Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Integrated Therapy Assistant
The closing date is 19 March 2026
To work with the Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists in the Integrated Assessment team (IAT) providing a 7-day therapy service to the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Unit, Acute Frailty Unit, and other assessment areas at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. As an integrated therapy assistant you will be expected to carry out tasks as designated by the therapists, holistically assessing patients, devising treatment plans, completing therapy interventions such as mobility and functional assessments, reviewing cognition and determining needs for discharge. The Integrated Assessment team work alongside their multi-disciplinary colleagues and link in with community services to prevent unnecessary admission to hospital, or ensure early therapy assessment and identification of needs should a patient require hospital admission. Candidates must enjoy a fast-paced and pressured environment.
Main duties of the job
Job Summary
The post holder is responsible for the provision of assessment, treatment, intervention, and discharge planning of patients assigned by a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.
To hold responsibility for a designated caseload and be responsible for a defined area of the service for a particular patient type, working without direct supervision.
The post holder is responsible for the assessment and prescription of mobility aids, assistive equipment, and minor adaptations.
To be professional, legally responsible, and accountable for all aspects of work undertaken, maintaining up to date and accurate records as an autonomous practitioner.
To support the team with completion of onward referrals and admin related responsibilities.
Use technical and creative skills to assist in the provision of therapeutic activities for individuals and groups of patients.
Works in the community as a lone worker in line with the trusts lone working policy to complete visits in a patient's home environment
About us
A GOOD PLACE TO WORK - A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE
The Trust is ideally situated just a forty five minute drive from Manchester. As one of the United Kingdom's largest coastal resorts, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents -it's not just a good place to work; it's a great place to live. In addition to its bustling centre and historic seafront, the town is world famous for its many attractions, including the famous Blackpool Tower. Blackpool also offers a number of scenic cycling routes round our local parks and across the surrounding countryside, as well as boasting panoramic views of the coast on its picturesque promenade. Further afield, Blackpool also benefits from less than three-hour connections via rail to Edinburgh in the north and London in the south.
Job responsibilities
Clinical
Training, Knowledge and Experience
Knowledge and skills acquired through previous experience working in Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy services and extended through Continuing Professional Development.
Undertake competency training for specified duties, such as Cross Prescribing within Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.
Attend/completion of mandatory training including moving and handling, basic life support, Information governance, consent, fire safety, equality and diversity, Safeguarding etc.
Participate and/or facilitate the Therapy Assistant staff forum.
Demonstrate an awareness of Trust policies and procedures affecting the post.
Clinical Responsibilities
Gain valid consent from the patient prior to undertaking any task and to inform and seek guidance from your supervisor if there are any concerns about the patients capability to give this.
Undertake assessments and interventions within designated caseload.
Provide general advice to patients, relatives, and carers to enable an understanding of the aims of the prescribed intervention, ensuring there is a consistent approach to patient care and offering information on community services.
Negotiate and agree functional treatment goals with the patient using a range of technical and creative skills.
When visiting patients, representing the Hospital Therapy team, respond appropriately to patients and carers needs regarding all aspects of Therapy provision.
Formulate Therapy treatment plans, moving, handling, and positioning of patients to enable them to participate in treatment episodes and carry out activities of daily living.
Evaluate patient progress, reassess and alter treatment programmes if required in discussion with a qualified Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist where necessary.
Be responsible for the agreed discharge of patients following completion of an episode of care.
Use problem solving skills to adapt intervention and resolve difficulties that arise.
Extend and develop skills related to a variety of clinical areas through practical experience.
Visit patients in their own homes to assess for, fit and check daily living equipment and recommend minor living adaptations.
Develop a rapport with patients to encourage their interest and participation in prescribed intervention.
To work as a lone practitioner in a variety of community settings where there is a trust requirement to make decisions spontaneously within the Primary Care Trust Policies and Guidelines. Ensure you are aware of the systems in place in order to seek back up from qualified staff if required.
Report to your named supervisor at agreed intervals outlining caseload progress, highlighted any problems and informing discharge.
To undertake the measurement and evaluation of your work and current practices through the use of Evidence Based Practice.
To undertake any other duties that may be considered appropriate by the Therapy Manager or Clinical Lead Therapist.
Administration and Communication Skills
Be a member of multi-agency team, sharing information with team members and having an awareness of their systems.
Communicate effectively with patients with complex communication difficulties and/or cognitive problems by utilising a variety of communication mediums.
Responsible for documenting and maintaining records for episodes of care for designated caseload in electronic format and handwritten case notes.
Be responsible for collection of clinical statistics.
Having basic IT skills including email and Microsoft word.
Participate in working parties as requested by a qualified Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist.
Participate in audit as requested by a qualified Therapist.
Maintain the ability to concentrate and communicate effectively when faced with a variety of clinical and non-clinical tasks.
Liaise, co-ordinate and facilitate multi-disciplinary and multi-agency referrals for patients.
Education and Training
Be responsible for the delegation of tasks to junior support staff and gaining feedback.
Participate in the departmental Personal Development review system.
Utilise supervision sessions offered by Senior Occupational Therapists/Physiotherapists.
Participate in the education of junior support staff and students in developing competencies as requested by qualified Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.
To be an active member of the in-service training program by the attendance and delivery of presentations and training sessions at staff meetings, tutorials, training sessions in house and by attending external courses as appropriate and practising reflective practice.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
* Evidence of recent appropriate study, development, and application in the work environment.
* Full UK Driving Licence and access to a car for work purposes
* Willingness to undertake further training as appropriate to the needs of the role
* Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience/ transferable skills.
* Good knowledge of the role of an Occupational Therapist
* Good knowledge of the role of a Physiotherapist
Personal Attributes
* Enthusiastic, highly motivated and committed to delivering a service
* Able to work as part of a team and independently as required, unsupervised
* Able to plan, organise and prioritise own workload and meet deadlines
* Can remain calm and professional in a busy environment
* Empathetic, but able to understand professional boundaries
* Welcoming, friendly and approachable manner
* Adheres to relevant Trust policies and procedures
* Ability to work contracted hours but be flexible to meet the needs of the service
* Ability to listen and communicate effectively
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including demonstrating empathy and sensitivity to patients and relatives
* Ability to promote good working liaisons
* Ability to provide high quality patient care
* Excellent computer and IT skills
* Ability to undertake patient assessments
* Excellent planning and organisational skills
* Motivation and negotiation skills
* Analytical skills and ability to problem solve
* Understanding of information governance and data protection
* Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
* Understanding of the importance of team working
* Knowledge of hospital IT databases and computer systems
* Knowledge of Trust policies and procedures
Experience
* Previous or current employment in health / social care / vocational rehabilitation setting.
* Able to work under pressure and seek support when required
* Experience of keeping accurate records
* Experience of working as part of a team in a multi-disciplinary environment
* Experience working as a therapy assistant
* Experience managing own case load
* Practical experience of using and inputting high quality, accurate data into databases
* Cross prescriber trained
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.
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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