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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Communication

1. Exchange and communicate factual information to patients using encouragement, reassurance and tact and overcome barriers to rehabilitation with patients whose understanding is impaired.
2. Maintain accurate, objective up to date patient records according to Trust standards.
3. Use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients, to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes.
4. Receive and provide routine information to staff, patients and carers.
5. Accept and relay information / messages to / from registered staff, verbally, electronically and in writing as requested.
6. To communicate effectively with registered staff to feedback about patient caseload/progress.
7. To participate in regular meetings with other members of the therapy team and multidisciplinary team.
8. To deal effectively with patients who have a range of communication and behavioural needs.
9. On an informal basis, to promote the profile of Therapies in the Trust.

Clinical Responsibilities

1. To understand a range of procedures which require some theoretical knowledge by practical experience.
2. To work flexibly and be able to adjust to the constantly changing demands of the departments.
3. To have holistic understanding of patient and family dynamics, the patient’s condition and its impact on function.
4. To use initiative when responding to changing patient signs i.e., ceasing treatment if patient unwell.
5. To assess and formulate treatment plans for routine patients as guided by therapists.
6. To assess patients’ mobility and issue appropriate equipment.
7. To adjust treatment programmes autonomously when clinically appropriate and report changes to the registered practitioner.
8. To provide planned advice, support and instruction to patients and where relevant their carers, to promote understanding of the aims of their treatment plan.
9. To undertake specific activities relevant to the clinical area which demonstrate advanced technical or support skills that have required specific training.
10. To prepare, issue and give instruction in the use of equipment to promote rehabilitation and independence within agreed competencies following treatment plan.
11. Preparation of the environment and equipment appropriate for the treatment session.
12. To provide patient centred and high standard interventions, respecting patient choice and dignity, and working with a multidisciplinary approach to achieving patient goals.
13. To assess patient understanding of treatment proposals to gain valid informed consent according to Trust Policy.
14. Reporting to the registered practitioner any risks, difficulties or concerns that they themselves or a patient, may identify.
15. Liaise effectively by establishing and maintaining professional working relationships with other members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, carers, and relatives. This may include staff from other agencies or localities when a patient’s care is being transferred.
16. To evaluate emergency situations and act accordingly working within procedures and protocols laid down by the service and the Trust.
17. To participate in weekend or evening working as required by the department.

Professional

1. Work to support therapists in adhering to professional standards and Trust procedures and policies.

Planning and Organisational Skills

1. To manage own day to day work tasks and prioritise with reference to registered practitioner.
2. Work with other registered practitioners across the Trust to support the Therapies Team.
3. To assist therapists arranging in-service training, study days etc.
4. To participate in appropriate Clinical Governance activities such as Risk Management, as directed by a registered clinician.
5. Prioritise delegated workload and be responsible for own effective time management.

Service and Personal Development

1. To work within relevant professional standards of practice (CSP) adhering to Trust procedures and being prepared to comment on proposals for change.
2. To participate in the development of the therapy services with registered practitioners.
3. To participate actively in sharing and receiving in-service training and development, to ensure continuous professional development, as appropriate to grade and experience.
4. To assist therapists with inducting new staff to the department.
5. Demonstrate non-clinical and clinical duties to new starters.
6. To undertake administration tasks to support the therapy services as requested.
7. Attend annual mandatory training in line with Trust policies.
8. To actively participate in continuing professional development to further own learning and personal development, including regular supervision, peer review and annual appraisal.
9. To record continuing professional development in own portfolio, linked to the annual appraisal and personal development plan.
10. To share learning, skills and knowledge with other staff members and students.
11. To be aware of own limitations and ensure that no task or procedure is carried out until necessary training has been received.
12. To contribute towards service reviews and audit and research and development within Therapy services.