Vacancy at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust.
This Therapy Assistant Practitioner post is an exciting development for the Stroke & Neuro Early Supported Discharge (ESD) Service. The ESD service provides prompt and intensive, tailored rehabilitation in the patient’s home environment to maximise their recovery after a stroke or neurological event.
Base Location: Canford House.
Interview Date: TBC.
Responsibilities
* To be responsible for an identified caseload of non‑complex patients, following initial triage/assessment from a registered therapist – facilitating return home from hospital, and maximising effective recovery and independence.
* To modify and update care and therapy goal plans to reflect patient needs.
* To provide induction, core training and clinical supervision to a small number of therapy assistants to support the team to deliver a high quality service.
* To lead on audits as requested by the clinical lead, including audits to review compliance with medication administration chart protocols and documentation standards.
* To work flexibly and access all disciplines to provide holistic care and meet service needs.
* To devise, implement, review and progress treatment programmes, within a defined scope of practice, and with reference to a qualified therapist.
Values & Staff Development
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future, shaping how we treat our patients, visitors, colleagues and teammates. UHD is investing in services across the Trust, many of which are being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme. Some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long‑term. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any specific questions about this at interview.
Relocation & Travel
Should the role or service be relocated as part of a planned move, employees will not be eligible for excess mileage reimbursement. Travel from the postholder’s home to the new work base will be considered a normal commute. All other changes not related to relocation will be managed according to the relevant Trust or National terms and conditions.
Skills
* Communication – use a range of verbal and non‑verbal tools to communicate effectively with patients and families during assessment and treatment, engaging them with rehabilitation plans and using teaching skills to enable education.
* Analytical and Judgement Skills – assess the patient’s level of functional independence and make decisions on appropriate action such as modifying the goal and care plan or referring to registered clinicians, dealing with clinical and practical difficulties and escalating issues as required.
* Planning and Organisational Skills – plan and organise rehabilitation and care plans for individual patients, using a strength‑based approach; exercise good personal time management, punctuality, reliability and a consistent attendance record.
Clinical & Administrative Responsibilities
* Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy – manage a community caseload of patients requiring rehabilitation following stroke or other neurological diagnosis, carrying out Welcome Home and Half‑Way Discharge visits, updating goal and care plans, and determining service needs under the guidance of a qualified therapist.
* Responsibility for Policy / Service Development – adhere to professional standards, codes of practice and policies of the Trust, and assist with compliance for departmental operating procedures.
* Responsibility for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources – undertake non‑clinical/clerical duties as necessary, including maintaining stock levels, filing, dealing with telephone calls and booking appointments.
* Responsibility for Human Resources (Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management) – supervise therapy assistants within the service with support from the registered clinicians.
* Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties – maintain concise and accurate written documentation consistent with legal and organisational requirements.
* Responsibility for Research and Development – conduct surveys or audits as necessary and requested by the clinical lead.
* Mental, Physical, and Emotional Effort – carry out therapeutic and manual handling activities, manage patients with high levels of anxiety caused by neurological changes, pain, dementia or limited ability, and cope with occasionally distressing or emotional circumstances.
* Other Specific Tasks – possess a full driving licence and business insurance, drive within local geographical region and have access to a car for business use as cross‑site working will be required.
This advert closes on Sunday 2 Nov 2025.
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