Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main tasks and responsibilities

Clinical

1. To work under the direct and indirect supervision of qualified staff in the carrying out allocated tasks for an individual or group of patients, as part of their treatment and rehabilitation programmes. Such tasks may include:

·         Contacting relatives and care givers for social and past medical history information

·         Practice activities of daily living tasks including wash and dress practice and kitchen task practice

·         Complete onward referrals for community support and therapy

·         Carrying out treatment plans on an allocated cohort of patients with mobility / transfer difficulties and to formulise treatment plans utilising a range of treatment skills.

·         Teach and supervise exercise programmes to patients as directed by senior staff.

·         Document as necessary in therapy records/communication sheets/ medical notes/nursing records/ IT programmes.

·         To identify adverse medical conditions that would affect treatment and act appropriately.

·         To work with the team towards identified goals, helping with ensuring a timely discharge from therapy.

·         Attend home visits as appropriate, driving the Hospital car as appropriate and as required.

·         Liaising with relatives and carers regarding therapy input on the ward and discussing discharging plans.

·         To carry out designated tasks, administrative duties and responsibilities relating to the needs of the service and team. Such tasks may include:

o   Ordering the delivery and collection of equipment

o   Being responsible for the administrative processes relating to referrals

2. To ensure consent to treatment is gained before each intervention and documented appropriately.
3. To ensure confidentiality is maintained. After identifying the need to share any information with a third party to make sure relevant statutory and local policies and guidelines are adhered to.
4. To prepare the treatment area and tidying up after use, including the disposal of soiled linen and the cleaning of equipment.
5. To manage self and workload effectively, recognising when there is a need to prioritise, and doing so with equity and efficiency.
6.  To assist qualified staff or other colleagues in the treatment of heavily dependent patients, this includes the use of hoists, patient handling equipment, etc.
7. 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. To identify changes in objective markers.
8. To be an active member of the Multidisciplinary team, recognising the skills and expertise of each member
9. Maintain patient’s privacy and dignity, and confidentiality.
10. To assist other therapy teams as appropriate and as required.
11. To be involved in organisational activities in relation to the assistants within the therapy Department.

Communication

1. To effectively communicate with patients to gain informed consent and follow Trust and national framework with patients who are unable to give capacity to consent.
2. To appropriately share routine information with patients and all relevant bodies involved with their care.
3. To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with patients to progress their treatment programme and ensure their understanding of their condition.
4. To identify and manage barriers to effective communication, such as cognitive impairment, expressive and receptive communication difficulties, emotional concerns or issues, sensory impairments, ensuring support is sought as appropriate.
5. To use a range of communication skills to motivate/persuade/explain/ support patients as they face challenging decisions; to engage with them in interventions.
6. To communicate effectively with the therapists, and other members of the multi-professional team, regarding changes in the patient’s condition or any other useful information needed.
7. To attend and participate in team meetings and therapy staff meetings as relevant. Relaying pertinent information concisely and accurately

Documentation and Data

1. To maintain comprehensive, succinct, timely and accurate records of assessment and interventions in line with department, Trust and professional standards.
2. To accurately provide activity data as required by the department.
3. To provide formal written reports and letters on the outcomes of therapy assessment and intervention.

Supervision and Performance Review

1. To actively participate in regular supervision with senior colleagues.
2. To actively participate in performance reviews, in line with Knowledge & Skills Framework (KSF) outline of post, Trust policies, departmental objectives and relevant local initiatives.

Education

1. To meet university apprenticeship standards
2. To attend organised training sessions, including all mandatory trust training sessions and any in-service training arranged by therapy staff.
3. To participate in the appraisal system and Personal Development Programme, including competencies and supervision, setting objectives where appropriate.
4. Demonstrate evidence of own continuous professional development using CPD file to maintain a personal portfolio.
5. Assist in the Induction and training of other assistants.
6. To complete other NVQ modules where appropriate.
7. To be aware of and comply with Trust policies, including:

·         Equal opportunities

·         Smoking/Alcohol

·         Health and safety

·         Manual Handling

·         Cardiac arrest

·         Risk management

·         Infection and Protection Control

Service Development

1. To participate in team building exercises.
2. To participate in identified working groups to address service development.
3. To represent and promote the inpatient therapy Service.
4. To assist in promotion of therapy, its value and role.

Clinical Governance

1. To contribute in the Trusts’ Directorates and Teams’ clinical governance arrangements and quality agenda, including the setting and monitoring of practice standards.
2. To attend and adhere to all relevant Trust mandatory and statutory training.
3. To apply national guidelines/legislation relating to Health & Social Care in Service provision.

Departmental Responsibilities

1. To participate in administrative routines.
2. To participate in identified activities, which contribute to the smooth running of the department/ clinical area.
3. To monitor and notify supplies and equipment needs in area of rotation.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive and it is likely that duties may be altered from time to time in the light of changing circumstances, in discussion with the post holder. This role profile is intended to provide a broad outline of the main responsibilities only.  The post holder will need to be flexible in developing the role with initial and on-going discussions with the Chief Executive.