Detailed job description and main responsibilities

MAIN DUTIES

1. Undertake specific delegated assessment tasks as requested Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.
2. Contribute to the setting of appropriate treatment goals in liaison with the therapist and the patient.
3. Deliver part or all of a treatment plan as prescribed by a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.
4. Give both verbal and written feedback about the progress of a patient’s treatment programme to the therapist in charge of the case.
5. Contribute to the development, modification and evaluation of individual programmes in conjunction with a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist
6. Undertake risk assessment and report back on, and document risk, seeking advice as required, in accordance with policy and procedures.
7. Clearly document each intervention in the patient’s case notes, as outlined in organisational policy and procedures.
8. Prescribe equipment/ assistive technology and minor adaptations to facilitate independence within agreed guidelines.
9. Record patient contact statistics.
10. Assist with the day to day running of the department.
11. Is a member of the team and shares information as required.
12. Maintain treatment areas and equipment used to an appropriate standard in accordance with health and safety, infection control and other relevant guidance.
13. Gain valid informed consent from the patient for any individual intervention that is carried out.
14. Carry out general administrative duties as required e.g. filing, etc.
15. Responsible for material stock levels, including maintenance and ordering of stock as required.

COMMUNICATION

1. Communicate appropriately and professionally with Therapy staff, other professionals, patients and families.
2. Liaise with other agencies.
3. Be responsible for maintaining written or electronic records in line with relevant policies, legislation and guidance.
4. Have basic IT skills including use of Internet and Email and to be able to use any special programmes relevant to the service.
5. Advise patients and carers in a variety of ways which may include suggesting techniques/strategies to manage their condition, use of equipment, etc.
6. Attend and participate in team meetings.
7. Promote and educate others in the role of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, and the importance of both physical ability and occupation to health and well being.
8. Assist the Integrated Therapy Service in involving service users, their carers and family in service improvements.
9. Act as an advocate on behalf of patients.
10. Deal with challenging situations including verbal aggression or distress seeking support as necessary.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

1. Participate in regular monthly supervision, annual development review and undertake other required in-service training as identified in order to develop the skills required for your work area.
2. Be willing to undertake relevant further/higher education/training as required.
3. Complete all required mandatory training.
4. Share knowledge and experience with other staff members and students.
5. Develop the skills required for your area of work.
6. Maintain your own development portfolio.

ORGANISATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Participate in team and service development and governance activity as required.
2. Assist with the induction of new staff.

3. Work towards achieving service and organisational objectives.
4. Able to deal sensitively with complaints following procedures and directing them to an appropriate person within the team.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Comply with the professional bodies’ Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct as they relate to support worker role, national and local policies, and procedures and guidance.
2. Be aware of and fulfil responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act, organisational and departmental policies around Health and Safety, and other procedures and guidance in this area.
3. Understand the need to act in the best interests of service users at all times.
4. Understand the need to respect, and so far as possible uphold the rights, dignity, values and autonomy of every service user.
5. Understand your role in the diagnostic and therapeutic process and in maintaining health and well being.
6. Practise in a non-discriminatory manner.
7. Exercise a professional duty of care.
8. Know the limits of your practice and when to seek advice.