Nhsct - Falls Assistant Practitioner - Band 4 in Antrim

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) is responsible for the delivery of safe and effective health and social care (HSC) services to the population of the Northern Trust area in Northern Ireland. We provide compassionate care with our community in our community. In order to do this we require the commitment of a highly skilled and professional workforce that meets the need of the service.

JOB SUMMARY:

• To carry out a multifactorial falls assessment on all referred clients to the Falls Service.
• To provide falls prevention advice according to agreed protocols.
• To make onward referrals to various internal and external services/agencies.
• To maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders both internal and external to the Trust, maintaining appropriate communication networks and presenting a professional image appropriate to the Falls Prevention Service.
• To deliver Therapeutic Exercise programmes as required.
• To work under structured guidelines without direct supervision.
• Research, collation and presentation of reports as necessary.

KEY RESULT AREAS / MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Undertake a comprehensive falls screening/assessment using an agreed framework on referrals to the service.
• Make an informed judgement about the most appropriate course of action for a client, and make any necessary onward referrals to internal and external services according to an agreed protocol/pathway.
• Provide clients with information and coping strategies in the event of any additional emergencies / falls.
• Liaise with other colleagues / health care professionals.
• In complex cases, advice should be sought from the Falls Nurse / Practitioner.
• To deliver individually prescribed strength and therapeutic exercise programmes.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of referrals received and actions implemented.
• Ensure that client records are accurate and up to date.
• Ensure security of all records maintained/forwarded to internal and external services.
• Have up to date knowledge regarding database systems e.g. Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Carry out clerical /administration duties e.g. filing, making appointments and collating statistical information.
• Be able to work under structured guidelines without direct supervision.
• Undertake and successfully complete all training relevant to the post as deemed appropriate.
• Ensure that Health and Safety standards are maintained according to Trust policies and procedures.

The post holder will:

• Deliver falls prevention education sessions to individuals and identified groups of older people, who are at risk of falling / sustaining a fracture.

Communication:

• At all times be professional when dealing with clients/carers, ensuring communication is respectful of their views, autonomy and culture.
• Identify potential risks and issues that may arise in the delivery of the Falls Service, solve problems arising and bring them to the attention of the Falls Prevention Nurse.
• Attendance at meetings / team meetings.
• Communicate effectively with other team members, line manager and others from internal and external agencies.

Education, research and practice development:

• Participate in any planned review or development of the service.
• Assist in providing information to enable evaluation of the current service.
• Keep a record of personal training and development.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Employees of the Trust will be required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible.
• At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
• At all times demonstrate practice the HSC values of Working Together, Excellence, Openness & Honesty and Compassion.
• Carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner which assures patient and client safety.
• Comply with all instructions in regard to Infection Prevention and Control.
• Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
• Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.
• Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with health and safety policy and statutory regulations.
• Adhere to equal opportunities policy throughout the course of their employment.
• Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in service provision.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct for HSC Employees.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT:

All employees of the Northern Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e‑mails.

SALARY: BAND 4 £27,485 - £30,162 per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time).

HOURS: Current post: 22½ hours per week, exclusive of meal times.

MEDICAL: Appointment will be subject to a successful pre‑employment health assessment.

HOLIDAYS: 27 days each year; 29 days after 5 years’ service; 33 days after 10 years’ service and 10 statutory and public holidays – dependent on hours worked.

PENSION: The post‑holder can participate in the Health Social Care Pension Scheme.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: You will serve a probationary period of normally six months.

A waiting list may be compiled for similar temporary, part time posts which may arise within the next 6 months in the Northern Trust Falls Prevention Team based in Antrim.