Job summary
A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, motivated and passionate Senior Technical Instuctor to join our therapy team within Major Trauma services. This dynamic team is looking for someone who is confident to deliver high quality therapeutic assessments and interventions within the therapy team which includes Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist. A valid and proactive contribution to support innovation and service development is actively encouraged from all team members.
The successful candidates must have experience in the field of rehabilitation of trauma patients as a therapy assistant working in the NHS or similar environment. Excellent inter-personal skills, strong values based patient centred care and effective team work are essential to the post.
The successful candidate will be joining therapy teams in delivering an enhanced seven day therapy service inclusive of weekend working and evening work to patients as part of the wider therapy department. The mix of interventions you will deliver will vary over time depending on the patient's needs.
Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS at Risk staff throughout Devon who is able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.
Main duties of the job
To perform specific therapeutic (clinical and non-clinical) assessment, treatment and discharge of an identified caseload of patients within the Therapy Team as part of the MDT on Major trauma areas. The clinical caseload will be allocated and indirectly supervised by registered Health and Care Professions Council registered therapists within the area. Caseload includes visiting in-patients' homes and other community settings.
To undertake all aspects of clinical duties within an agreed protocol within the individuals scope of practice. To ensure competence is gained and retained in all areas in which you practice.
To work independently, but under the direction of the HCPC registered Therapists to perform specific tasks for an individual or group of patients, as part of their assessment, rehabilitation and therapeutic care programmes as well as facilitating earlier discharge from inpatient settings.
To work within protocols and competencies specific to this post. To act as first contact in specific situations.
Patient management includes assessment and information gathering to identify patient needs; development of personalised treatment and care plans collaboratively with the registered therapy staff and review of progress and ongoing needs at regular intervals.
Treatment activities might include following exercise and mobility programmes; and educating & advising patients and their families about their situation and options for the future.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical
1 To be accountable for own clinical practice and caseload management. To work without direct supervision but under the direction of HCPC registered therapy staff, implementing treatment within the therapy care programme of their treatment and rehabilitation programmes and progress patients treatment as appropriate. Duties may include:
Development and Implementation of rehabilitation and condition management programmes.
Participate in rehab programs within the remit of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy and integrate this into the service users everyday care
Contribute to person specific goals for individuals and their carers
Training and education of care staff in the delivery of rehabilitation and condition management programmes.
Positioning advice and care
Conduct therapeutic assessment.
Conduct basic screening for overall therapy assessments.
Recognise acute and chronic deterioration and modify treatment accordingly.
Assessing performance of activities of daily living
Teaching use of specialist rehabilitation equipment
Carry out level 1 & 2 psychological interventions active listening
To contribute to discharge planning and signposting service users to appropriate services
2. To understand, provide, receive and exchange complex condition related information with patients and relatives, who may have communication difficulties. Patients may have complex acute or long term communication difficulties or other complex co-morbidities.
3. To be actively involved in the communication of information regarding patients conditions and any other useful information to the inter disciplinary team.
4. To communicate effectively with patients and carers. Effective communication to optimise, motivation and participation through explanation of impairments and reasons for rehabilitation. Barriers to communication may include loss of hearing, altered perception, pain and language disorders associated with brain injury.
5. To be aware at all times of the needs of patients during illness or disability and to promote and encourage independence and restoration of function.
6. Be aware of rehabilitation principles and the implications of this on standards of therapy care, as well as the overall demands on the healthcare system.
7. Contribute to facilitated patient flow through their pathway.
8. Plan and manage own caseload tasks both self-directed and task instructed by the registered clinicians.
9. Proactively undertake self-directed tasks during periods of less clinical work being delegated.
10. To work independently, but under the direction of an HCPC registered therapist to perform procedures and treatment plans for an individual or group of patients, as part of their treatment and rehabilitation programmes.
11. To write treatment notes in a concise, accurate and timely manner in line with departmental standards. These notes do not require registered staff countersignature.
12. To be involved in the induction, training, development and supervision of students and Therapy / Rehabilitation Assistants.
13. To undertake any non-clinical / clerical duties as necessary. This may include maintaining stock levels, ordering equipment, and filing, dealing with telephone calls, and cleaning.
14. To be involved in the delivery, collection, cleaning and maintenance of therapy equipment in line with dept and trust policies and procedures.
15. To actively contribute and prioritise data collection to ensure that optimal standards are monitored, achieved and improved throughout.
SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE
1. To actively participate in the Trusts Personal Development Programme (PDP) and have a positive approach to continual professional development.
2. The post holder will demonstrate skills and knowledge regarding specific medical patient conditions, general co-morbidities that may affect engagement in therapy and care and specialist rehabilitation therapy beyond that of a therapy assistant. These skills and knowledge will be gained through specific advanced training, experience or formal qualifications to NQV 3 / equivalent or higher levels.
3. The post holder will demonstrate specialist rehabilitation / therapeutic moving and handling skills for specific patient conditions.
4. The post holder will demonstrate skills and knowledge regarding falls, assessment, treatment and appropriate referral onto community falls services.
Organisational
1. To attend organised training sessions, including annual fire lectures, cardiac resuscitation lectures and any in-service training arranged by the Therapy team.
2. To abide by the CSP Physiotherapy Assistants Code of Conduct.
1. To comply with Trust and departmental policies and procedures.
4. To be aware of the Health and Safety aspects of your work and abide by policies including the prompt recording and documentation of incidents and accidents.
2. Participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development programmes to meet set knowledge and competencies.
6. To participate in the appraisal system and Personal Development Programme and act as an appraiser for physiotherapy assistant staff.
7. To contribute to cross professional mentorship and support across the wider therapy team.
3. Any other duties which may be considered appropriate by the registered staff or the therapy leads.
4. To undertake as directed the collection of data for use in service audit.
10. Be responsible for the safe and competent use of rehabilitation equipment by patients, through teaching, training and supervision of practice.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
5. Broad range of healthcare demonstrable experience involved in patient care and rehabilitation of trauma patients
6. Previous employment / demonstrable experience within a similar role
7. Proven evidence of Continuous Professional development & values based learning.
8. An awareness of current NHS and Health issues.
9. Ability to conduct a therapeutic assessment and identify when more complex assessment is required signposting to a registered clinician.
10. Be able to screen for the need to refer to other therapies within the inter-disciplinary team.
Desirable
11. Proven knowledge and experience of exercise prescription / rehabilitation for a wide variety of clients.
12. Demonstrable experience working in acute ward environment.
13. Demonstrable experience and understanding of goal setting principles.
14. Demonstrable experience working within a multi disciplinary team.
15. Ability to conduct complex therapeutic assessments and feedback to registered clinicians as required.
Qualifications
Essential
16. Foundation degree or equivalent. or Minimum NVQ / diploma in healthcare or equivalent level 3. or equivalent demonstrable experience working in relevant settings
Desirable
17. Attendance of additional professional courses.
18. Level 5 diploma for assistant practitioners.
19. Degree level or higher, qualification in a relevant subject