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Job summary

Main area
Therapy services
Grade
Band 4
Contract
Fixed term: 12 months (Secondment also considered. Working pattern is Sunday-Thursday, after orientation and induction)
Hours
Full time - 33.75 hours per week (Working pattern is Sunday-Thursday, after orientation and induction)
Job ref
164-7155442
Employer
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
QMC Campus
Town
Nottingham
Salary
£26,530 - £29,114 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
28/05/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust logo

Therapy assistant practitioner - Critical Care

Band 4

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a band 4 therapy assistant practitioner (maternity cover) to join our critical care therapy team at Queens Medical Centre.

 

The role involves planning and delivering high quality, prescribed rehabilitation programmes to improve function and quality of life for people during and after a critical illness. You will be trained and supported by registered physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The role involves delivering joint treatment sessions with the registered staff.  You will also deliver sessions independently following a prescribed treatment plan. Training will be provided to support your development to achieve competencies appropriate to this post.

 

NUH supports 7 day working and you will be required to work flexibly across seven days. This post initially will be Monday – Friday until competencies are achieved and then becomes Sunday- Thursday.

Main duties of the job

This role is primarily focused on supporting registered staff with the progression of rehabilitation of critically ill patients in the critical care setting.

 

The workload is heavily comprised of joint sessions which, for example, aim to:

 

  • facilitate mobilisation of the patient (e.g. helping patient from lying to sitting, gaining independent sitting balance, sit to stand and hoist/standing transfers to the chair)
  • enable participation in activities of daily living (e.g. washing, dressing and grooming)
  • improve cognition, orientation and insight
  • upper and lower limb rehabilitation

Independent sessions may include, but are not limited to:

  • cognitive assessment and rehabilitation
  • goal setting
  • liaising with the multi-disciplinary team to produce meaningful daily routines which include the patient’s preferences
  • in and out of bed cycling
  • use of technology for therapeutic activity
  • psychological support e.g. motivate patients to participate in therapy
  • support activities for wellbeing and leisure

Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the job role.

Working for our organisation

With over 19,000 staff, we are one of the biggest employers in the city with a central role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our local population. We play a leading role in research, education and innovation.

Come and join our wonderful team at NUH. We are big believers in diversity and welcome new ideas to help develop our team in order to deliver world class healthcare to the vast patient populations we serve. With endless personal development opportunities available, at NUH we will endeavour to turn your job into a career! 

Physiotherapy and OT services are part of the Therapies, Outpatients and Phlebotomy Directorate, within Specialist Clinical Services at NUH. We are a diverse team of AHPs and support staff, employing over 800 staff, who works together to deliver the high quality care we aspire to. Our HCPC registered AHP professionals comprise of physiotherapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, orthotists, prosthetists and speech and language therapists. We have a Chief AHP to lead us on our strategic direction, and many of the pathway leadership team have pathway AHP backgrounds to support our staff. There are also Practice Development Therapists to support career development for all.

We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we are striving to be better represented at NUH.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Recent experience working in occupational therapy, physiotherapy or as a critical care support worker is desirable but not essential. This role can be physically demanding and involves direct patient care in support of and under the supervision of registered staff, including assisting with patient transfers, mobilisation and limb focussed exercise plans. 

 

Although therapy is focussed on promoting patient independence where possible, the role may require assisting with washing, oral care, toileting and positioning. Due to the complex needs of our patient group, including cognitive and communication difficulties, the successful candidate will be patient and empathetic. The ability to build a rapport with a diverse patient population, and their families, will be essential to engage and motivate patients in their rehabilitation. This job will require you to work with inpatients; therefore, you will be required to wear the appropriate level of personal protective equipment (PPE).

 

There will also be a non-clinical aspect to this role, involving the use of computer systems and data entry, onward referrals, and calling patients/families as part of our follow up service. You will also be involved in service improvement projects within critical care.

 

Please see attached job description and person specification for full details.

Person specification

Training and qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Level 2/GCSEs grade 4 or higher English and maths (Grade C or above prior to 2017) or equivalent Functional Skills
  • NVQ/QCF level 3 in healthcare or equivalent relevant qualification e.g. A-level / BTEC
Desirable criteria
  • Foundation degree in Health and Social Care, or equivalent level 5 qualification

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Significant experience of working as a therapy support worker (band 3)
  • Experience working within an interdisciplinary team
  • Experience of working in a relevant healthcare setting
Desirable criteria
  • Previous B4 experience

Communication and relationship skills

Essential criteria
  • Effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills
  • Able to communicate complex information with patients who have impaired communication abilities
  • Able to empathise with and motivate others

Analytical and judgement skills

Essential criteria
  • Demonstrate a responsible attitude/professional behaviour
  • Able to work flexibly as part of a team
  • Understanding the scope of practice as an Assistant Practitioner seeking help and direction when necessary

Planning and organisation skills

Essential criteria
  • Evidence of time management skills and ability to prioritise
  • Flexible and willing to adapt

Physical

Essential criteria
  • Able to undertake moving and handling procedures
  • Experience using information technology (e.g. basic word processing skills).

Other

Essential criteria
  • Able to work over a 7-day schedule

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveDisability confident leaderArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.NHS Rainbow badgeadded for NUH

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Adam Turner
Job title
Advanced Practitioner Occupational Therapist
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
07812 276692
Additional information

Alternatively, please contact [email protected]  

07812269793

 

Please do get in touch if you are interested, we would love to hear from you!

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