Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To be an integral member of a therapies team, to assist registered therapy staff in assessing and carrying out specific therapy interventions for clients with more complex needs. This will include clients who have difficulties understanding and communicating.

 Review and implement treatment programmes making necessary modifications prior to reporting back to a registered therapist in line with the band 4 competency framework.

Provide support and training to other registered and non-registered staff within the therapy team.

Manage and prioritise own case load independently, carry out delegated duties and work flexibly and at a fast pace in order to support the smooth running of the therapy department.

Provision of clinical services:

Demonstrate a good understanding of stroke within the area of speciality / clinical pathway and the impact resulting impairments may have on a patients’ function and rehabilitation.

To have a holistic understanding of the patient and their condition, including the impact of their wellbeing on their rehabilitation journey.

To enable patients to co-operate in their rehabilitation programme using encouragement, reassurance, tact and sensitivity; overcome barriers to understanding with patients whose understanding is impaired.

To identify and implement correct treatment plans within known patient care pathways under the indirect supervision of a registered therapist.

To assist in assessment and formulation of treatment and discharge plans for patients as guided by a registered therapist.

Use protocols and set processes to assess patients’ mobility and functional abilities and assess for and issue appropriate low-level equipment after an initial assessment by a registered therapist has been completed.

To constantly assess patient’s stamina / understanding during treatment sessions and modify treatment as appropriate.

To work in a flexible and responsive way when under pressure.

To provide and receive complex patient care information with the multi-professional team, patients and carers in board rounds, ward rounds, family meetings and discharge planning meetings and use this information to modify patient care.

To assist / facilitate same day discharges under guidance of registered therapists.

To provide advice to patients / carers on safe use and care of prescribed equipment.

Maintain accurate and up to date records of clinical interventions, consistent with legal and organisational requirements.

Be responsible for maintaining rehabilitation equipment in the department.

Support the team with maintaining a 7-day service by working weekends as per rota.

Improving patient and visitor experiences:

To be a point of contact for patients and relatives in the clinical area.

To communicate factual and sometimes complex information to patients and relatives with patients consent.

To contribute to the development and sharing of patient and carer information.

Support with gathering and using patient feedback to help improve and develop services.

Respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of patients and contribute to the provision of a service sensitive to these needs.

Be aware of ethical issues which impact on Therapy service provision and work under the guidance of Therapists in relation to this.

Using audit, evaluation and research: 

Through guidance from registered therapists, be aware of and implement, evidence based practice and outcome measures as appropriate to the clinical area.

Support therapists to implement agreed action plans from both national and local strategies, benchmarking standards and clinical audits as appropriate.

Participate in audit and research projects as required by service leads and collect data as required.

Support therapists to foster a culture which allows innovation and practice development within the clinical area.

Monitor outcomes of patient intervention using outcome measures.

Collect and record accurate and timely data / information to contribute to department service standards and procedures.

Management and Teamwork:

To provide delegation of work and day to day clinical supervision to band 3 Therapy Technical Instructors with support from the Therapy Clinical Lead.

To actively participate in the clinical education of therapy students.

To participate actively in sharing and receiving in-service training and development to ensure continuous professional development, as appropriate to grade and experience.

Support the induction new staff.

To identify training needs and facilitate professional development through active participation in supervision and appraisals.

To recognise limitations of own scope of practice.

To submit claim forms in a timely manner following the departments Health Roster Standard Operating Procedure.

Planning and Organisational Skills 

Manage and delegate day to day work tasks; prioritise work with reference to the team’s plans; therapy goals and staffing levels.

Work with therapists across all the service as required.

Work flexibly to provide cover to other clinical areas according to the needs of patients and demands of the service

Assist therapists in arranging and providing in-service training, study days etc.

Trust Wide Responsibilities

Act as a resource for members of the multi-disciplinary teams across the Trust through involvement in multi professional teaching and training in the area of expertise.

Act as a role model in customer service towards patients, visitors and staff in the hospital.

Regularly attend and participate in care group and professional meetings.