Therapy Assistant - Fixed Term (Part time)

Department: Patient services Location: St Michaels Hospice, Bartestree Reports to: Therapy Lead Job Purpose: The Therapy Assistant will be part of the multi-disciplinary team, providing in-patient and day service therapy, treatment, support, and advice for patients and their families. Responsibility Areas: Clinical Work Support the qualified Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists in the assessment and ongoing re-assessment of the clients needs, maximising their independence and promoting the rehabilitative palliative care philosophy. The post holder will be a valued member of the Therapy Team, working under the guidance and supervision of the qualified Therapists. They will assist staff in providing an efficient and effective service; ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care. Carry out basic assessments where appropriate and competent, giving advice and treatment on an ongoing basis. Deliver delegated therapy programmes devised by the Occupational Therapist and
Physiotherapists empowering users and families to participate in the management of their illness. Advise, educate, give and adapt treatment, under the guidance of the Therapists, and using the ability to empathise, motivate, negotiate, persuade and communicate sensitively and reassuringly to those you are working with. Liaise with external health and social care professionals and AHPs within the community and hospital setting. Undertake detailed risk assessments before and during clinical interventions to ensure the safety of patients and yourself. Fully involve the patient and liaise with other staff involved in the patients care, as well as the family and carers, in the planning, coordination, delivery and follow-up of the intervention. Instruct patients, relatives and carers in the use of recommended equipment including the Health and Safety and Manual handling aspects of its use. Prioritise daily workload, some of which may be on going according to the needs of the caseload or service.
Check and maintain adequate levels of equipment for the service and input care data for the team. Maintain up to date accurate clinical and statistical records, by written and electronic means, as required by the service. Training and Development Share knowledge base with other hospice staff, including being an integral part of the rehabilitative palliative care training, development and philosophy. Attend mandatory training. Take responsibility for Continuing Professional Development by accepting clinical supervision, maintaining a personal portfolio and attending mandatory training as well as developing and maintain own knowledge and skills in palliative care. Be involved in user feedback and audit. To work alongside the wider multidisciplinary team in promoting the Rehabilitative Palliative Care approach enabling people to live fully until they die. Equal Opportunities Statement At St Michaels Hospice we are committed to an equal opportunities approach in everything we do. This
means that we seek to ensure anyone connected with St Michaels, from patients and families through to donors, supporters, volunteers and staff are treated fairly, appropriately and with dignity and respect.