Specialised Therapy Assistant | North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Band 3 Specialised Therapy Assistant post within our stroke service at North Tees Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to work in community and acute Stroke Therapy Services. We have a permanent position full time (37.5 hours per week).

The successful candidate will be expected to work as part of a multidisciplinary therapy team assisting with the delivery of therapy. The post holder will work under the direction of Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and Speech and Language Therapists to implement the planned interventions either within the hospital or in the appropriate community setting; this may include exercise intervention, Occupational input, Speech and Language input, and simple environmental assessments and the prescription of simple equipment (as deemed within competence) or practice of specific therapeutic interventions/techniques.

The post holder will communicate effectively with Stroke Therapy Services to assist therapists carry out administrative duties associated with the delivery of services. They will also communicate effectively with the stroke multidisciplinary team and community services to assist in the planning of safe and effective discharge.

As this is a Trust-wide position in the Stroke Therapy service, the successful candidate will be required to work between the Stockton and Hartlepool community localities. South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust have come together to form University Hospitals Tees. As a result, post holders may be required to work across sites within both organisations.

Across University Hospitals Tees, our ambition is to be the best place to work, ensuring we have the right staff in the right roles at the right time to deliver outstanding patient care and experience. We are committed to supporting our staff through an inclusive and supportive working environment, offering health and wellbeing initiatives, staff benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional development.

The post holder will work under the supervision of registered therapists to support and rehabilitate patients to enable their safe return home or to ensure they are placed in a safe environment where continued rehabilitation/care is provided. They will be expected to confidently implement the delegated therapy plan including communication, eating and drinking, mobility, and functional interventions.

Key responsibilities include:

• To carry out programmes or administrative tasks delegated by registered therapists on the Acute Stroke Unit and in the Community if required.
• To carry out home visits deemed within competency and provide equipment and resources required for interventions in line with the therapy plan.
• To make minor modifications to the assessed therapy plan within competency.
• To fit equipment and maintain medical/communication aid devices where training has been received.
• To monitor therapy stock, maintain stock and therapy resources.
• To liaise and coordinate with partner agencies those services required to support safe discharge as directed by the therapy plan.
• To record accurately and concisely interventions/communications either with the person requiring services or other professionals/agencies.
• To ensure that consent for interventions is obtained and that the person is clear as to what is arranged on their behalf.
• To abide by and comply with Trust policy ensuring clear understanding of risk management.
• To actively participate with team development and multi-disciplinary training.
• To actively participate in supervision and appraisal.
• To demonstrate good interpersonal skills with people using services, MDT, and other agencies.
• To contribute to clinical audit.
• To ensure performance management information is submitted in an accurate and timely manner.
• To carry out duties which require moderate physical effort.
• Be aware of, and comply with all Trust infection prevention and control policies to include hand hygiene, environmental and food hygiene.
• To undertake annual training/updates in infection prevention and control.
• To prepare for and undertake the proactive interventions that he/she is responsible for in a manner that is consistent with evidence-based practice and maintaining patient safety.
• To work extended days and as part of a seven-day service as and when required.
• To undertake any other duties deemed reasonable and appropriate by the Clinical Lead or Senior Clinical Professional.
• Demonstrate commitment to IWL principles and flexible working patterns, to meet the needs of the service and staff.
• Tackle discrimination and harassment, and promote equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Reduce sickness absence; workplace accidents; and promote zero tolerance on violence against staff.
• Take responsibility for personal development and education and the development of a Personal Development Plan.

Must have a valid UK driving license and access to a car.