Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

Under the instruction of the qualified therapist assist in carrying out care and exercise programmes with patients in a manner that respects their abilities, privacy, dignity and individuality.

To manage the rehabilitation of patients as delegated by the qualified therapist.  work without direct supervision and be responsible for assessing the progress of patients, reporting back to the therapist.

To be responsible for specific tasks within the overall treatment programme, e.g. gait assessment, stair assessment, strength and balance assessment and advise / arrange the supply of assistive equipment.

To liaise regularly with the qualified therapist regarding treatment progression and ongoing care. Reporting to therapist and the multidisciplinary team any lack of progression or negative changes in patients ability to undertake treatment session.

Treat patient individually or in a group in a variety of settings with indirect supervision from the qualified therapist.

To work as a member of the therapy team and multidisciplinary team, sharing information with team members and prioritising workload accordingly.

To ensure effective internal and external communication with patients, carers and all other Health and Social Care Professionals regarding all aspects of patient care.

Providing and receiving complex information which requires empathy and reassurance. Communicating where there may be barriers to understanding.

Undertake  visits as directed by the qualified therapist, completing relevant documentation, and liaising with other agencies.

To assess patients and carers safety in use and suitability of equipment within patients home environment. 

Advise on environmental hazards.

Issue, and retrieve therapy equipment in department, ward or home setting keeping accurate records of this activity.

Ensure equipment is clean and fit for its purpose for individual treatment sessions.

To co-ordinate and undertake the regular maintenance and cleanliness of the working/treatment areas with the co-operation of the Health Care Assistants. 

Assist patients to access and use toilet facilities.

Transport patients safely between ward, clinics and treatment areas as 
requested.

To receive and prepare patients for therapy treatments.

To prepare and maintain equipment and the treatment areas including household duties.

Maintain accurate and timely records of treatments undertaken by self.

To monitor and maintain stock levels of equipment and supplies, within the Therapies department by processing orders as agreed with the Therapy Manager/Team Leader.

Contribute to development of patient care by attending relevant team, 
departmental or other appropriate meetings and participate in discussions to improve service provision.

To teach and advise carers and other health care staff to ensure provision of good patient care.

To accurately manage the filing system of patient records within team. 

Locate record and return therapy treatment records and patients medical records when necessary.

This post will be subject to an enhanced (or standard) disclosure check with the DBS.

This job description is intended as a general guide to the duties and responsibilities of the post and not a rigid, inflexible specification. It may be subject to revision to meet the changing needs of the service, following consultation with the post holder.

Through the course of your employment you may become aware of information concerning patients or staff. All such information must be treated as confidential. Breach of this confidence may result in dismissal.

Clinical Governance / Quality

To comply with the health and safety policies of the trust including attendance at mandatory training sessions as specified by the trust.

To comply with departmental and organisational policies and procedures.

Ensure all accidents, incidents and hazards are reported and dealt with according to Trust requirements.

To gain valid informed consent in line with trust and departmental policy.

To comply with the Data protection Act and Caldicott recommendations.

To maintain accurate documentation in line with local policies and procedures.

Education and Training Development

To participate and contribute in relevant in-service training programmes.

To attend relevant courses as identified and agreed with senior staff and managers.

To participate in staff appraisal sessions.

To contribute to the induction and training of new staff and students assigned to the team.