We are looking for a forward-thinking, dynamic individual to work within our 7-day Inpatient therapy services as part of the inpatient service at Dewsbury District Hospital. Although this role is predominantly based at Dewsbury, the successful candidate will hold a trust-wide contract and there would be an expectation to work on the other sites if there was a clinical need to support.
You will work alongside Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists within the complex care team that supports wards assessing and treating elderly, frailty, and general medical patients. You will be part of a fast-paced team involved in complex discharge planning.
The successful candidate will be encouraged to attend and participate in regular in-service training sessions and have structured supervision to support their personal and professional development. There are excellent opportunities for progression within the inpatient therapy services.
The post will commence from the 1st of April 2025 for a 12-month duration only.
Main duties of the job
You must demonstrate/be able:
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to liaise with all members of the multi-disciplinary team
* The ability to be flexible and manage your own time effectively
* To provide support and assistance to registered Therapy staff and Therapy Technical staff
* To contribute to the provision of a flexible, client-centred, therapeutic programme for patients with a variety of physical, psychological, and social needs, including moving and handling practice, supporting with home visits, personal care assessments, and exercise programmes
* To provide a range of administrative and clerical support to the Therapy service, having good computer skills as a large area of the work is on the computer
About us
We are an acute trust caring for over half a million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 10,000 staff work in patients' homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). We prioritise our people and values to deliver the best possible care to patients. Our team is friendly, passionate, and innovative, always seeking better ways to work.
We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces to share ideas and concerns to increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust.
If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join our team to make a difference every day.
Job responsibilities
Clinical duties/Patient contact
* To gather written information and verbal information from other professionals about patients, reporting this effectively to a registered Therapist or technician.
* Under the supervision of a registered Therapist, to support patients in achieving identified therapy goals, including the practicing of tasks or functional activities such as self-care, domestic activities, or recreational activities.
* Under the supervision of a registered Therapist, support patients in therapeutic activities and exercise programmes to promote rehabilitation, independence, and well-being.
* Under the supervision of a registered Therapist, support patients in mobility and stairs assessments.
* Following training, gather information from patients and report this effectively to the registered Therapist or Technician.
* To prepare equipment or the environment for treatment sessions for both individual and groups of patients.
* Work effectively as a member of the Therapy Team to undertake delegated tasks, which contribute to the safe and smooth running of the service.
* To accompany and support Therapists and technical staff during home visits with patients or post-discharge follow-up visits.
* To be responsible for planning your own day-to-day allocated workload.
* To work in a variety of settings as required by the needs of the service, including the ward, department, home, or other community environments.
* To undertake any administrative duties as designated by the team, including collating resources.
* To support and assist registered Occupational Therapists in the fabrication of splints.
* To support team members in the administration and ordering of equipment for patients.
* Keep treatment areas clean and tidy and clean walking aids and equipment in line with the Trust's Infection Control Policy.
Communication
* To maintain confidentiality in line with Trust standards and policies.
* To use a range of verbal and non-verbal skills to establish a professional rapport with patients and encourage their interest and participation in the Therapy intervention by communicating with them in a way that reflects their views, autonomy, and culture.
* To adapt your verbal and non-verbal communication in order to work with patients in sensitive situations, such as patients in acute stages of illness.
* To modify individual interaction where there may be difficulties with understanding for reasons such as physical, cognitive, or psychological impairment.
* To report effectively to a registered Therapist and/or team on patients' performance/progress in areas of self-maintenance, productivity, and leisure.
* To understand and act appropriately on written and verbal instructions from a registered Therapist to carry out specific treatment and interventions.
Documentation
* Under the guidance of a registered Therapist, be responsible for the written recording of up-to-date, accurate information concerning the Therapy intervention in line with Trust and College of Occupational Therapy or Chartered Society of Physiotherapy guidelines.
* To be responsible for the completion of appropriate departmental statistical records.
* To access appropriate electronic databases in order to gather specific information as requested.
* To order case notes and file patient records when requested.
Administrative Skills
* To have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages and demonstrate computer keyboard skills.
* To be responsible for the distribution of general reports, letters, minutes, and memorandums under the guidance of a registered Therapist.
* To be responsible for the varying levels of photocopying and distribution of all departmental photocopying.
* To be responsible for arranging Porters to enable transportation of patients to and from the Department.
* To be responsible for booking cars, kitchens, or rooms both within the department and the hospital for Clinical Staff as required.
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities
* Able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
* Able to work independently under direction and follow through agreed plans.
* Experience of using health care/disability equipment.
Experience
* Experience of working with people.
* Experience of working as part of a team.
* Experience of working within health, education, or social care.
* Experience of the impact of health and disability on lifestyle.
Knowledge and Awareness
* Aware of the impact of health and disability problems.
* Aware of how communication can be adapted to respond to a variety of clinical situations.
* Knowledge of health and safety issues.
* Aware of a variety of medical conditions.
* Awareness of the role of Therapist.
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 2 or similar qualification related to health or social care.
* Full clean driving license.
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.
£23,615 a year pro rata for part-time staff.
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