Senior Therapy Assistant
Job overview
An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Therapy Assistant to join the Respiratory Medicine team at the Northern General Hospital site. The team covers five respiratory wards where the caseload includes predominantly patients with long‑term respiratory conditions. Applicants must manage a caseload independently, providing advice, education and support for patients, families, carers and the multidisciplinary team.
The Senior Therapy Assistant is key within the integrated Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Teams, enabling the delivery of tailored care. Responsibilities include assessing mobility and functional ability, planning safe and timely discharges, ordering equipment for home use and providing clerical, domestic and patient‑related tasks as required.
Main duties of the job
* Assess mobility and functional ability of patients admitted for a variety of medical reasons.
* Plan safe and timely discharges, considering pathways, community links and equipment.
* Perform a mix of clerical, domestic and patient‑related tasks.
* Deliver professional, patient‑centred care and maintain accurate written records.
* Work independently within agreed caseloads and collaboratively with registered physiotherapists, occupational therapists and fellow therapy assistants.
Working for our organisation
The trust is committed to valuing and respecting all staff and community members, providing professional development, flexible working and support for work‑life balance.
Qualifications
* GCSE Grade C /4 or equivalent in English.
* Technical qualifications to Level 3 (e.g., QCF3, BTEC, A Level in relevant subject) or evidence of continuous development equivalent to Level 3.
* GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent in Maths.
* Health & Safety training.
* First Aid certification.
* City & Guilds 7307 (teaching) or equivalent qualification/experience.
Further Training
* Experience working with therapists as part of patient‑centred care.
* Current knowledge and skills in therapy practice relevant to the speciality.
Experience
* Relevant experience as an Occupational Therapy and/or Physiotherapy Assistant including successful completion of associated competencies.
* Experience as a Clinical Support Worker/Health Care Assistant with successful completion of associated competencies.
* Experience working in elderly, rehabilitation, medicine, surgery, orthopaedic or neurology specialities.
* Excellent interpersonal and team‑working skills.
* Clear verbal and written communication skills.
* Ability to act on own initiative, organise work and manage multiple tasks.
* Calm approach to changing work situations.
* Ability to maintain accurate written records and statistics.
* Teaching ability and motivation of patients.
* Comprehensive understanding of occupational therapy and physiotherapy in line with the role.
* IT literacy.
* Competency in therapy practice.
Other Factors
* Flexible and reliable approach to working practices.
* Positive attitude to patient care and teamwork.
* Commitment to the Senior Therapy Assistant role.
* Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends.
* Willingness to adhere to STHFT PROUD values.
* Full clean UK driving licence.
The Trust is committed to its obligations in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, and we positively encourage applications from all sections of the community. If you require assistance applying for the position, please contact the relevant departmental assistance line.
Applicants must provide evidence of continuous development and relevant experience of occupational therapy and/or physiotherapy practice within an acute inpatient environment along with the required qualifications.
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