidance from a physiotherapist 17. To carry out specific tasks allocated to the post. • To undertake administrative and reception duties in the outpatients department as required. • To supervise exercise sessions for the musculoskeletal department. • To assist in running the back class and advanced rehabilitation class, on a face to face or virtual basis as required • To be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the gym equipment and managing the laundry in the department and gym. • To maintain adequate stock levels of MSK aids and appliances. • To be responsible for reordering aids and appliances from NHS logistics via local admin team and accompanying documentation. • To assist with raising equipment/resource orders for the local MSK Team via local admin team. Organisational 1. To fulfil any specific tasks as requested by the supervising physiotherapist, Team Leader physiotherapist or Clinical manager. 2. To maintain complete confidentiality of all reports and any other information concerning patients that may be known or acquired in the course of work. Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria GCSE or equivalent English and Maths (or equivalent) Proven broad based educational achievement Desirable criteria Exercise prescription or equivalent qualification Skills and Abilities Essential criteria Able to communicate effectively with colleagues, clinical staff, managers and patients and carers of all ages and social backgrounds Ability to motivate patients and self Ability to prioritise and organise own workload Flexible approach to work Proactive and interactive Good written and spoken English skills Good problem solving skills Strong computer literacy Able to meet the physical demands of the role Punctual in a work environment Desirable criteria Able to provide exercise programmes and progress or regress appropriately Experience Essential criteria Experience of working in a team Desirable criteria Previous experience of physiotherapy assistant or care assistant role Experience of working in NHS Knowledge & Understanding Essential criteria Awareness of the importance of confidentiality Awareness of risk assessments and health and safety Understand the needs of the patients versus the resource restraints of the NHS Desirable criteria Understanding of medical and physiotherapy Terminology Understand the role of the Rehabilitation Assistant in supporting the department Safeguarding awareness appropriate for role Employer certification / accreditation badges Applicant requirements This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. Documents to download B3 MSK Rehabilitation Assistant Job Description (PDF, 768.5KB)