About this role
Job summary
Community Stroke Rehabilitation are looking for a Specialist Therapy Assistant.
The post will be based at Sedgefield Community Hospital, treating patients in and around the Durham and North Durham area. The successful candidate will work alongside Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech and Language Therapists and skilled associates to deliver innovative, evidence-based stroke rehabilitation in patients own homes and out-patient settings to optimise recovery.
The role is diverse and challenging, and we are looking for someone to join our friendly team and to meet the needs of patients and bring ideas to the service regarding service delivery and development. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate to apply their skills in a flexible, innovative manner and to create solutions to offer our patients an optimal rehabilitation journey.
We would welcome an informal chat or visit from any interested candidates.
If you feel you have the right skills and knowledge then we would welcome an application.
Main duties of the job
To provide support to Therapists in a variety of settings in the provision of high quality interventions to meet the needs of patients requiring physiotherapy, speech and language therapy or occupational therapy in the community.
To provide holistic care for clients without direct supervision but accountable at all times to the responsible case manager
To assist in the delivery of core programmes of clinical care and participate in service improvement and development initiatives.
To work within a multi-agency, multi- disciplinary framework of nursing, social work, therapy, residential, administrative and support staff.
Client Group: Comprehensive portfolio of rehabilitation, nursing, healthcare and case management services to stroke survivors in their homes or residential homes requiring care and support in the community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
Please note that we may close any vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Job description Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide therapy to patients, their families and carers following assessment of their health and health related needs, undertaking a range of clinical care duties.
Report to a registered therapist any variation in the condition of the patient that might indicate a change in the patients health status and subsequently require further assistance.
Support user/patient involvement and participation in areas of responsibility.
To always endeavour to promote independence and motivate client choice within their limitations.
To support / enable clients to achieve their optimum functional level and assist clients with all aspects of personal hygiene and grooming; preparation of meals and monitoring of eating habits and food consumption. To be aware of the clients dietary requirements.
To carry out home visits independently for the fitting and adjustment of a range of equipment. You will be responsible for teaching patients and carers in the safe and appropriate use of equipment and reinforce rehabilitation aims.
To be responsible for own safe and appropriate use of equipment. To maintain equipment in a clean and safe condition.
To communicate with all clients including those who may have speech, hearing, learning difficulties or a mental health illness.
Within the boundaries of delegated responsibility and competency provide care and perform interventions that will contribute to the delivery of the patients care needs.
Evaluate personal performance in a reflective manner to ensure continued personal development and the maintenance of an up to date knowledge base.
Accurately record all clinical interventions and patient related activity in line with the organisational policies on record keeping.
Clinical Quality
Promote and support the effective implementation of all Organisational Policies and Procedures.
Support the development and maintenance of a learning environment within the integrated team that is appropriate for the development needs of all members.
Participate in health promotion and informed patient choice so that these are encouraged and developed to their maximum potential, within the available resources.
Participate in an integrated approach to clinical quality issues.
Participate in appropriate clinical teaching packages for staff across both Health and Social Care teams.
To practice in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
Resources
Support efforts to ensure effective partnership working between Health and Social Care colleagues as well as other key services and agencies.
Supports an effective system of annual appraisal and personal development plans for all staff within the team in order that the development needs of both the individual and the team are identified and met.
Support an effective two-way network of communication both within and without the team that ensures that all members are appropriately informed of salient community/team issues.
Support and promote a team culture which actively encourages empowerment thereby supporting and facilitating change.
Support the provision of a high quality, value for money and effective service within available resources.
Supports the effective utilisation of information technology systems to ensure the provision of accurate clinical and statistical data.
Development
To support an environment that enables the achievement of the desired philosophy of care through a multi-disciplinary/multi agency approach.
To participate in clinical supervision.
To contribute in identifying own development needs on an annual basis in line with the Trusts appraisal scheme.
To develop a self-awareness of interpersonal skills in relation to cultural values and beliefs of others.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Minimum of 4 GCSE grade 4 or above, or equivalent level 2 qualifications, including English Language and Maths Knowledge of Microsoft packages
Desirable
An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standards. NVQ Level 3 in relevant area, e.g diagnostic and Therapeutic Care or Care or working towards or equivalent experience
Experience Essential
Experience of working within multidisciplinary teams Experience of working with adults Recent and relevant assistant experience within rehabilitation in a related clinical specialism.
Desirable
Experience of working within a rehabilitation team working with stroke patients Experience of community working practices. NHS experience
Special Requirements Essential
Able to travel across Trust sites independently to meet the requirements of the post. Valid full UK driving license.
Special Skills & Knowledge Essential
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively Able to work as part of team Able to observe and record physical and social changes in patients Able to identify when to report to a registered nurse / therapist Able to work alone with patients within an agreed care plan Able to work with minimal supervision
Desirable
Able to use own initiative appropriately
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Address Sedgefield Community Hospital
Salters Lane
Sedgefield
STOCKTON-ON-TEES
Cleveland
TS21 3EE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)