Therapy Assistant inChelmsford inChelmsford PUBLISHED 12 NOV 2024

We have an exciting opportunity for a Therapy Assistant to join our team.

Directed and supervised by Qualified Therapists you will be working with patients on the wards in a busy acute hospital.

This role involves working hands-on with patients during their hospital admission to improve their mobility and self care routine [ie., washing & dressing]. Many patients are frail, elderly, or recovering from surgery or illness, and initially need full physical assistance with all basic care tasks. Our aim is to improve their mobility and independence with their activities of daily living so support them return home with minimal equipment and care support. There are also administrative tasks, equipment cleaning and record keeping.

This is a physically demanding job that requires good communication and interpersonal skills in addition to basic computer skills. You are required to write directly into the Medical notes and so a good standard of written work is essential. It is a busy but friendly working environment so you will need to be resilient, flexible and organised. You will be required to work one weekend a month and some public holidays as part of a rostered service.

Ideally you will have previous experience of working in a therapy, hospital, or care environment, however no professional qualifications are required and appropriate instruction and support will be provided.

To assist the qualified therapists in delivering an excellentOccupational and Physiotherapy service to patients in the acutehospital setting.

To follow treatment plans set by the Qualified Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapist. These may be in one-to-one sessions with a patient or in ward based groups.

To undertake general departmental duties such as cleaning, collationof statistical information and ordering bank stock equipment.

To undertake clerical and household tasks as necessary to maintainthe smooth running of the department.

About us

For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description, but some of the responsibilities include

• To assist the qualified therapists in delivering an excellent service to patients in a variety of settings.
• To contribute to the treatment of patients both individually and in groups, undertaking therapeutic work and supervising patients in activity relating to their treatment as directed by Qualified Therapists.
• To undertake general departmental duties such as cleaning, collation of statistical information and ordering equipment.
• To undertake clerical and household tasks as necessary to maintain the smooth running of the department.
• To organise and prioritise own delegated workload, under supervision of qualified staff, using effective time management skills responding flexibly to changing priorities.
• To be able to progress patient treatment within established protocols and guidelines.
• To assess patients progress, taking account of their environment, and adjust own clinical interventions accordingly and report back to the Therapist.
• To participate in and follow to the Therapists treatment plan. To complete delegated interventions in the appropriate setting once trained to do so.
• To liaise with the qualified staff member as necessary regarding patients therapeutic interventions, highlighting any variations to expected outcomes from the treatment programmes.
• To be skilled in the safe use of a broad range equipment and therapeutic skills once trained.