Therapy Assistant band 3

Do you want to work for our friendly and very innovative children's therapy team in Southend?

We are looking for an enthusiastic therapy assistant to assist in therapy sessions, help in our groups and carry out therapy programmes as well as support with some of the administrative processes

We are based in the Lighthouse Child Development Centre and are part of the wider children's community services. We work at various locations including schools, nurseries and patient's homes.

You will be working under the supervision of qualified Occupational therapists and Physiotherapists and senior therapy assistants.

Job description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES CLINICAL

To be responsible and accountable for all aspects of your delegated work including the management of children and families in your care.

To organise your delegated caseload on a day to day basis effectively and efficiently with regard to priorities and use of time.

To review and reflect on your own practice through regular participation in clinical supervision and annual appraisal with nominated supervisor, as per trust policy.

To be responsible for maintaining and developing own competency to practice in line with agreed appraisal through CPD activities and maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development.

To participate in continuing professional development activities individually and as part of the service ensuring own personal development.

To undertake relevant activities to meet training objectives in line with the posts competency framework.

To exercise good personal time management, punctuality and consistent reliable attendance.

To participate as necessary in service development, service audit and outcome measurement to ensure the provision of evidence-based practice.

Communication and working relationships

To build professional rapport with children and young people and their families, communicate with them in a way that respects their views, autonomy and culture, ensuring that they are involved in and informed about their care.

To use effective communication skills to encourage patients to participate in treatment, adapting approach to meet diverse needs of client group, seeking guidance from colleagues where necessary.

To maintain confidentiality and dignity at all times and ensure equality and diversity needs are supported.

To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other members of the team regarding childrens status, reporting back to the registered clinician, providing verbal or written feedback as appropriate.

To report effectively to the team/ registered staff member on childrens/ young persons progress and performance in relation to their goals.

To attend child-centred multi-disciplinary meetings as directed by registered staff.

To maintain accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date patient-related documentation including electronic patient records.

Main tasks

To work effectively as a team member in providing and facilitating a high standard of care at all times.

Gain valid informed consent and have the capacity to work within a legal framework with children and young people who lack capacity to consent to treatment.

To undertake tasks as delegated by registered staff members and feedback on clients performance and progress, documenting interventions and outcomes in progress notes as per record keeping policy.

To report and document variances in a childs condition or planned pathway of care.

To recognise clinical risk within own case load and potential risks to others, complying at all times with the requirements of health and safety regulations, seeking appropriate guidance from senior colleagues as required.

Work in line with the EPUT lone worker policy where lone working is integral to the role.

To demonstrate a basic understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management and its application to your work.

To be responsible for competent use and maintenance of equipment relevant to service area to when working directly with children and young people, and to support other team members.

To work effectively and flexibly to meet the needs of the service.

To undertake any other duties, in line with the grade, as may be deemed necessary by registered staff.

The post holder may have tasks or responsibilities delegated to them, appropriate to their level of competence.

The Delegation Policy sets out the expectation of staff regarding the safe delegation of clinical care and therapeutic interventions to unregistered practitioners and support workers.

Flexibility

This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of the role. The post holder may be required to carry out other duties commensurate with their banding and competence.

Policies and procedures

The post holder is required to familiarise themselves with all Trust policies and procedures and to comply with these at all times.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

In addition to the above duties you will also be expected to perform the below key activities in line with your job role;

- Complete mandatory training in line with Trust policy and procedures

- To participate in the staff appraisal process and to undertake for any staff you manage

- To keep yourself updated on all matters relating to Trust policy

- To provide management supervision where appropriate

Person specification

Corporate

Essential

• Ability to travel independently across sites and across Trust boundaries to attend meeting/training, etc. as required.

Desirable

• Full UK Drivers Licence
• Access to own vehicle

Education

Essential

• GCSE Maths and English or equivalent and IT skills

Knowledge

Essential

• Basic understanding of statutory health and social services
• Ability to understand work related boundaries and refer matters of importance to a senior colleague
• Basic level of theoretical knowledge relevant to clinical setting

Desirable

• Knowledge/ experience of ordering equipment
• Knowledge/ experience of participating in individual sessions or groups with qualified/ registered therapists.

Skills/Experience

Essential

• Excellent verbal communication and ability to build rapport
• Able to give instructions to people that can be followed and easily interpreted for programmes.
• Ability to prioritise and plan delegated work including clinical and administration tasks from a variety of sources to meet deadlines and perform effectively under pressure
• Ability to record information accurately

Desirable

• Experience of working with children and/or young people in a caring environment, either in health, social or voluntary services
• Experience of working within a rehabilitation or therapy setting

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Ability to work with others and independently as an effective member of the team
• Ability to perform under pressure
• Practical, resourceful and reliable
• Commitment to development of skills and attainment of competencies

Desirable

• Ability to manage strong emotions, sensitive issues

Additional Qualities

Desirable

• Ability to work in situations where no support or advice are immediately available

About the employer

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.