We are looking for a physiotherapy assistant to join our welcoming and friendly children's physiotherapy team. The team provides treatment and support for our children and families with complex or long term medical needs. This post is based at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital site in Chelsea and Park View Health Centre in White City, but you may sometimes provide support to our other main base as required: Jack Tizard Special School. We provide high quality, family-centred care to children and young people attending the Chelsea Children's Hospital and as part of the Cheyne Child Development Service, working in a variety of locations including the child\'s home, educational and healthcare settings. The physiotherapy team works closely with other therapy staff including speech and language therapists, music therapists and occupational therapists, with teachers and classroom assistants. The post provides administrative support for the physiotherapy team but will also include some face to face patient contact. If you have experience of administration, working with babies and children and/or children with complex needs, and want to work in a friendly and supportive team come and visit or give us a call!
Responsibilities
* To carry out designated tasks and activities independently as delegated by the responsible physiotherapist.
* To work under the direction and appropriate supervision of the responsible physiotherapist although initiative is encouraged.
* To provide administrative support to the physiotherapy team in the community including mainstream and special school settings.
* To assist in maintaining a safe work environment.
* To participate in CPD and other developmental activities related to the area of work.
* Clinical: (Although this post includes some clinical work, the role includes >50% administrative support for the physiotherapists)
* To carry out the procedures and related tasks delegated by the therapist with the appropriate level of competency, including mobilising and transferring patients, assisting with personal care tasks, undertaking home visits, handling equipment and supervising others in exercise programmes.
* To support paediatric physiotherapists in specific treatment programmes, including regular manual handling of clients with considerable physical disability and, where required, transferring clients, pushing wheelchairs, using hoists and carrying/installing equipment.
* To provide clients and carers with direction and guidance on a range of physical activities as directed by the physiotherapist.
* Setting up equipment for use by therapists during treatment sessions or in school/home environments.
* To provide advice on the safe use of equipment to patients and others as appropriate.
* To participate in the maintenance, cleaning and recharging of therapy equipment.
* To participate in the maintenance of treatment areas in accordance with health and safety policy and departmental procedures.
* To cover for absent physiotherapy staff or to support a physiotherapist/occupational therapist in their absence when needed.
* To comply with Trust and school policy on confidentiality and maintain strict client confidentiality.
* To attend and actively participate in in-service training and staff/team meetings as required.
* To travel between sites as required using own, hospital or public transport.
* To do home visits with or under direct supervision of a physiotherapist when needed.
* Understand the Trust clinical governance framework and participate in promoting high standards of care through effective risk management, governance and adherence to Trust values.
Administration
* To undertake administrative tasks to support the smooth running of work areas (e.g., making appointments, telephone calls and other clerical activities).
* To keep regular and up-to-date records (written or electronic) and assist therapists with departmental statistics.
* To make initial appointments for patients on the trust information system according to departmental procedures.
* To make follow-up appointments for clients and update appointment details as required; inform clients by telephone or letter.
* Maintain appropriate levels of stock within the therapy team.
* Arranging transport for clients.
* Registering client referrals on the departmental computer system and booking interpreters as needed.
* To use good communication skills with clients of all ages and carers, including those with communication difficulties.
* To deal with client/relative queries courteously and efficiently and report any complaints or accidents to the immediate senior staff member as soon as possible.
Personal development
* To ensure that all mandatory training is completed within the required timescales.
* To participate in the appraisal system and be responsible for fulfilling agreed objectives and personal development plans.
* To ensure adherence to Trust policy and guidelines at all times and to model Trust values.
Communication
* To liaise with the physiotherapist regarding client care and report any change in the client\'s condition to the supervising therapist.
* To communicate with other members of the multidisciplinary team, carers and external agencies and to support clients with barriers to understanding or communication.
* To deal sensitively with clients and carers who experience anxiety or aggression due to pain, fear or unmet expectations.
* The post holder is expected to concentrate during treatment sessions and maintain effective communication with those who have impaired understanding or communication difficulties, including potential exposure to verbal or physical aggression.
* To participate in performance appraisal and seek supervision with the supervising Physiotherapist to review performance and identify training needs.
* To be able to use a computer and digital camera to create exercise programmes and correspondence.
This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Changes will be discussed with the post holder and manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. Do not undertake duties outside your skill or knowledge; seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England\'s top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award-winning clinics across North West London. Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children\'s services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us \'Good\' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and \'Outstanding\' in leadership and resource use. We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex. We welcome applications for flexible working arrangements to support our staff and patient needs. The Trust is committed to equality and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Adjustments can be made for disabled candidates. Early application is advised as vacancies may close once sufficient applications are received. If you haven\'t heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application is likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.
+ Please check your emails regularly as this is how we will communicate with you throughout the recruitment process. + If you have not heard from us within 3 weeks after the closing date, we regret that this usually means your application was not successful. + In submitting an application, you authorise the Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process, should you be appointed to the post. + During the recruitment process your identity documentation (ie passport, driving licence, visa etc) will be scanned using a device which recognises UV, infrared and machine-readable zone security features of the documents provided. + Employment at the Trust is offered subject to successful completion of a six month probationary period.
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