Description:
A panel may be formed as a result of this campaign for Physiotherapy Assistant, Community Healthcare West from which current and future, permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part-time duration may be filled.
Physiotherapy is a therapeutic healthcare profession concerned with enhancing human function and movement and maximising potential and quality of life. Physiotherapists help people gain as much movement and physical independence as possible so they can resume their normal job or lifestyle. Physiotherapy assistants work together with Physiotherapists to achieve these aims.
The Physiotherapist works closely with other disciplines such as nursing, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and dietetics. The physiotherapy assistants are critical in the smooth running of the service, assisting physiotherapists with the day to day management of their caseloads.
Your professional reporting relationship for clinical governance and clinical supervision will be to the Physiotherapy Manager and / or supervising physiotherapist through the professional line management structure or other designated Manager as required.
- The Physiotherapy Assistant’s role will be to work under the direction and guidance of the Physiotherapy Manager or supervising Physiotherapist to support the provision of high quality patient-centred therapy services and to manage administrative duties, maintain hygiene and health and safety policies as appropriate.
- To provide direct and indirect day-to-day care for patients particularly in relation to rehabilitation and exercise programme as part of the multidisciplinary team under the supervision of Therapists in the Primary care/Social Care clinics and in patient’s own homes.
- The person holding this post is required to support the principle that the care of the patient comes first at all times and will approach their work with the flexibility and enthusiasm necessary to make this principle a reality for every patient to the greatest possible degree.
- The post holder will work under the guidance and supervision of the Physiotherapists and help to maintain the service as a member of the team wherever they will be working.
- Duties will be according to the requirements of the specific work area and the day-to-day needs of the service and will include the following:
- To assist patients with therapeutic activities which may include activities of daily living and leisure activities
- Prepare resources for assessment/intervention, including clinic appointments and group interventions.
- To assist patients with established rehabilitation activities such as mobility and strengthening exercises, balance and walking programs independently and unaccompanied, or in collaboration with appropriate other staff( following the Therapist’s direction)
- To assist patients in therapeutic activities to develop/improve physical skills
- To assist the physiotherapists in the provision of appliances and equipment prescribed by the physiotherapist.
- To be familiar with the operation of relevant equipment which he/she may be required to use.
- To develop appropriate rapport with patients under direction of the physiotherapist
- Under the direction of the physiotherapist to be responsible for liaising with patients, carers, relatives, equipment and voluntary and community agencies as required
- To adapt individual and/or group activities as delegated by the physiotherapist and in line with pre-agreed parameters
- To observe general behaviour, ability and responses of patients, record information as requested and report observations to the supervising physiotherapist
- To undergo training/education as required.
- To assist the physiotherapist in the assessment of clients and the implementation of treatment interventions as directed by the physiotherapist.
- To carry out one to one interventions under the direction of the physiotherapist
- To prepare the client and the environment for treatment as directed by the physiotherapist.
- To organise and supervise therapeutic activities, with individual clients/groups as directed by the physiotherapist.
- Deliver prescribed care in a domiciliary setting working under direction of Physiotherapists, and complete multidisciplinary documents as required and provide regular feedback and updates on care.
- To use knowledge and training in the safe use of physiotherapy equipment during therapeutic interventions as directed by the physiotherapist
- To use knowledge and understanding of a clients’ needs to involve and motivate the client in the therapeutic process.