sfsTT Therapy Assistant – 6 month fixed-term Insert Therapy Assistant Wellbeing 6 months, with potential to extend £23,874 - £24,964 dependent on experience ellenor, Northfleet, Gravesend Physiotherapist / Occupational Therapist Operational Wellbeing Lead N/A Working as part of the integrated multidisciplinary team, the purpose of this role is to support the Wellbeing and Therapies service, enabling people with progressive life limiting conditions to live as independently as possible. Working alongside therapists and nurses to carry out intervention plans with patients and carers in order to maximise function, wellbeing and quality of life. Insert Main Duties To work under the supervision of the qualified therapy staff to undertake a variety of clinical and non-clinical tasks to enable the best possible care and therapy service delivery within the hospice and community. To carry out therapeutic interventions both individually and in groups as instructed by the qualified therapist. Ensuring all these actions/sessions are accurately observed, reported and recorded. To conduct small group activities, as directed by the Therapists. To assist in the delivery of symptom management groups by the Therapists. To perform clerical and housekeeping tasks that supports the efficient running of the Therapeutic Activity Groups. To contribute to the ongoing development of the Therapeutic Activity Groups. To recognise role limitations and refer on to other professionals as appropriate. To conduct therapeutic groups with direction of the therapist outside of regular works hours – evening or weekends, as the service requires. Clinical Support the palliative care needs of patients and their families in order that they achieve their preferred place of care and death. To work within ellenor’s mission and philosophy and to base care on evidence based practice at all times. Maintain patient safety, dignity and privacy at all times and especially during implementing the care planned. Ensure accurate evaluation of care and treatment provided with timely reporting of outcomes to the qualified staff. As appropriate you may be required to provide cover across the organisation. Support patients in enabling them to carry out functional activities of daily living to maximise their independence through exercise, equipment provision and occupation focussed tasks. Following training identify, order, fit and adjust, then review equipment to enable patients to maximise safety and functional activities. independence completing To evaluate patient’s needs and report any significant changes to the therapist or appropriate member of the multi-disciplinary team. Maintain accurate and timely clinical records including Electronic Patient Records (EPR) as per ellenor policy. Report incidents as required. Work within all relevant hospice policies and procedures to ensure safe practice eg; accidents, fire, violence and lone working. To manage self and workload effectively, prioritising work in an equitable and efficient way. Observe and monitor the progress of the patient’s functional ability, documenting and reporting any changes to clinical staff. To actively participate in morning handovers. Professional Development, Education and Training To recognise the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of patients, their relatives and friends, and be sensitive to these. To ensure confidentiality regarding staff, patients, carers and any hospice matter. Use communication skills to effectively communicate with patients, carers, hospice staff and outside agencies in order to promote personalised care. Develop communication skills with patients who have barriers to understanding such as language, sensory impairment, and dysphasia. To maintain professional standards of conduct and behaviour, including wearing of a uniform. To work as part of the Multi-Disciplinary team, facilitating goals, the demonstrating a flexible and adaptable approach. achievement individual patient of Participate in training, reflection, self-directed learning to meet competency in order and supervision requirements of the post. Encourage family participation in the care of the patient where appropriate respecting individual and cultural choices as well as patient’s wishes. To take responsibility Mandatory and hospice organisational policy and current legislation. for attending statutory & line with in training To participate in the ongoing educational programme of the Hospice by attending in-house study days and courses as appropriate. To take responsibility for self-development, identifying training and education needs with supervisor. To assist in orientation programmes for new members of staff. To keep abreast of current issues in relevant palliative care as relevant to the role. To take responsibility for a delegated area of relevant special interest. Audit & Quality To participate in organisational audit programme. General To abide by the Hospice’s general confidentiality policy. To be aware of guidelines stated in staff handbook and all relevant policies and procedures. To undertake bi-annual performance review when personal development plan will be discussed. To promote at all levels, ellenor’s vision, values and strategic objectives. To utilise the channels of communication developed across the organisation in order to be fully informed and engaged with service developments. To be aware of the philosophy of ellenor and to behave as a fit representative. To abide by ellenor’s general confidentiality policy. To keep abreast of and work in accordance with hospice policies as outlined in the staff handbook, the ‘P’ Drive and/or policy folders held in each department. At ellenor we are committed to creating and managing a safe working environment for all our staff, visitors, volunteers and patients. All ellenor employees are expected to know, understand and deliver their Safety Responsibilities. All ellenor employees may be set at least one Safety Objective by their manager or supervisor which must be delivered if they are to meet their objectives. Health and Safety The post holder has responsibility take reasonable care of self and others in relation to managing risk, health and safety and will be required to work within the appropriate policies and procedures. to This job description is not intended to be restrictive but is an outline of the main duties. The job description will be reviewed periodically to take into account developments the organisation, department or role. in Evidence of numeracy and literacy skills. Desirable: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in healthcare. Experience: All desirable: Experience working in healthcare in the community. Experience caring for patients in a community, inpatient setting or care home. Experience in caring for dying patients and nursing patients with a life limiting illness and in end of life care. Knowledge, Skills and Attributes: Good knowledge of the role of Therapies in the Multi- Disciplinary team. Understanding of the impact of illness and disability on an individual. Ability to work without direct supervision and use own initiative. Ability to carry out routine therapy tasks. Good verbal and written communication. Able to deal with a wide range of people in a professional manner. Ability to recognise own limitations and level of competency. Confidence to work alone or as part of a team. Possesses good IT skills and able to use a range of software (eg Word, Outlook, Excel). Desirable: Basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Good understanding of the needs of patients and families with a life limiting condition. Personal Qualities: Non-judgemental approach to be able to work with people from a variety of backgrounds. Flexible and adaptable approach to work. Professional manner and appearance. Have empathy and understanding of issues encountered by patients with palliative care needs. Physical ability to undertake manual handling of patients and equipment on a daily basis in a variety of environments. Ability to respond positively and adapt to change. Personal resilience to cope when dealing with patients with complex conditions, challenging behaviours, and terminal illness on a daily basis. Desirable: Confident manner with a positive approach and high level of motivation.