Job overview
We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a Band 4 Therapy Practitioner to work within the Front of House Therapy Team at Poole Hospital, University Hospitals Dorset. Clinical areas covered by the team at Poole Hospital include the Emergency department, urgent treatment centre, Rapid Assessment Consultant Evaluation (RACE) Unit, and Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) clinic. This is an excellent opportunity to work as a part of the specialist frailty Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) with an admission avoidance focus. The RACE Unit at Poole has won National awards in recognition of its seven-day care, admission avoidance, and MDT approach. As an MDT, we take pride in delivering a patient-centred focus through timely comprehensive assessments, interventions, and discharge planning. We are looking for individuals who share a passion for working with older people. This post is a clinical post, where the post holders will engage in completing assessments and treatment of patients within the acute hospital setting.
The key responsibilities would require you to have confidence completing therapy assessments on an individual basis. Effective and adaptable communication skills are essential as you will be working with a diverse patient group. You must be motivated and enthusiastic in promoting rehabilitation and recovery. You need to be well-organised and confident as you will have responsibility to provide support and guidance to other therapy support staff.
Main duties of the job
Previous experience of working with older people, 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 in-house training and a supportive team of clinical staff. Ideally, you should be a car driver with a full driving licence. The role may include assessing patients in their home environment, with support as required from the qualified clinicians.
Person specification
Qualifications
* Essential criteria: Foundation Degree in health or assistant practitioner qualification equivalent or another relevant qualification
* Desirable criteria: Attainment of competencies gained from multi-professional team working
Experience
* Essential criteria: Previous work as a Therapy Assistant or equivalent (e.g. Exercise Physiologist, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physiotherapy Assistant) where direct patient care is involved over a significant period of time in a healthcare environment. Working with adult patients with chronic disease or multiple pathologies
* Desirable criteria: Previous experience working in an acute setting, working within a multi-disciplinary team, experience of evaluation, standard setting and evidence-based practice within a healthcare/rehabilitation setting
Technical Skills Competencies
* Essential criteria: Ability to assess a patient with specific objective assessment tools, sometimes without supervision, and identify appropriate therapy intervention. Ability to work independently on own initiative with guidance/supervision from qualified staff, mainly at a distance. Effective time management and organisational skills. Ability to manage own caseload when necessary. Basic computer literacy. Ability to act on own initiative, e.g., responding to an emergency situation.
Knowledge
* Essential criteria: General knowledge of pathologies related to the older person, the effects of physical and cognitive impairment, on patients’ skills, abilities and lifestyle, basic rehabilitation techniques and therapy intervention, exercise prescription and monitoring e.g., of physiological signs during exercise, health and safety responsibilities.
* Desirable criteria: General knowledge of relevant medical conditions, risk assessment, audit, service development.
Interpersonal skills
* Essential criteria: Good verbal communication skills both face to face and over the telephone, basic teaching skills, ability to engage, motivate and inspire patients, confident in dealing with difficult situations e.g., aggressive behaviour, conflict, ability to document results of interventions clearly and concisely, empathy with older people, ability to establish rapport.
Other requirements specific to
* Essential criteria: Hold a clean driving license, ability to move and handle patients and equipment using approved techniques.
Personal Attributes
* Essential criteria: Flexible attitude, well motivated, ability to work independently on own initiative with guidance/supervision from qualified staff, mainly at a distance. Ability to recognize boundaries of own job role and seek advice from qualified therapist as necessary. Highly organised with excellent time management skills and able to organise own workload on a day to day basis.
Language Requirement
* Essential criteria: Be able to speak English as necessary to undertake the role.
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