Coffee Hall, Buckinghamshire
Milton Keynes University Hospital
Job overview

Inpatient Therapy Assistants (multiple roles)

Department: Therapies

Band 3 pro rata if part-time

Hours:

1 full time 37.5hrs permanent

1 full time 37.5 hours Fixed term contract tile end of March 2025.

1 part time 21 hours Fixed term contract until 13th Jan 2025.

The Inpatient Therapy Service is looking for individuals with a passion for providing compassionate person-centered care as a Therapy Assistant.

Working as part of a team of dedicated and skilled clinicians you will support the Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to provide safe quality care to a range of patients on the wards. These patients are acutely unwell, often complex patients with a variety of medical, surgical and orthopaedic conditions. You may also be involved in assisting with home visits or patients on other wards as required.

Previous experience in a healthcare setting is essential and experience of working with patients in a rehabilitation context will be an advantage. An ability to demonstrate a proactive flexible approach and to be able to work well on own initiative is essential.

If you have the appropriate experience to work with these patients, an understanding of the importance of multi-disciplinary rehabilitation and can demonstrate a commitment to compassionate care we would love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion or further information please contact Laura Sturgeon,

Interview date: To be confirmed.

Main duties of the job

To act as an assistant to the registered Therapy staff on the Intermediate care unit and complex medical wards with all duties including:

To implement treatment programmes with appropriate patients

To organize and assist with the running of appropriate therapy groups

To monitor stock and equipment in the occupational therapy and physiotherapy departments

To assist in the cleaning and maintenance where appropriate

To be well presented, polite and courteous at all times.

To undertake any other duties that might be considered appropriate by the Therapy Services Manager.

Working for our organisation

MKUH staff scored highest for ‘I look forward to coming to work’ (NHS Staff Survey 2023).

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

As part of a patient’s therapeutic care plan and under the supervision of a registered therapist provide support with the practice of activities of daily living including personal care, continence management, feeding, exercise and mobility programmes and support registered therapists with home visits when necessary.
To be responsible for the safe and competent use of all appropriate equipment, checking equipment is safe for patient use and teaching patients to assemble & dismantle equipment efficiently.
To be professional and be accountable for all aspects of your own work, implementing therapy treatment plans as prescribed by the Therapists and to report treatment results.
To be responsible for maintaining own competency to practice through CPD activities and to maintain a portfolio which reflects personal development.
To participate in the staff appraisal scheme as an appraisee and be responsible for complying with your agreed personal development programmes to meet set knowledge and competencies.

To participate and support in the measurement and evaluation of your work and current practices through the use of evidence based practice projects, audit and outcome measures in conjunction with the qualified therapists.

Please refer to the job description for further details.

Person specification Qualifications and knowledge Essential criteria

Educated to GCSE ‘O’ level or equivalent with two passes at ‘C’ or above, in Mathematics and English
NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
Computer literacy

Desirable criteria

Computing qualification

Experience Essential criteria

Previous experience of working in health care
Experience of working with the general public

Desirable criteria

Previous experience as an Occupational Therapy or Physiotherapy assistant

Skills Essential criteria

Good time management skills
Ability to multi-task
Ability to be aware of clinical and non-clinical complications and risks
Timely management of patient medical records
Recognition of need for timely and accurate data
Ability to organise and respond effectively to information
Ability to take direction from others, follow instructions and act within guidelines
Be able to present information in a clear and logical manner
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Good observation skills
Ability to prioritise appropriately

Desirable criteria

Good IT skills
Understanding of audit and outcome measurement

Personal and people development Essential criteria

Be able to reflect and critically appraise own performance and acknowledge own needs and limitations
Be able to deal with unpleasant working conditions especially vomit, blood and wound secretions
Self-motivated and self-directed
Team worker
Ability to work under pressure
Motivational
Lateral thinker

Communication Essential criteria

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence others
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Ability to keep accurate and legible patient notes

Desirable criteria

To have experience working with patients with communication difficulties.

Specific requirements Essential criteria

Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
To be a car driver with access to a car that can be used for work.
To be able to work as part of the 7-day weekend rota system.

Therapy Assistant

Job Overview