Band 4 Therapy Assistant Practitioner in Trauma and Orthopaedics

Main area: Band 4 Therapy Assistant Practitioner in Trauma and Orthopaedics Grade: NHS AfC: Band 4 Contract: Permanent Supporting the delivery of a seven-day orthopaedic service Hours: Full time – 37.5 hours per week (Core working hours are 8.00am-4.00pm but flexibility can be discussed, and you will work as part of our seven-day roster) Job ref: 177-ELECHUB-6230759-C Employer: James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Employer type: NHS Site: James Paget University Hospital Town: Gorleston Salary: £25,147 – £27,596 per annum Salary period: Yearly Closing: 07/01/2025 23:59 Job overview An exciting opportunity has become available for several additional therapy assistant practitioners to join our supportive, forward-looking Orthopaedic Therapy Team as we expand for our brand new Orthopaedic Elective Hub. We are seeking individuals to provide delegated treatment and rehabilitation to patients with both elective and traumatic orthopaedic injuries. You will have your own clinical caseload and undertake assessments under the direction of both physiotherapists and occupational therapists. You will rotate between our trauma and elective wards and our outpatient therapy clinic, completing assessments for patients awaiting elective surgery. We are an innovative team and early adopters in stopping the use of hip precautions for total hip arthroplasties, with a well-established Enhanced Recovery Programme for our elective patients, to which our therapy assistant practitioners are vital. Our team has presented their improvements internationally, and our Out Of Bed Project was published, which has improved our hip fracture metrics. We are particularly interested in candidates who share our passion for service development and increasing the profile of therapy assistant practitioners in the specialty of orthopaedics to improve patient outcomes. Main duties of the job We are looking for positive, proactive candidates who can work flexibly and help us build a strong future for Therapy. You would play a key role in gathering information from patients and their relatives/carers to understand their social, environmental and living circumstances, and the impact of their injury or surgery on daily activities. You will be responsible for managing a caseload of patients, providing therapy and rehabilitation following orthopaedic elective and traumatic injury which may impact patients physically and psychologically. You will plan and implement functional and cognitive interventions to support patients in achieving their goals, providing adaptive equipment and aids, and evaluating outcomes of treatments. You will also support flow throughout the hospital with timely assessments and planning discharges as part of each individual patient’s recovery journey to prevent delay. This will include liaison with and referring onto appropriate agencies as needed. You will also undertake administrative duties to support the functioning of the department. In return, we would strive to offer suitable candidates a supportive, friendly working environment within a team who are open to new ideas. Opportunities for learning and working with the wider multidisciplinary team will be available and strongly encouraged. Detailed job description and main responsibilities In order to apply for this post, applicants will ideally possess a Degree/Foundation Degree or be able to evidence equivalent knowledge and skills in a similar post. For applicants who do not meet this criteria, the minimum qualification requirement would be an NVQ III in Health and Social Care or equivalent, with the ability to complete the Foundation Degree being a condition of employment. Person specification Education and Qualifications Degree/Foundation Degree or evidenced equivalent knowledge and skills in a similar post. There will be a requirement to complete a Foundation Degree if these cannot be met NVQ III in Health and Social Care or equivalent – minimum qualification required for consideration for the position Numeracy/literacy skills – Level 2 or Grade C at GCSE Experience and Knowledge Experience of working in health and therapy teams/working with people Experience of working as a therapy or rehabilitation assistant Clear understanding of therapy role/concepts of therapy and the enabling approach Understands the health system and acute care Experience working in orthopaedics or musculoskeletal care Skills, Abilities and Competencies Good verbal and written communication skills/basic IT skills Therapeutic and rehabilitation skills Able to work independently and use own initiative Team worker/confident/able to recognise self-limitations Role requires the ability to travel within the Great Yarmouth and Waveney area. Should hold a full current driving licence or be able to make own travelling arrangements to fulfil the duties of the post, including visits to patients’ homes with and without patients, delivery of equipment etc. Other Physically fit and able to comply with Trust Manual Handling Guidelines Evidence of motivation for the Therapy Assistant Practitioner role Professional demeanour and appearance Ability to take on responsibilities and additional duties Please check your account regularly under “My Applications” to view the progress of your applications. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. #J-18808-Ljbffr