Assistant Practitioner

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job description

Job Summary

Community Stroke Rehabilitation are looking for a full time, permanent band 4 Associate Practitioner to join our team.

The post will be based at the Sedgefield Community Hospital site, treating patients in and around the south Durham area, predominantly. The successful candidate will work alongside Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language to deliver innovative, evidence-based stroke rehabilitation in patients' own homes community settings to optimise recovery.

The role is diverse and challenging and we are looking for someone to meet the needs of patients and bring ideas to the service regarding service delivery and development. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate to apply their skills in a flexible innovative manner and to create solutions to offer our patients an optimal rehabilitation journey. You will be supported to achieve competence in Speech and Language therapy, Occupational therapy and Physiotherapy in order to support the patient need.

We would welcome an informal chat or visit from any interested candidates.

If you feel you have the right skills and knowledge then we would welcome an application.

Main duties of the job

As an Associate Practitioner in the community you will be providing rehabilitation to stroke survivors in their own homes and care homes. You will be working with a closely connected MDT across several disciplines: physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. However, there is significant autonomy and you will manage your own caseload so the ability to plan, organise and prioritise your work is essential. This is a busy and extremely rewarding role - please call or email for an informal chat.

About Us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

From April 1 2024 we are unable to offer sponsorship for healthcare roles that do not meet the minimum salary. If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Job Description

Job responsibilities

1. To carry out clinical/rehab interventions following treatment plans developed by Physiotherapists/Occupational Therapists/Registered Nurses.
2. To progress treatment interventions and contribute to patient review using skills and knowledge.
3. To evaluate and adapt interventions within set protocols to meet the changing needs of patients as they progress with treatment regimes.
4. To order, fit and demonstrate safe use of assistive equipment through Medequip. This may include delivery of items.
5. Participate in the monitoring of standards of care, and audit of therapy practice which is research-based and supports the clinical governance framework.
6. Coordinates clinical work with colleagues demonstrating effective time management skills and participates in the monitoring and reviewing of team performance.
7. Promote an environment where health promotion and informed patient choice is encouraged and developed to its maximum potential, within the available resources.
8. To undertake relevant training to enable the provision of a high quality service.
9. Support registered staff with the induction, training and education of students and other staff as appropriate.
10. Responsible for the safe physical environment including equipment and be appropriately responsible for the allocation of these resources.
11. To complete effective record keeping which demonstrate the decision making process care planned and given as well as patient outcomes in accordance with Trust policy and legal requirements.
12. To commit to continuous personal development/lifelong learning by attending mandatory training, relevant training courses, use of eLearning and adhere to all trust policies and procedures.
13. To attend supervision/1:1 sessions, to undertake appraisal preparation and contribute to objective setting and personal development planning.
14. To participate in and contribute to all activities associated with the teams response to current trends and changes within the NHS.
15. To form professional relationships with patients and communicate with them in a way which respects their views, autonomy and culture.
16. To effectively liaise with patients, carers and a range of Health and social Care staff to facilitate treatment/rehabilitation plans.
17. To report effectively to the team on patients performance/progress in relation to their planned care.

Person Specification

Qualifications Essential

• NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social care (or equivalent).

Desirable

• Teaching certificate or equivalent.

Experience Essential

• Therapy specific role extensive experience of working within a rehabilitation environment with physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a community setting.

Special Skills and Knowledge Essential

• Evidence of Team working
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Good organisational and problem solving skills
• Ability to observe and record physical and social changes of a patient and report immediately.
• Ability to act alone in an emergency situation
• Able to prioritise work on a daily basis to meet service demands
• Confident in the use of email and basic IT skills.

Desirable

• Leadership skills.

Special Requirements Essential

• Ability for independent travel to fulfil requirements of the post.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Address
Sedgefield Community Hospital
Salters Lane
Sedgefield
TS21 3EE

Employer's website
https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/