Therapy Support Worker

NHS Salary Band: Band 3

Salary: £24,937 - £26,598 per annum

Hours per week: Full time (37.5)

Contract Type: Permanent 

A fantastic opportunity has arisen within our large, friendly and hard working team of therapists; we are seeking a like-minded, enthusiastic, well-motivated individual to join the Therapy team at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, across a variety of departments. 

Job Purpose:

• To undertake specific skilled support work to aid the assessment and rehabilitation of patients.
• To accept patients referred by a Physiotherapist and Occupational therapist and carry as own patient caseload. Treat patients according to set treatment protocols monitoring patient progression making minor alterations to patient treatment programmes as required.
• Work unsupervised reporting back patient progress and informing physiotherapist of any problems.
• Be responsible for non-professional duties in the provision of therapy services within the Therapy clinical team.
• Monitor and order stock, mobility aids, supplies for department or team.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

• To provide therapy intervention as part of a specific patient treatment plan agreed and documented following an assessment by a registered therapist. Working without direct supervision of a physiotherapist/occupational therapist
• To assist the therapist in the provision of treatment programmes to patients within a designated clinical area. Receives instruction on a daily basis but can work independently. E.g. patients home, , clinics/outpatients or on the ward
• Instruct patients and carers providing direction and guidance on a range of physical therapy and mobility activities, as part of own clinical work or as directed by the therapist.
• Use skills of tact, diplomacy and gentle persuasion to enhance patients compliance in treatment programmes. This may involve treating patients with speech impediments, deafness and other disabilities or where English is not the first language.
• Manage own workload programme.
• Make accurate records of work undertaken to comply with Trust and Service requirements for documentation and activity monitoring. Compile any statistical data concerning patients on a data base if required.
• To assist in simple administrative procedures as required by the therapists as part of every day activities.
• Have the ability to handle patients with mobility problems, in an enabling way. This may include the use of hoists, wheelchairs, walking aids etc.
• To prepare and maintain apparatus and equipment identifying defects, hazards and equipment failure and notifying relevant manager.
• To maintain the safety of designated clinical environment according to local policy., COSHH and Health and Safety regulations.
• To watch for patient emergencies and know how to summon help.
• Issue equipment as directed by the professional staff, including splints, walking aids etc. Demonstrate the use of the equipment given.
• Contribute to development of patient care by attending relevant team, departmental or other appropriate meetings and comment on recommended changes to clinical care or service provision.

For additional information please see attached Job description

Qualifications

Qualifications

Essential 

• School education to GCSE level or equivalent to demonstrate literacy, numerical and communication skills.
• NVQ III in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Support or equivalent

Experience

Essential

• Previous healthcare experience, particularly within therapy, either physiotherapy or occupational therapy. 

Additional Information

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.