Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Job Purpose:

·       This post provides support to the Registered therapists in a range of clinical and non-clinical tasks as part of the therapy service on the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit.

·       6 days a week (Mon-Sat) service currently operates as well as Bank holiday working, but the post holder may be required to deliver within a 7 days service at some point in the future as the service needs.

·       Although the post is primarily situated at the Stroke rehab unit, it may at times be required to work at other parts of the stroke rehab pathway depending on service needs.

Clinical

1. Under the guidance of the therapists, work with groups and individual patients using a range of treatments, to help achieve the individual patient’s rehabilitation goals. 

2. Review patient’s response to treatment and report to the registered therapist as necessary. 

3. Use an extensive range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients/carers; to motivate, gain co-operation and to progress rehabilitation and treatment programs. 

4. Provide relevant advice, teaching and instruction to patients, relatives, carers and other professionals, within the scope of practice. 

5.   Promote and encourage patients independence and restoration of function. 

6. Support all therapists in completing home treatments and assessments. 

7. Liaise with the multidisciplinary team and other agencies involved in the patient’s care as appropriate. 

8. Attend multi-disciplinary team meetings or patient progress meetings as the therapy representative, when delegated by the therapist. 

9. Keep clear, accurate and timely patient records using standardized electronic formats. 

10. Gain valid informed consent, which must be documented and work within a legal framework with patients who lack capacity to consent to treatment. 

11. Comply with local confidentiality policies, child protection and vulnerable adult procedures. 

12. Participate in working parties in developing changes in the therapy team or the stroke unit inter-disciplinary team.
13. To undertake any clerical duties as necessary.  This may include maintaining stock levels, registration of patients, reception duties, filing, dealing with telephone calls, cleaning. 

14. Order equipment in line with community equipment store policy and service guidelines. 

15. Contribute to the evaluation process through knowledge and use of outcome measures.
16.   Adhere to infection control guidelines and maintain a clean and tidy workplace including weekly cleaning of the therapy gym.

Organisational

 1.     To complete all trust mandated education sessions within the set time frames, and any appropriate in-service training arranged by the senior staff and therapy Manager.

2. To abide by the HCPC codes of conduct.

3.     To be aware of and 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.

5. 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 undertake as directed any mandated data collection for use in service audit and business intelligence monitoring and modelling.

7. Be responsible for your own safe and competent use of and teaching of family members and family when using equipment for patient’s function and therapy. This should be through teaching, training, and direct supervision of practice from clinical supervisor and responsibility to highlight gaps in own knowledge so appropriate measures can be implemented.

 Physical Effort:

1. Moderate to intense physical effort daily. Tasks include:

2. Static postures (kneeling/standing)

3. Moving inert adult limbs

4. Supporting patients whilst walking

5. Assisting patients during transfers

6. Pushing wheelchairs

7. Using hoists and other heavy gym equipment on a daily basis

8. Regular moving/adjustment of patients ward or gym environment to maximise their independence and safety

9. Working in tighter spaces, whilst ensuring your own and patient’s safety

Mental effort: 

1. Frequently working with patients with complex cognitive, psychological and/or communication difficulties. 

2. Ensuring good communications with patients who have impaired understanding or communication difficulties. 

3. Daily requirement for multi-tasking or switching between tasks e.g. writing notes, supporting different members of the team, communicating with team, telephone calls etc.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***