Physiotherapy Technical Assistant

Job summary Are you looking to be part of a forward thinking, award-winning MSK Physiotherapy and Hand therapy team? Then this position with Ashford & St Peter's will be for you! You will be part of a pioneering service that has recently expanded their clinics into 3 state-of-the-art gyms at River Bourne, Woking Leisure Centre and Egham Orbit. Our ethos is to bring rehabilitation into the community and to promote holistic patient care through exercise and education for long term self-management, with potential working from home opportunities for virtual clinics. We are offering a position at Ashford Hospital with opportunity to work from both our gym and hospital bases, to support and manage various classes such as lower limb, upper limb, wrist group with mentors to support in these areas. You will have the opportunity to manage a varied caseload compromising of GP and Orthopaedic referrals. You will be supported with weekly supervision, in-service training and access to joint sessions with qualified staff, plus benefiting from the Trust's wellbeing initiatives. Despite the team being spread across different sites we regularly organise external events, so you can get to know the socially vibrant team! We welcome applications from existing band 3/4s Technical Assistants looking for a new challenge, to join our friendly team of MSK therapists. Main duties of the job To communicate any changes in care plan or treatment approach to other physio/ hand therapists or MDT colleagues. To use a range of verbal and non-verbal communication tools to communicate effectively with patients to progress rehabilitation and treatment programmes. To be able to communicate complex and sensitive information to patients, carers and other staff relating to their rehabilitation potential and gaining consent for treatment. To maintain accurate records in line with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy standards and Trust and service standards and policies. To be able to manage potentially stressful, upsetting or emotional situations in an empathetic manner. To undertake comprehensive assessments of patients using analytical skills, seeking guidance from senior staff as needed. Devise individualised physiotherapy management and / or treatment plans, using clinical reasoning skills, evaluating the outcomes of your interventions. Then use a range of treatment/ management options in formulating programmes of care. To be responsible for and actively record your own personal development. To participate in the appraisal scheme as an appraisee. To monitor and maintain health, safety and security of self and others. To be competent with lone working when appropriate with patients remotely and have awareness of when clinical support is required. About us Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow and beyond. Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Surrey and St Peter's, Chertsey, Surrey. We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at ASPH. We are committed to providing continuous professional development and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care. We are expanding our theatres at Ashford Hospital and moving towards this becoming our dedicated elective centre. We want to create a state-of-the-art centre for excellence for planned surgical procedures. We can offer you the full range of NHS benefits/discounts and in addition: Excellent pension scheme and annual leave entitlement On-site Nurseries On-site staff cafes On-site parking Support in career development Salary Sacrifice schemes including wage stream, lease cars, Cycle to Work schemes and home electronics Adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. For more information about a career at ASPH please Job description Job responsibilities Clinical To carry out initial assessments (within scope of practice) and therapy regimes following assessment by the physiotherapist and hand therapist and to be responsible for the monitoring of these care programmes. To adapt and progress the rehabilitation of patients within set guidelines including adapting treatments and approaches to take account of changes in the patients physical and mental state. To work with patients individually or in a group in a variety of settings without direct supervision or presence of a qualified therapist. Group settings including gym classes and hydrotherapy To assess and supply aids and appliances ( walking aids, splints, lumbar supports) ensuring appropriate sizing and education of client in the correct use of appliance) To administer hot and cold, ultra-sound, manual therapies as deemed competent. To participate in the discharge planning process To be aware of problems that could affect the patients progress and report back any changes to the physiotherapist. Management 1. To organise clinical activity with appropriate time scheduling in order to complete all clinical and administrative duties, including statistical record keeping and use of the Trusts IT system ie PAS 2. To ensure equipment and treatment areas are prepared for use by therapists and ensure no damaged or problem equipment is used. 3. To be responsible for the ordering and monitoring of equipment and supplies for the department in conjunction with the Team Leader. 4. To be responsible for general and specific administrative duties as required and delegated data collection, photocopying, booking transport 5. To participate in the appraisal system as an appraisee. 6. To maintain the high standards of the service by contributing towards individual, team and service objectives. 7. To work to the standards of individual speciality areas and to ensure that the background knowledge within each area is acquired through independent learning and collaboration during the working day with qualified staff. 8. To contribute to the supervision of undergraduate and work experience students where appropriate 9. To participate and contribute to all activities associated with the physiotherapy departments response to current trends/developments and changes within the Health service. Communication 1. To develop rapport with patients, encourage their interest and participation, in a manner, which promotes dignity, self-esteem and choice. This requires empathy, sensitivity and good interpersonal skills 2. To use effective communication tools, verbal and non-verbal to communicate treatment programmes to patients who may have barriers to understanding or communicating who do not have English as a first language 3. To report back directly to the physiotherapy staff, particularly any changes in functional abilities, relevant information gained or patients comments linked to treatment 4. To liaise with other staff disciplines to ensure continuity of care 5. To work with multi professional teams and to appropriately communicate with these teams MDT meetings, case conferences, goal setting meetings, discharge planning and report writing 6. To maintain accurate and legible records of all interventions and management, using POMR format, in accordance with standards set by the physiotherapy service, Trust policies and professional guidelines for documentation 7. To participate in relevant meetings staff meetings and team meetings as appropriate. Education 1. To be responsible for educational and experiential learning, keeping up to date with relevant evidence based practice whilst maintaining a continuing professional development portfolio 2. To ensure competence of self in the accurate uses of the Trust IT system 3. To participate in training programmes and continuing professional development activities, including competency based training programmes as set by your clinical supervisor/mentor 4. To participate in regular meetings with your clinical supervisor/mentor 5. To provide appropriate advice, demonstrate own activities or workplace routines to new or less experienced employees or students 6. To actively participate in the organisation and delivery of in-service training. Other 1. Assist with Administration and Clerical duties as required such as reception cover, data inputting and booking and rebooking patients Person Specification Experience Essential Relevant Experience Desirable NHS Experience MSK knowledge Essential MSK knowledge