Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical

• Assist the Physiotherapist in the rehabilitation of patients using a range of delegated activities exercises and manual physical therapy treatments. Specific duties may also be carried out by assistant working alone or working with another assistant. In these circumstances the advice of a qualified member of staff will always be available
• Ensure the working environment meets all infection control and health and safety regulations by providing housekeeping duties
• Provide and fit equipment as requested by the Physiotherapists.
• Treat patients individually, or in a group, in a variety of settings.
• Instruct patients and carers, providing direction and guidance on a range of physical therapy including mobility activities, as directed as necessary by the physiotherapist.
• Encourage patients and their carers in an active approach to regaining and maintaining personal independence.
• Assist in the mobility and transfer of patients who may be heavy on occasions (the Trust operates a minimal lift policy)
• Use effective communication tools, verbal and non-verbal to communicate treatment programmes to patients who may have barriers to understanding or communication e.g., blind, deaf, dysphasic or who do not have English as a first language.
• Liaise with the physiotherapist as necessary regarding patient care. Ensuring variations to expected outcomes are highlighted from treatment programmes you deliver.
• Make accurate records of work undertaken and keep monthly statistics as required, including documenting patient contacts in line with CSP and service standards.
• Undertake reception and clerical duties as requested. Some reception duties are occasionally part of this role, such as filing of records, dispatch of physiotherapy  appointments, booking and dealing with Ambulance enquiries, answering telephone and dealing with written enquiries and problems not requiring the attention of qualified therapists
• Attend and actively participate In-Service training as required.
• Assist in the training of newly appointed Assistant Practitioners/Therapy assistants in basic elements of patient care, safety and inducting them into the department.
• Contribute to development of patient care by attending relevant team, departmental or other appropriate meetings and comment on recommended changes to clinical care or service provision.
• Collate and enter statistical data onto the departmental data base.
• Organisational
• Maintain a neat and orderly department to ensure the environment is conducive to patient care and meets all infection control and governance standards ,
• Be responsible for the safe use of therapy equipment and aids by patients.
• Manage and prioritise own patient caseload delegated by the Physiotherapist.
• Take part in the individual Trust appraisal and performance review programme.
• Actively participate in own staff development and review in order to identify personal development plans and training needs.
• Be responsible for the reporting of faults within the area of work and ensuring that  regular testing of equipment is carried out.
• Maintain and monitor accurate records of loaned equipment.
• Monitor and develop own performance, aiming to achieve and maintain a high    standard. Be responsible for the reporting of faults within the area of work and    ensuring that regular testing of equipment is carried out.
• Be responsible for ensuring departmental stock requirements are maintained including ordering, checking deliveries and their storage.
• Be responsible for weekly laundry requirements.
• Be responsible for the administrative arrangements for organising visits, booking rooms and ordering equipment.
• Proactively participate within the Clinical Governance and Risk Management

Effort

• Carry out patient treatment with frequent moderate physical effort on a daily basis. This may involve working in confined spaces for short periods.
• Comply with the Trust Manual Handling Policy and local therapeutic handling guidance at all times.
• Deal sensitively with patients who have high levels of anxiety and aggression caused by pain, dementia or limited mobility.
• The job involves occasional exposure to highly unpleasant working conditions e.g. bodily fluids including sputum, vomit, blood, urine, fleas and lice and occasional exposure to verbal and physical aggression.
• Works alone on daily basis in varied community settings.
• Involves frequent daily exposure to driving with prolonged concentration in unfamiliar surroundings.
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TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

•  Undertake to attend relevant training courses internal and external and to participate in the Personal Development plan process.
• Take responsibility for pursuing his/her own development in accordance with an agreed Personal Development Plan and keep up to date with current issues and development within the Therapies Division.
• Assist in the training/mentor of other members of staff and participate in the orientation of new staff.
• Attend all mandatory training and update sessions including manual handling and fire lectures.
• To undertake to comply with all Trust policies and departmental procedures and with particular regard to Health and Safety and Fire prevention and not to do anything that endangers yourself or others.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY

• To observe the Health and Safety at Work regulations by: -
• Comply with safety instructions/policies laid down by the Trust.
• Use in a proper and safe manner, the equipment and facilities provided.
• Refrain from the willful misuse or interference with anything provided in the interests of Health and Safety and any action, which might endanger yourself and others.
• Ensure compliance with the Trust’s Health and Safety policy.