Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical 

Training, Knowledge and Experience

·        Knowledge and skills acquired through previous experience working in Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy services and extended through Continuing Professional Development.

·         Undertake competency training for specified duties, such as Cross Prescribing within Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.

·         Attend/completion of mandatory training including moving and handling, basic life support, Information governance, consent, fire safety, equality and diversity, Safeguarding etc.

·         Participate and/or facilitate the Therapy Assistant staff forum.

·         Demonstrate an awareness of Trust policies and procedures affecting the post.

Clinical Responsibilities

·         Gain valid consent from the patient prior to undertaking any task and to inform and seek guidance from your supervisor if there are any concerns about the patient’s capability to give this.

·         Undertake assessments and interventions within designated caseload.

·         Provide general advice to patients, relatives, and carers to enable an understanding of the aims of the prescribed intervention, ensuring there is a consistent approach to patient care and offering information on community services.

·         Negotiate and agree functional treatment goals with the patient using a range of technical and creative skills.

·         When visiting patients, representing the Hospital Therapy team, respond appropriately to patients and carers needs regarding all aspects of Therapy provision.

·         Formulate Therapy treatment plans, moving, handling, and positioning of patients to enable them to participate in treatment episodes and carry out activities of daily living.

·         Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes if required in discussion with a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist where necessary.

·         Be responsible for the agreed discharge of patient’s following completion of an episode of care.

·         Use problem solving skills to adapt intervention and resolve difficulties that arise.

·         Extend and develop skills related to a variety of clinical areas through practical experience.

·         Visit patients in their own homes to assess for, fit and check daily living equipment and recommend minor living adaptations.

·         Develop a rapport with patients to encourage their interest and participation in prescribed intervention.

·         To work as a lone practitioner in a variety of community settings where there is a trust requirement to make decisions spontaneously within the Primary Care Trust Policies and Guidelines. Ensure you are aware of the systems in place in order to seek back up from qualified staff if required.

·         Report to your named supervisor at agreed intervals outlining caseload progress, highlighted any problems and informing discharge.

·         To undertake the measurement and evaluation of your work and current practices through the use of Evidence Based Practice.

·         To undertake any other duties that may be considered appropriate by the Therapy Manager or Clinical Lead Therapist.

Administration and Communication Skills

·         Be a member of multi-agency team, sharing information with team members and having an awareness of their systems.

·         Communicate effectively with patients with complex communication difficulties and/or cognitive problems by utilising a variety of communication mediums.

·         Responsible for documenting and maintaining records for episodes of care for designated caseload in electronic format and handwritten case notes.

·         Be responsible for collection of clinical statistics.

·         Having basic IT skills including email and Microsoft word.

·         Participate in working parties as requested by a qualified Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.

·         Participate in audit as requested by a qualified Therapist.

·         Maintain the ability to concentrate and communicate effectively when faced with a variety of clinical and non-clinical tasks.

·         Liaise, co-ordinate and facilitate multi-disciplinary and multi-agency referrals for patients. 

Education and Training

·         Be responsible for the delegation of tasks to junior support staff and gaining feedback.

·         Participate in the departmental Personal Development review system.

·         Utilise supervision sessions offered by Senior Occupational Therapists/Physiotherapists.

·         Participate in the education of junior support staff and students in developing competencies as requested by qualified Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.

·         To be an active member of the in-service training program by the attendance and delivery of presentations and training sessions at staff meetings, tutorials, training sessions in house and by attending external courses as appropriate and practicing reflective practice.