Job summary
We are seeking a highly motivated Band 3 Foot Care Assistant to join the Healthshare Podiatry Service in Wandsworth. The Podiatry Service offers a comprehensive range of podiatry treatments to the local population of the London Borough of Wandsworth.
The successful candidate will provide a variety of clinical sessions from community clinics, nursing homes and home visits, working alongside podiatrists. A broad understanding of podiatry will be provided through on the job training however an interest in foot health would be advantageous.
You will be actively encouraged to engage in promoting nail cutting and self-care. The podiatry department offers a comprehensive induction package covering all aspects of clinical care with involvement in regular departmental training and staff meetings.
We welcome applications from individuals wishing to further their knowledge and skills and gain a recognised qualification. You will develop new skills and knowledge whilst working with an established team, gaining valuable work experience.
Main duties of the job
1. Assist the administration staff and podiatry team in the day to day running of the clinics.
2. Provide and receive information from patients and clinicians concerning treatment plans and patient observations.
3. Ability to communicate effectively through concise written and verbal communication using the correct terminology with podiatrists.
4. Ability to recognise potential barriers to communication or understanding and finding ways to overcome these to ensure all patients fully understand the advice and instruction they are given.
5. Ability to use tact, persuasion and reassurance when delivering foot healthcare advice to patients.
6. Ability to make judgements that require analysis of a specified range of options when devising treatment plans appropriate for the scope of practice.
7. Ability to recognise serious conditions that require prompt referral to a podiatrist, and to follow this referral through.
About us
We're an independent healthcare provider, with established roots in muscular-skeletal health and diagnostics, founded by expert NHS clinicians who recognised a way to improve things.
Our approach means that whether it's speed, flexibility, efficiency or quality, every aspect has been carefully considered to surpass expectations. This is why we've been a trusted partner of the NHS for over ten years, and the provider of choice for countless private patients.
We work with integrity. When it comes to collaboratively delivering care, relationships are key. Whether we're interacting with each other, our partners or our patients, we're always open and honest. Every key decision is based on clear process and informed by evidence.
We act with empathy. Everyone who is here, is here because they care about people. We always try and put ourselves in the shoes of whomever we're interacting with and treat people with compassion and consideration.
We inspire with passion. It's hard work, but we absolutely love what we do. There's no room for a half-hearted approach to healthcare, it requires dedication, and that's what everyone here has. A Healthshare employee is enthusiastic, with a verve and panache that inspires others around them.
Benefits:
8. 25 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays) and option to buy/sell
9. Private Healthcare (Benenden)
10. Company Pension Scheme
11. Life Assurance
12. Blue Light Card
13. Refer a Friend Scheme
14. CPD Opportunities
15. Wagestream
16. Reward Gateway
17. Cycle to Work Scheme
18. Smart Tech
19. EV Car Scheme
Job description
Job responsibilities
Main duties
20. Assist the administration staff and podiatry team in the day to day running of the clinics.
21. Provide and receive information from patients and clinicians concerning treatment plans and patient observations.
22. Ability to communicate effectively through concise written and verbal communication using the correct terminology with podiatrists.
23. Ability to recognise potential barriers to communication or understanding and finding ways to overcome these to ensure all patients fully understand the advice and instruction they are given.
24. Ability to use tact, persuasion and reassurance when delivering foot healthcare advice to patients.
25. Ability to make judgements that require analysis of a specified range of options when devising treatment plans appropriate for the scope of practice.
26. Ability to recognise serious conditions that require prompt referral to a podiatrist, and to follow this referral through.
27. To have highly developed physical skills, precision hand/eye co-ordination for prolonged periods.
28. To undertake care of pathological toe nails and assist in minor surgery clinics.
29. To issue orthoses and take patterns/casts for the manufacture of simple insoles and more advanced prescribed devices.
30. To implement delegated packages of care and treats nail conditions. Modifying treatments to suit individual patients needs.
31. To recognise own professional boundaries and seek advice and support as appropriate.
32. To provide care in a range of primary, secondary and domiciliary settings, some of which may be in isolation. Primarily the role is supported by working in multi-chair clinic sites with a minimum of lone working.
33. Participate in health promotion, patient education and patient self management programmes to promote self care.
34. Maintain at all times a kind, caring and professional attitude towards individuals, relatives and colleagues within the clinical setting.
35. Report any accidents, incidents, near misses to the podiatrist in charge and complete incident forms.
36. Maintain up to date knowledge of emergency procedures for your area of work.
37. To support the implementation of departmental policies and contribute to team and service developments.
38. Participate in team meetings and case conferences as appropriate.
39. Maintain accurate and legible patient records of all patient consultations and related work carried out at each clinical session in accordance with the organisations policies and procedures.
40. To be computer literate with the ability to access podiatry service databases, identified company databases and appropriate programmes.
41. Maintain the work environment, in accordance with Health and Safety and Infection Control policies.
42. Deliver a high standard of clinical care to a caseload of individuals within set guidelines.
43. Perform and record clinical observations/diagnostic tests appropriate to the clinical area as per competency achievement.
44. Monitor and evaluate individualised treatment plans.
45. Maintain clear concise and legible documentation adhering to standards in accordance with professional standards and organisation policies.
46. Participate in clinical audits
47. Develop further clinical skills relevant to the area via training with achievement of competencies.
48. Requirement to handle distressed patients in an appropriate and caring manner
49. Prioritising and organising lists for home visits
Finance & Housekeeping
50. Maintaining stock control and ordering equipment.
51. Maintain a clean and tidy environment including cleaning of equipment and medical devices.
52. Ensure correct use of equipment, keeping up to date with training and reporting faults as appropriate.
53. Responsible for the safe use of podiatry equipment carried to and used at other non-organisation sites.
Staff management
54. Identify own development needs and take action to enhance own knowledge skills and areas of competence as appropriate, taking into account organisational needs and objectives.
55. To attend organised training sessions and complete any relevant competencies within agreed time frames.
56. Attend regular reviews with supervisor/manager and have yearly appraisals following the Knowledge Skills and Framework review process.
57. To assist in the induction, training and development of others.
58. Act as a professional role model.
Flexibility
59. This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of the role. The postholder may be required to carry out other duties commensurate with their banding and competence.
Policies and Procedures
60. The postholder is required to familiarise themselves with all organisational policies and procedures and to comply with these at all times.
Confidentiality and Data Protection
61. The postholder must maintain the confidentiality of information regarding patients, staff and other health service business and meet the requirements of the Data Protection Act (1998) at all times.
62. The postholder must comply with all organisational information and data protection policies at all times. The work of a health provider organisation is of a confidential nature and any information gained by the postholder in their role must not be communicated to other persons except where required in the recognised course of duty.
Health and Safety
63. Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and must follow these at all times, ensure a safe environment for patients, visitors and colleagues.
Equality and Diversity
64. All staff are expected to comply with the Healthshares policies relating to the equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery.
Use of Technology
65. The organisation is making increased use of computer technology. The majority of employees (both clinical and non-clinical) are expected to use automated information systems in their work in order to improve quality and co-ordination of services and to enable faster and more certain communication within the organisation. Necessary training will be provided.
No Smoking Policy
66. Healthshare operates a no-smoking policy, in line with Government legislation. This applies to all staff, visitors and patients. It is a condition of employment for staff that they do not smoke whilst on duty or in uniform or anywhere on organisation premises.
67. Whilst we do not discriminate against employing smokers, they are expected to adhere to this policy and all prospective employees should be aware of this.
Professional Registration
68. All employees who are required to be a member of a professional body are required to hold relevant registration and must comply with the standards and guidelines of their professional practice, education and conduct and must act at all times within the boundary of the code of conduct.
Infection Prevention and Control
69. Infection Prevention and Control is everybody's responsibility. All staff, both clinical and non-clinical are required to adhere to the organisations Infection Prevention and Control policy and make every effort to maintain high standards of infection prevention and control at all times thereby reducing the burden of Health Care Associated Infections.
Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
70. Healthshareis committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Rigorous recruitment checks are carried out and successful applicants may be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).
Quality
71. Designing and delivering tomorrows healthcare today. To deliver a high standard of care to all patients encompassing safe care, effective care and patient-centred care during every encounter.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
72. GCSE grade A to C in English and Maths
Experience
Essential
73. Evidence of communication skills within a wide variety of settings.