Senior Therapy Assistant inChristchurch inChristchurch PUBLISHED FRI 25 OCT 2024

Band 3: £24,071 to £25,674 a year pa PERMANENT GOOD SALARY

END OF LIFE NHS SOCIAL WORK

University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust rKbQi0Pk

The role of Senior Therapy Assistant at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust involves providing vital support to patients discharged from acute hospital care in Christchurch. The position is part of the Interim Care Assessment Team (ICAT), which focuses on assessing patients' care needs and facilitating their recovery through rehabilitation and the fitting of assistive equipment. Working under the clinical supervision of Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists, the Senior Therapy Assistant will engage in therapeutic activities, support patients with daily living skills, and assist in administrative tasks and service improvement projects as part of a multidisciplinary team.

This position requires flexibility to work across a 7-day rota and includes responsibilities such as initial patient assessments, rehabilitation support for independence, and potentially assisting with end-of-life care. The role is essential for promoting timely patient discharge and reducing prolonged hospital stays, thereby ensuring a smooth transition back to the community for individuals requiring varying levels of care.

Are you passionate about caring for others?

We are looking for a Therapy Assistant to join our Interim Team.

The Interim service was set up in 2and over the years has grown from a tiny team based at one desk, to a large and highly effective service supporting hundreds of patients home every year.

We support patients home under a pathway known as "ICAT", which stands for Interim Care Assessment Team. This means that we complete our own assessment of the patient's care needs using a rehab approach. Once a patient is assessed as either needing further rehab (with reablement and Intermediate Care), long term POC or will achieve independence in a week. If a long term POC is required this information is gathered through assessment & fed back to the Social Workers by the senior members of staff, to put a future plan in place for on-going support, or to continue to support the patient back to independence.

As part of our assessment we often deliver and fit equipment, assess mobility and transfers and observe patient safety and abilities in their activities of daily living.

The Interim Team play an important role in aiding flow through the hospital and limiting harm to patients that is caused by prolonged hospital stays. We are in a good position to provide short term assessment and to be able to signpost to other services if needed.

Base Location: Christchurch Hospital

Interview Date: 25th November 2024

To provide care and rehabilitation and fitting of equipment to patients discharged from UHD to enable patients to leave the acute hospital as soon as they are suitable to.
To work in the community under the clinical supervision of the team Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.
To ensure each patient contact is therapeutic and as per the care plan to ensure patients are supported through their recovery and enabled to regain their independence.
To have a knowledge and understanding of assistive equipment, techniques and supportive services available to support our patients and their families.
To support the Interim team with administration tasks, service improvement projects and our education and training programme
To work over a 7 Day rota period in order to meet the demands of the service
To support end of life patients when required

About us
The Senior Therapy Assistants (STA) provide a 7 day service 7am-10pm to enable patients from the acute hospital to return home through a discharge to assess approach.

The STA can visit each patient from OD to QDS depending on their care needs. They assess, support and rehab patients in activities of daily living which include; personal care, meal preparation, transfers, toileting and medication.

The first visit, meet & greet, is usually completed by a STA where they check they are presenting as referred, settling at home and checking medication.

They are supervised and supported by a MDT which includes Occupational Therapists, nurses, Therapy Assistant Practitioners and coordinators.

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More about the NHS

The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, established in 1948 with the simple yet profound principle of providing healthcare to all citizens, free at the point of use. This revolutionary system aimed to ensure that access to medical services would not depend on an individual’s financial situation, a concept that has since become fundamental to British societal values. Learn more...

Useful skills for a Senior Therapy Assistant: Click to view

To work as a Senior Therapy Assistant in the UK, you will need a combination of essential skills, knowledge, and personal attributes. Here are some key skills and qualifications typically required for this role:

Educational Qualifications:

1. Relevant Qualifications: Typically, a Level 3 qualification in health and social care, or equivalent, is required. Some positions may prefer or require a degree in a related field.

2. Therapeutic Knowledge: Understanding of psychology, rehabilitation techniques, and the specific needs of various patient groups.

Key Skills:

1. Clinical Skills: Ability to assist with therapy techniques under the supervision of qualified therapists, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech and language therapy.

2. Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities to interact effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

3. Interpersonal Skills: Empathy, compassion, and the ability to build rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds.

4. Organizational Skills: Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and coordinate care under the guidance of senior therapists.

5. Observational Skills: Keen observational skills to assess patient progress and report changes in condition to therapists or supervisors.

6. Team Collaboration: Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, contributing to patient care plans and therapy sessions.

7. Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to think critically and adapt to changing situations or patient needs.

8. Record Keeping: Competence in maintaining accurate records of patient treatments, progress notes, and other relevant documentation.

Personal Traits:

1. Resilience: Ability to handle the emotional and physical demands of working with patients who may be dealing with trauma, disability, or illness.

2. Patience: A patient approach to working with individuals who may require time to learn new skills or recover.

3. Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to different working environments or changes in patient needs.

Experience:

1. Relevant Work Experience: Previous experience in a healthcare or therapeutic setting is often required. This could include roles as a therapy assistant or similar positions.

2. Leadership Skills: Ability to guide and mentor junior staff or students on placement.

Professional Development:

1. Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Engagement in ongoing training and professional development opportunities related to therapy practices.

Additional Considerations:

- Familiarity with relevant legislation, guidelines, and best practices within the UK healthcare system.

- Certification in basic life support and first aid may be beneficial.

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