Therapy Assistant Practitioner | Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

An exciting opportunity has arisen for compassionate and enthusiastic Band 4 Therapy Assistant Practitioners to join the Reablement Therapy Team at Broadgreen Hospital. The successful candidates will be responsible for their own ward‑based caseload providing direct therapy intervention for an identified patient group under the supervision of a registered Therapy practitioner. The role is part of a multidisciplinary team providing high quality care, including Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential to complete comprehensive assessments and to support and motivate patients to participate in therapy programmes. Candidates who do not already hold the Assistant Practitioner (AP) qualification or equivalent will be required to undertake the Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship. Salary will be renumerated (Annex 21) to reflect the training element of the post and will only be transferred to a band 4 pay scale on successful completion of the AP apprenticeship. All posts are subject to a 7‑day shift working pattern; staff are required to work flexibly to meet the needs of the service.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct therapy intervention for an identified patient group, under supervision of a registered therapist.
• Be accountable for own clinical practice whilst undertaking the assessment and treatment/intervention of the patient group within agreed parameters and defined protocols of care.
• Work independently within the multidisciplinary team setting, reporting patient progress and informing therapists of any problems.
• Support registered staff in the administrative duties required for the functioning of the Therapy Department.
• Participate in and contribute to training, audit and service development.
• Assist in carrying out care and exercise programmes with patients in a manner that respects their abilities, privacy, dignity and individuality.
• Manage rehabilitation of patients as delegated by the qualified therapist, working without direct supervision and be responsible for assessing the progress of patients, reporting back to the therapist.
• Perform specific tasks within the overall treatment programme, e.g. gait assessment, stair assessment, strength and balance assessment and advise / arrange the supply of assistive equipment.
• Liaise regularly with the qualified therapist regarding treatment progression and ongoing care.
• Report to therapist and multidisciplinary team any lack of progression or negative changes in patients' ability to undertake treatment sessions.
• Treat patients individually or in a group in a variety of settings with indirect supervision from the qualified therapist.
• Ensure effective internal and external communication with patients, carers and all other Health and Social Care Professionals regarding all aspects of patient care.
• Provide and receive complex information requiring empathy and reassurance.
• Communicate where there may be barriers to understanding.
• Undertake home visits as directed by the qualified therapist, arranging transport and completing relevant documentation.
• Assess patients and carers safety in use and suitability of equipment within patients' home environment.
• Advise on environmental hazards.
• Issue and retrieve therapy equipment in department, ward or home setting while keeping accurate records.
• Ensure equipment is clean and fit for its purpose for individual treatment sessions.
• Coordinate and undertake the regular maintenance and cleanliness of the working/treatment areas with cooperation of Health Care Assistants.
• Assist patients to access and use toilet facilities.
• Transport patients safely between ward, clinics and treatment areas as requested.
• Receive and prepare patients for therapy treatments.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of treatments undertaken by self.
• Monitor and maintain stock levels of equipment and supplies, processing orders as agreed with the Therapy Manager/Team Leader.
• Contribute to development of patient care by attending relevant meetings and discussions to improve service provision.
• Teach and advise carers and other health care staff to ensure good patient care.
• Accurately manage the filing system of patient records within the team.
• Locate record and return therapy treatment records and patients' medical records when necessary.

Governance & Compliance

• Comply with health and safety policies of the trust, including attendance at mandatory training sessions.
• Comply with departmental and organisational policies and procedures.
• Report all accidents, incidents, and hazards according to Trust requirements.
• Gain valid informed consent in line with trust and departmental policy.
• Comply with the Data Protection Act and Caldicott recommendations.
• Maintain accurate documentation in line with local policies and procedures.

Education & Training

• Participate and contribute to relevant in‑service training programmes.
• Attend relevant courses as identified and agreed with senior staff.
• Participate in staff appraisal sessions.
• Contribute to the induction and training of new staff and students assigned to the team.

This description is a general guide to the duties and is not a rigid specification.