Therapy Assistant Practitioner: Elective Orthopaedics

Therapy Assistant Practitioner: Elective Orthopaedics University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

These exciting positions are ideal for an enthusiastic person who is passionate about providing therapy to patients following Elective Orthopaedic surgery. You will join our established team of therapists who cover the Elective Orthopaedic Unit at Leicester General Hospital, working across Inpatient Wards and Pre-Assessment Clinic. You will work collaboratively with the MDT to get the best outcome for the patients and facilitate timely discharges.

You will manage a clinical caseload of patients on the Elective Orthopaedic Inpatient Wards by completing timely assessments of patients and developing individualised treatment plans to progress their functional ability, mobility and discharge plans.

You will develop and maintain a high level of knowledge of Orthopaedic conditions. You will work closely with both Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists, developing your skills and competencies, treating patients from admission through to discharge.

Main duties of the job

The post involves taking on responsibility for managing a caseload, which will involve providing therapy/rehabilitation/discharge planning to patients with a variety of conditions affecting them both physically and psychologically. You will also be required to communicate with carers and family members in a sensitive and professional manner. You will plan and implement interventions (functional and cognitive) and evaluate outcomes of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy treatments under the supervision of an appropriate Registered Healthcare Professional.

You will be facilitating timely discharge of patients post-surgery, to support with the patients recovery and preventing delays. You will be required to refer to the appropriate agencies as needed.

There will be close working with other members of the MDT to be able to complete this along with strong support from within the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy teams.

Development of skills and knowledge within this post will be of a high priority. The successful candidate would be expected to undertake training and work with specialist staff to make maximum use of the opportunities on offer.

Job responsibilities

• To work within the multidisciplinary team to ensure high standards of patient care within the service under the direction and supervision of an appropriate Registered Health Care Professional.
• Make the best use of departmental resources and plan workload in collaboration with the team.
• Contribute to the provision of assessment and intervention within a specified clinical area. This includes identified clinical, administrative and educational roles.
• To manage a clinical caseload, which has been delegated by a Registered Health Care Professional.
• To work to service priorities.
• To work with patients, carers and their families in a sensitive and professional manner.
• To liaise with other professionals for the benefit of the patient.
• Understand the role boundaries and importance of supervision and carrying out appropriate delegated tasks, ensuring timely completion.
• Actively participate in the planning, development and evaluation of personalised care plans by offering objective clinical and evidence-based information to inform planned activities.
• Gather relevant information working under protocols and form a judgement on the improvement or deterioration in the physical, mental, or behavioural condition of service users and respond by referring or escalating concerns to a registered health care professional.
• Will be expected to supervise staff and support less experienced staff and students, including apprentices.
• Responsible for safe use of equipment relevant to service.
• To assist staff to make the best use of departmental resources ensure efficient delivery of planned workload.
• Support the induction of new team members. Participate in training and support of less experienced support staff and students (including apprentices) in respect of tasks and responsibilities within scope of practice.
• To adhere to University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust policies and procedures including specific service policies and procedures.
• To work with those who have communication/language difficulties and complex needs to overcome, in a sensitive and professional manner.
• Develop, maintain and promote effective professional working relationships with other disciplines and members of the team.
• To liaise with other disciplines concerned with the care and treatment of patients.
• To participate in and actively contribute to departmental meetings.
• To maintain high standards of verbal and written communication.
• To maintain a professional level of record keeping in accordance with UHL Documentation Policies.

Person Specification Analytical and Judgement skills

• Core knowledge of clinical and technical roles and responsibilities, including clinical risk assessment.
• Demonstrates the ability to use initiative.

Planning and Organisational skills

• Able to organise own work and complete in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the role boundaries and the importance of supervision and carrying out appropriate delegated tasks.

Other requirements specific to the role

• Demonstrates an understanding of the acute hospital setting.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the post.
• Expresses enthusiasm for the post and desire to work in the clinical area.

Training and Qualifications

• Educated to a level 3 qualification, with relevant experience to Diploma level.
• Maths and English Functional Skills Level 2.

Experience

• Able to demonstrate substantial experience in health and care settings, including in the relevant field of work.

Communication

• Demonstrates effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills for routine and complex information.
• Demonstrates evidence of ability to work with other people.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the concepts of team working.
• Previous experience of supervising and training others.

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.