Physiotherapy Assistant

The role of the Physiotherapy Assistant is to assist in providing Physiotherapy input, following client assessment and treatment planning by a qualified Physiotherapist. You will work under the supervision of a qualified Physiotherapist for clinical issues. The role will require you to confidently work both independently and as part of a team with older adults with a wide range of complex physical and mental health needs, providing evidence-based treatment programmes under the guidance of the physiotherapist as well as running exercise groups and 1 to 1 rehab sessions. Recovery is at the heart of everything we do - it is about people building a meaningful life and represents a shift away from focusing on illness and symptoms towards a focus on personal health, strengths and wellness., To work as a member of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) on in-patient wards providing support to adults and older people with mental health conditions. Under the direction of qualified Physiotherapy staff the post holder will undertake specific highly skilled work delegated by the Physiotherapist, working closely with patients and their carers in in-patient settings to enable them to achieve greater independence and maintain healthier lifestyles. This will include holding their own caseload and being responsible for the treatment and care of adults with complex physical and mental health conditions under the direction of the Senior Physiotherapist responsible for their day to day clinical supervision. To take responsibility for the organisation, communication and running of ward based exercise groups and adjusting content as appropriate under the guidance of the Physiotherapist. To deliver training and demonstration sessions to colleagues in the implementation of physiotherapy programmes, use of equipment and reasoning behind programmes. To support the Physiotherapist in the clinical education of Physiotherapy students and other students on placement on the ward. To participate in Directorate and Health initiatives to develop and enhance services. Communication and Working Relationship Skills

• To communicate effectively with all people using services taking into account any communication difficulties they may have and responding appropriately.
• To use a diverse range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with clients, carers and colleagues to impart information and progress regarding rehabilitation and treatment programmes.
• To regularly communicate with the Physiotherapists, other member of the MDT and outside agencies to report necessary information in order to assist with planning the delivery of Physiotherapy services. This will be in written and verbal formats.
• To foster and maintain good working relations with members of the MDT team.
• To act with diplomacy making decisions as situations develop, ensuring appropriate feedback to partner organisations.
• To attend multidisciplinary and other staff meetings where appropriate and relay information to the senior physiotherapists.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
• The post holder will be aware of and work within their own limits, and competencies.
• Take part in the constant assessment of risk and management of risk in conjunction with qualified staff reporting issues to qualified staff as required.
• Be aware of and take part in relevant health and safety matters as appropriate.
• Be punctual for work and conduct themselves in a professional manner in accordance with trust policies.
• To contribute to the evaluation of clinical work and current practices through the use of audit and outcome measures.
Planning and Organisational Skills
• To effectively organise and plan own diary and caseload to meet service and patient priorities, readjusting plans as situations change or arise and communicating these effectively to the team as required.
• To maintain accurate electronic records of all activities in line with Trust and professional policies
• To attend meetings and any other formal/informal communication events linked to the work of the team as indicated by senior managers.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy
• To work with adult clients with a mental health condition who may present with physical problems ranging from a mild physical condition to people with complex and multiple disabilities.
• To be patient centred, respect dignity and provide a high standard of care for the clients ultimate benefit working within a multi-disciplinary approach to achieve this aim.
• To gather core information and assist with the assessment of clients as requested by qualified physiotherapists.
• To undertake a basic on-going assessment of patients including those with diverse and complex presentations/multi-pathologies, using basic clinical reasoning skills and manual assessment techniques to provide a basis for effective on-going management e.g. referring back to the qualified physiotherapist appropriately.
• To monitor, record and report clients progress to the qualified Physiotherapist.
• To carry out prescribed programmes of treatment and other duties, progressing as required, under guidance but without direct immediate supervision.
• To assist physiotherapy staff to provide safe effective assessments and treatments.
• To provide advice, teaching and instruction to patients and where relevant their carers and other professionals.
• To organise and take responsibility for the communication and planning of exercise groups which the post holder may run jointly with a Physiotherapist or under supervision of a physiotherapist.
• To promote understanding of the aims of physiotherapy and to ensure a consistent approach to client care.
• To provide administrative support in the day to day management and delivery of services.
• Undertake manual handling and therapeutic handling techniques with clients both single handed and as part of a team.
• To demonstrate a high degree of physical capacity when treating clients with physical problems on a daily basis requiring ability to walk, stand, sit, bend, twist, stretch, support, balance when handling clients and operating equipment
• To demonstrate dexterity, co-ordination and palpatory skills for manual and therapeutic handling / treatment of clients whilst carrying out mobilisation, functional rehabilitation and other procedures on a frequent basis.
  
  A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated individual to join our dynamic multi-disciplinary team as a Physiotherapy Assistant.
You will be part of our team working with older adults' inpatients with mental health problems. To fulfil this role you must be a very good communicator, well organised and self-motivated. You will be working with physiotherapy colleagues within the inpatient wards and under the professional leadership of the lead Physiotherapist. The post is located at Franklyn hospital in Exeter. The successful applicant will ideally have experience of working with older adults or working with patients with mental health diagnosis. This role is suitable for someone whois passionate about providing a high-quality holistic approach to the care and support provided to people admitted into the ward to exercise choice over their own lives., We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas. We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.,
• Previous experience of working with people with mental health conditions, challenging behaviour or communication difficulties., Experience of working independently in a caring/therapeutic environment Previous experience of working as a physiotherapy assistant or clinical support worker band 3 and above, Effective literacy and numeracy skills and evidence of basic level of education
• Level 3 NVQ / BTEC / Therapy Assistant award or equivalent
• To complete Care Certificate training with in first 3 months of joining if not already completed, Level 4 NVQ / Assistant Practitioner Foundation Degree or equivalent or working towards an appropriate level 4 (foundation degree level) qualification, within 12 months of start date
• Additional physiotherapy training to diploma level or equivalent or additional training through short courses or equivalent care experience
• Other evidence of training of development relevant to working with people / people with disabilities, Ability to work without direct, immediate supervision.
• Ability to work in a team setting
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills
• Understanding of the role of Physiotherapy within mental health settings
• Clear legible handwriting
• Organisational and observational skills
• Computer skills at a level to allow input into electronic record system, emails and use of Physiotherapy software programme
• Willingness to learn new skills / participate in personal development
  
  Our professional responsibility is to reduce the risk of infection to others as far as possible. Getting vaccinated against diseases that can be passed person-to-person in healthcare settings is part of this responsibility. The Trust will provide advice, guidance and support on vaccinations and access to vaccinations where requested., About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery. We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do