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Specialist Therapy Assistant
The closing date is 01 July 2025
CommunityStroke Rehabilitation are looking for a part time, permanent Specialist TherapyAssistant to join our team.
The post will be based atthe Sedgefield Community Hospital site, treating patients in and around thesouth Durham area, predominantly. The successful candidate will work alongsidePhysiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language to deliverinnovative, evidence-based stroke rehabilitation in patients own homescommunity settings to optimise recovery.
The role is diverse andchallenging and we are looking for someone to meet the needs of patients andbring ideas to the service regarding service delivery and development. This isan exciting opportunity for a candidate to apply their skills in a flexibleinnovative manner and to create solutions to offer our patients an optimalrehabilitation journey. You will be supported to achieve competence in Speechand Language therapy, Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy in order tosupport the patient need.
We would welcome aninformal chat or visit from any interested candidates. Ifyou feel you have the right skills and knowledge then we would welcome anapplication.
Main duties of the job
Becomeinvolved in all aspects of a stroke survivor's rehabilitation in the community,working as part of the MDT.
Carry out a range ofexercise prescriptions on behalf of OT, PT and SLT to stroke survivors in theirown environment.
Provide expert advice,guidance and information to health and social care professionals, carers andrelatives and other non-professionals.
Follow individualisedtherapy plans for ongoing occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech aandlanguage therapy input.
Feedback on patientparticipation and activity to members of the MDT.
Workunder the direction of OT, PT and SLT but manage own caseload and workautonomously when required. Manage local stock of equipment.
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 onAI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances ofsuccess.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two yearsof experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to considersponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria andhave a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job responsibilities
Providetherapy care to patients, their families and carers following assessment oftheir health and health related needs, undertaking a range of clinical careduties.
Report to a registeredtherapist any variation in the condition of the patient that might indicate achange in the patients health status and subsequently require furtherassistance.
Support user/patientinvolvement and participation in areas of responsibility.
To always endeavour topromote independence and motivate client choice within their limitations.
To support / enable clientsto achieve their optimum functional level and assist clients with all aspectsof personal hygiene and grooming; preparation of meals and monitoring of eatinghabits and food consumption. To be aware of the clients dietary requirements.
To carry out home visitsindependently for the fitting and adjustment of a range of equipment. You willbe responsible for teaching patients and carers in the safe and appropriate useof equipment and reinforce rehabilitation aims.
To be responsible for ownsafe and appropriate use of equipment. To maintain equipment in a clean andsafe condition.
To communicate with allclients including those who may have speech, hearing, learning difficulties ora mental health illness.
Within the boundaries ofdelegated responsibility and competency provide care and perform interventionsthat will contribute to the delivery of the patients care needs.
Evaluate personalperformance in a reflective manner to ensure continued personal development andthe maintenance of an up to date knowledge base.
Accurately record allclinical interventions and patient related activity in line with theorganisational policies on record keeping.
Clinical Quality
Promote and support theeffective implementation of all Organisational Policies and Procedures.
Support the development andmaintenance of a learning environment within the integrated team that isappropriate for the development needs of all members.
Participate in healthpromotion and informed patient choice so that these are encouraged anddeveloped to their maximum potential, within the available resources.
Participate in anintegrated approach to clinical quality issues.
Participate in appropriateclinical teaching packages for staff across both Health and Social Care teams.
To practice in accordancewith organisational policies and procedures.
Resources
Support efforts to ensureeffective partnership working between Health and Social Care colleagues as wellas other key services and agencies.
Supports an effectivesystem of annual appraisal and personal development plans for all staff withinthe team in order that the development needs of both the individual and theteam are identified and met.
Support an effectivetwo-way network of communication both within and without the team that ensuresthat all members are appropriately informed of salient community/team issues.
Support and promote a teamculture which actively encourages empowerment thereby supporting andfacilitating change.
Support the provision of ahigh quality, value for money and effective service within available resources.
Supports the effectiveutilisation of information technology systems to ensure the provision ofaccurate clinical and statistical data.
Development
To support an environmentthat enables the achievement of the desired philosophy of care through a multidisciplinary/multi agency approach.
To participate in clinicalsupervision.
To contribute inidentifying own development needs on an annual basis in line with the Trustsappraisal scheme.
Todevelop a self awareness of interpersonal skills in relation to cultural valuesand beliefs of others.
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
* 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 therapist.
* Able to work alone with patients within an agreed care plan.
* Able to work with minimal supervision.
* An appreciation of dealing with people in their own homes.
* Demonstrate the ability (with training if necessary) to undertake basic clinical activities in relation to rehabilitation.
* Able to maintain confidentiality.
* Experience of working withiin a multi-disciplinary stroke team. Experience of working in a community setting.
Experience
* Experience of working within multidisciplinary teams.
* Experience of working with adults.
* Recent and relevant band 2/3 assistant experience within rehabilitation in a related clinical specialism within the NHS.
* Experience of working within a rehabilitation team working with stroke patients.
* Experience of community working practices.
Qualifications
* Minimum of 4 GCSE grade C, or equivalent, including English Language.
* NVQ Level 3 in relevant area, e.g diagnostic and Therapeutic Care or Care or working towards or equivalent experience.
* Knowledge of Microsoft packages.
* An understanding of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, its culture, strategic direction, achievements and NHS standing.
Special Requirements
* Able to travel across County Durham independently to meet the requirements of the post.
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 name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
£24,625 to £25,674 a yearPer annum pro rata
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