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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1. Clinical: (Although this post includes some clinical work, the role includes >50% administrative support for the physiotherapists)
•    To carry out the appropriate procedures and related tasks that have been selected and delegated by the therapist with the appropriate level of competency. It is the joint responsibility of the therapy assistant and the supervisor to ensure the assistant is competent and confident in carrying out the required intervention and duties. These may involve mobilising and transferring patients, assisting with personal care tasks, undertaking home visits, carrying and installing equipment as well as carrying out and supervising others in carrying out exercise programmes.
•    To support the paediatric physiotherapists in specific treatment programmes this may involve regular manual handling of clients with considerable physical disability.  The post holder will be expected to kneel, sit on heels, move inert young adult limbs and support clients whilst mobilising. They may also be expected to transfer clients; push wheelchairs, use hoists, and carry/install equipment
•    To provide clients and carers with direction and guidance on a range of physical activities as directed by the physiotherapist. This may include encouraging clients and carers to become actively involved in maximising and maintaining their physical abilities.
•    Setting up equipment for use by therapists during treatment sessions or for use in the school or home environment. 
•    To provide advice on the safe use of equipment to patients and those appropriate.  
•    To participate in the maintenance, cleaning and recharging of therapy equipment.
•    To participate in maintenance of treatment areas in accordance with the health and safety policy and departmental procedures. 

•    To cover for absent physiotherapy staff e.g. therapy assistants who work in another area, or support a physiotherapist/ occupational therapist who have staff shortages in their section if the need arises.
•    To comply with the Trust and school policy on confidentiality, maintaining strict confidentiality regarding any information pertaining to clients and their families.
•    To attend and actively participate in in-service training as required.
•    To attend staff and team meetings as required
•    To travel between sites as required using own, hospital or public transport.
•    To do home visits with or under direct supervision of a physiotherapist when needed
•    Understand the Trust clinical governance framework, and participate in the promoting and safeguarding of high standards of care, through effective risk management & governance, and adherence to the Trust values

2. Administration:  

•    To participate in the smooth running of work areas by undertaking administrative tasks e.g. making appointments, telephone calls and other clerical activities. 
•    To keep regular and up to date records written or electronic data and assist the therapists as necessary with departmental statistics.
•    To make initial appointments for patients on the trust information system
                  according to departmental procedures
•    To make  follow-up appointments for clients in person or changing appointments on the computer system as required and informing clients by telephone or letter.
•    Maintain appropriate levels of stock within the therapy team.
•    Arranging transport for clients.
•    Registering client referrals on the departmental computer system.
•    Booking interpreters by phone or online.
•    To be able to use good communication skills with clients of all age groups and carers including those with communication difficulties.
•    Dealing with clients/ relative’s queries both in person and on the telephone courteously and efficiently.   
•    To report all complaints and accidents to the immediate senior member of staff as soon as possible and document accordingly.

3. Personal development:

•    To ensure that all mandatory training is completed within the required timescales.
•    To participate in the appraisal system as appraisee and be responsible for fulfilling your agreed objectives and personal development plan.
•    To ensure adherence to Trust policy and guidelines at all times
•    To role model Trust values at all times

4.Communication:

•    To liaise with the physiotherapist regarding client care and report to the supervising therapist any change in the clients condition.
•    To communicate with other members of the multidisciplinary team, carers, external agencies and those related to the clients care. To use effective communication with clients or relatives who have barriers to understanding or communicating. e.g. visually impaired, hearing or speech disability and to be aware of any device e.g. hearing aids which may hinder communication
•    To deal sensitively with clients and carers who have a high level of anxiety or aggression due to for example, pain, fear or failed expectations.

•    The post holder is expected to concentrate frequently on a daily basis during                                           treatment sessions and ensure effective communication with those who have impaired     understanding or communication difficulties. There may be unpleasant exposure to verbal or physical aggression. 
•    To actively participate in the trust’s performance appraisal and to have supervision with     Physiotherapist to review own performance and identify training and development needs.  
•    To be able to use a computer and digital camera to assist with creating an exercise programme, writing letters and writing e-mails.
 

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and his/her manager.

All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.