Job summary As a Senior Therapy Assistant we can offer you: Competency based training A wide range of experience working within the Acute hospital sites, and into the community through our collaborative partnerships and Discharge to Assess pathways. Role specific training Continuing Professional Development and Training opportunities including foundation degrees and therapy apprenticeships. The opportunity to learn from highly skilled therapists within collaborative therapy teams Supportive, friendly therapy teams Peer support from existing Senior Therapy assistants Mentorship Clinical supervision Commitment to ensuring you feel supported with your wellbeing and career progression through supervision and values based appraisals. An opportunity to help shape services A Band 3 to Band 4 accelerator programme may be offered for the right candidate. Main duties of the job A full driving licence is required. All therapy staff are expected to contribute to weekend working rotas within the department. To be an autonomous practitioner To determine clinical diagnosis and develop effective treatment plans with the support of relevant senior staff Once considered competent, to participate in the on-call, week-end, bank holiday and extended working rotas where clinically appropriate Be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities and maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development and professional standards. Participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee and be responsible for complying with agreed personal development plan to meet set competencies. Be an active member of the In-Service Training Programme by attendance at, and participation in, in-service training programmes, tutorials, individual training sessions, external courses and peer review. Be responsible for full caseload of patients under direct and indirect supervision of a therapist Undertaking a range of basic assessments (in line with band 4 competencies and national recommendations)- this may include assessments patients home environment Training and support of band 3 assistant staff and supporting rotational band 5's Band 3/4 experience in healthcare essential Basic IT and administrative skills required Relevant courses at Foundation Degree level or equivalent are expected to be completed (can be completed whilst in role) About us Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a modern District General Hospital offering an excellent working environment. Much of West Dorset is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, and the Jurassic coastline is protected by World Heritage status. There are numerous beaches within easy reach, and Portland Harbour promotes a wide range of water sport activities. The area is largely rural, with good rail and road links. The closest airport is situated in Bournemouth. Please visithttps://joinourdorset.nhs.uk/Therapy/ for more information on working as a therapist in Dorset. Date posted 13 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £24,071 to £29,114 a year Pro Rata Per Annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time, Flexible working Reference number 405-25-CS078STA Job locations Dorset County Hospital Dorchester DT1 2JY Job description Job responsibilities Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification. Please contact us at Recruitmentdchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment. For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online. Job description Job responsibilities Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification. Please contact us at Recruitmentdchft.nhs.uk if you are unable to view or download the attachment. For all our roles, we are looking for staff who hold our Trust Values of Integrity, Respect Teamwork and Excellence, and who are passionate about providing the best patient care. To read more about our Trust and our Values search Dorset County Hospital online. Person Specification EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING Essential BTEC/HND/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience in relevant subject Foundation degree (or willing to work towards foundation degree within first 2 years in post) Desirable CSP/ RCOT associate member Relevant Healthcare courses KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE Essential Able to demonstrate an intermediate level knowledge of conditions, clinical pathways and therapeutic interventions Awareness of clinical governance and its implication for Therapy Significant experience in health or social care setting Experience and ability to work collaboratively within MDT Experience in delivering and developing therapy plans Desirable Awareness and understanding of NHS structure Knowledge of local service Previous experience of working within a therapy rehabilitation area, therapy assistant or equivalent Experience of an NHS environment SKILLS & ABILITIES Essential Willingness and ability to undertake competency based skills programme The ability to identify and act upon potential clinical risks Able to communicate complex information to patients, carers, other health professionals and team Positive interpersonal skills Ability to work effectively in a team environment Good time management skills with ability to organise and prioritise Proactive approach to learning, demonstrated in a CPD portfolio Able to provide a good standard of clear, concise, written and verbal reports in English IT skills, including using hospital databases, word processing and email Ability to manage own stress and work in a stressful and unpredictable environment To show empathy and fairness to give support to others Ability to work autonomously Desirable IT skills - ability to create and/or format data and/or spreadsheets using computerised systems Demonstrate good motivational skills OTHER Essential Self-motivated Be able to demonstrate flexibility and reliability Able to use own initiative Work in a flexible manner and adapt to changing environments Physically fit and able to comply with trusts moving and handling guidelines, therapeutic handling Professional Manner and Appearance Available for weekend duties and altered working patterns where clinically appropriate Car driver Person Specification EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING Essential BTEC/HND/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience in relevant subject Foundation degree (or willing to work towards foundation degree within first 2 years in post) Desirable CSP/ RCOT associate member Relevant Healthcare courses KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE Essential Able to demonstrate an intermediate level knowledge of conditions, clinical pathways and therapeutic interventions Awareness of clinical governance and its implication for Therapy Significant experience in health or social care setting Experience and ability to work collaboratively within MDT Experience in delivering and developing therapy plans Desirable Awareness and understanding of NHS structure Knowledge of local service Previous experience of working within a therapy rehabilitation area, therapy assistant or equivalent Experience of an NHS environment SKILLS & ABILITIES Essential Willingness and ability to undertake competency based skills programme The ability to identify and act upon potential clinical risks Able to communicate complex information to patients, carers, other health professionals and team Positive interpersonal skills Ability to work effectively in a team environment Good time management skills with ability to organise and prioritise Proactive approach to learning, demonstrated in a CPD portfolio Able to provide a good standard of clear, concise, written and verbal reports in English IT skills, including using hospital databases, word processing and email Ability to manage own stress and work in a stressful and unpredictable environment To show empathy and fairness to give support to others Ability to work autonomously Desirable IT skills - ability to create and/or format data and/or spreadsheets using computerised systems Demonstrate good motivational skills OTHER Essential Self-motivated Be able to demonstrate flexibility and reliability Able to use own initiative Work in a flexible manner and adapt to changing environments Physically fit and able to comply with trusts moving and handling guidelines, therapeutic handling Professional Manner and Appearance Available for weekend duties and altered working patterns where clinically appropriate Car driver 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 Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Address Dorset County Hospital Dorchester DT1 2JY Employer's website https://www.dchft.nhs.uk/working-for-us/ (Opens in a new tab)