At a Glance
- Tasks: Support therapists in delivering top-notch physiotherapy and occupational therapy interventions.
- Company: Join the County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in community healthcare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and learning in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a multidisciplinary team and help patients regain their independence.
- Qualifications: Experience in rehabilitation and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 25760 - 27476 £ per year.
We are looking for a Specialist Therapy Assistant with experience in stroke rehabilitation to support multidisciplinary teams in the Sedgefield Community Hospital and surrounding areas.
Main duties of the job
- Provide support to therapists in delivering high-quality physiotherapy and occupational therapy interventions in community settings.
- Deliver holistic care independently while remaining accountable to the responsible case manager.
- Assist with core clinical programmes and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
- Work within a multidisciplinary framework of nursing, social work, therapy and support staff.
Job responsibilities
- Provide therapy care to patients and carers following assessment.
- Report any variations in patient condition to a registered therapist.
- Support user/patient involvement and participation.
- Promote independence and motivate client choice within their limitations.
- Assist clients with functional level, personal hygiene, grooming, meal preparation and dietary monitoring.
- Perform independent home visits for equipment fitting and adjustment.
- Teach patients and carers safe use of equipment.
- Maintain safe equipment and a clean environment.
- Communicate with clients, including those with speech, hearing or learning difficulties.
- Perform interventions within delegated responsibility and competency.
- Evaluate personal performance reflectively.
- Record all clinical interventions accurately.
Clinical quality
- Promote and support effective implementation of organisational policies and procedures.
- Foster a learning environment for team members.
- Participate in health promotion and informed patient choice.
- Contribute to integrated approaches to clinical quality issues.
- Take part in clinical teaching for staff across health and social care teams.
- Practice in accordance with organisational policies.
Resources
- Support partnership working with health, social care and other key services.
- Participate in annual appraisal and personal development plans.
- Promote two-way communication within and outside the team.
- Foster empowerment and facilitate change.
- Provide high quality, value for money services within available resources.
- Utilise information technology for accurate clinical and statistical data.
Development
- Support an environment that enables the desired philosophy of care through a multidisciplinary approach.
- Participate in clinical supervision.
- Identify personal development needs in line with the Trust’s appraisal scheme.
- Develop self-awareness of interpersonal skills and cultural values.
Person Specification
Experience
- Working within multidisciplinary teams.
- Working with adults.
- Recent and relevant Band 2/3 assistant experience in rehabilitation within the NHS.
- Experience in a rehabilitation team with stroke patients.
- Experience in community working practices.
Special requirements
- Ability to travel across Trust sites and to patients’ homes.
- Full UK driving licence if driving posts are required.
Special skills & knowledge
- Clear and effective communication.
- Team working.
- Observing and recording physical and social changes in patients.
- Knowing when to report to a registered nurse/therapist.
- Ability to work independently with a care plan.
- Minimal supervision required.
- Knowledge of home environments.
- Basic clinical activity in rehabilitation with training if necessary.
- Confidentiality maintenance.
- Working with other agencies and multidisciplinary teams.
- Appropriate use of own initiative.
- Training lists may be amended based on appraisal.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 4 GCSE level C or equivalent, including English Language.
- NVQ Level 3 in relevant area (e.g., Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care or Care) or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of Microsoft packages.
- Understanding of County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust culture and strategic direction.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
EEO Statement
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as these groups are under-represented.
Salary: £25,760 to £27,476 per annum, pro rata.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Therapy Assistant
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at CDDFT Charity. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like CDDFT Charity.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Therapy Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for CDDFT Charity:Take some time to research CDDFT Charity and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at CDDFT Charity
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for CDDFT Charity's values and approach.
